Aakhir Kab Tak is giving the youth reasons to watch, and what does that say about the existence of harassment at our places of learning?
According to Pakistani drama audiences, they are up to their ears in content shouting out rape, abuse, harassment & mental health.
BUT
Since these issues are still very prevalent in our society, (in fact, rising at an alarming rate), I would assume that a. either our population is getting immune to the onscreen messages (remember Udaari, which was such a big deal back then?) OR b. we need to position the content in a manner that resonates more with audiences.
Aakhir Kab Tak is doing just that. Writer Radain Shah has shifted the narrative to a tuition center – a venue which is on the outskirts of formal learning institutions, yet, (and because of this very reason perhaps), an easier target for young girls who can be exploited by young men, or older, to fulfill their evil intents.
Why is the narrative so impactful?
1. Take It To The Audience
Well, for starters, it is the venue. Most young people have, at some point, frequented the corridors of learning centres. Most have also been subjected to a level of harassment, (some more serious than others), most have also been bullied that their images could be made available online (and, if you go by twitter), the threat has been carried out on more occasions than one.
2. Casting, casting, casting
Add to that, on-point casting from director Syed Ali Raza Usama, and you have a recommend(able) watch! By on point casting, I am referring primarily to the 5 characters, Professor Zafar, Noor, Fajar & their parents – all 5 are delivering credible performances that pack a punch! So take a bow Azfar Rehman, Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Javeria Abbasi & Shahood Alvi, for keeping it real.
Noor’s character in particular, is both liberating and believable. The writer has decided to do away with the mazloom larki narrative to give her courage & out spokenness with a brain to match. Yeah, Ushna, you are acing this one!
Fajar you are melting our hearts with a performance that speaks volumes – A sensitive portrayal of a young girl afflicted by growing up with social & family pressures, plus the trauma of physical abuse now – it takes fine skill to enact both without going OTT onscreen and you are striking an admirable balance as young Fajar who is cornered into a future she cannot avoid.
3. A Script That Moves
But it’s not just the casting or the story. It’s also the fast-paced script that is going against the climate of stretched scripts and dragged story lines. Despite the fact that we have, but a few episodes on air so far, the script is picking up and throws us bite-sized chunks of super engaging content every week!
Enter Haroon Shahid this week and we know the story will progress to another level very soon. The fallout from a victim of rape/harassment cannot be suppressed by getting them married off – what a great message Radain Shah – and it will play out in the initial episodes, so there’s lots more to work with there!
4. Powerful messages
Again, the drama throws shade at Jahez and lavish weddings. So simply executed, we wondered at the simplicity of it really.
And if that’s not all, let’s talk about how hard it is for a rape/harassment victim to file a First Information Report in our society. Top that with being bullied on social media and you have a story that, like I said, WILL resonate with the youth.
Because you know what – it’s their story!
Watch Aakhir Kab Tak for spine-chilling issues being tackled in a real manner, note-worthy performances and sensitive story telling! We’re waiting for next Sunday already!
