It is safe to say that Hum Kahan Ke Sachey Thay simply came and conquered. Assuredly, it cannot be described in anything less than this! The new HUM TV drama won hearts of many when its first episode aired this Sunday. Written by the legendary novelist and script writer, Umera Ahmed who has previously given many classic serials including Zindagi Gulzar Hai and directed by Farooq Rind who has gifted us some super directorial hit serials including Pyar Ke Sadkey, HKKST seems to be the next hit that will leave a mark in the hearts of the viewers – have we spoken too soon? Naah, just wait and watch!
The first episode went through a series of flashbacks, laying an adequate framework for forthcoming episodes. The plot line zeroes in on three protagonists who are cousins. Mehreen (Mahira Khan) is shown to be bright and intelligent and raised in a financially stable household. However, calamity struck her when her father gets involved in drugs and loses his job because of that. A young Mehreen has to suffer the consequences of her father’s mistakes throughout her childhood and therefore, she is raised in her uncle’s household with her mother remarrying.
Yes, that was quite a bit for the first episode yeah? But it was all neatly delivered in bite size, digestible chunks with super performances from both Omair Rana (Mehreen’s dad) and child star Tehreem (the young Mehreen).
On the other hand, Mashal (Kubra Khan) is her uncle’s not so bright daughter who is under constant scrutiny in front of her bright cousin, Mehreen who is a topper and also the apple of everyone’s eyes. However, the tables turn as they both grow old with Mashal offered all the luxuries while Mehreen was deprived of them. In addition, there is Aswad, played by Usman Mukhtar who has seemingly lived most of his life abroad and has now secured a good job there as well. In his childhood, he would dote over Mehreen but as the children grow older the Aswad’s infatuation might have increased over time. Of course, there is also Aswad’s mom, who seems to be quite fond of her niece Mehreen.
Overall, the episode had our full attention. Here are some distinct factors that caught our eye:
All the characters carry substance – Including, infact especially, the supposedly bechari Mahira Khan:
One thing that instantly caught our attention was how all the characters had distinct personality traits, with shades that ran deeper than superficial layers. None of the protagonists seem to be simply good or evil and have grey shades. Even the character of Mehreen which is effortlessly played by Mahira Khan is not a mazloom and bechari girl, as was perceived by the promos. Instead, she has shades of a rebel which could be seen when she decided to visit her friend’s house as an alternative to meeting her mother. Even the scenes with her grandmother where she bickers with her before going to university were flawlessly executed and set up a keyhole glimpse into Mehreen’s character and home life.
The supporting cast including the three child stars have our hearts
Firstly, a noteworthy mention to all the three child stars who effortlessly took us on a journey of the three protagonists’ childhood experiences and through their body language, eyes and expressions made us feel a range of emotions.
Furthermore, the supporting cast including Zainab Qayyum, Omair Rana, Laila Wasti, Shamim Hilaly… won our hearts with their performances. Omair Rana in his cameo won our hearts. Despite, being shown as a drug addict his love for his daughter was priceless. The way he hugged is daughter in one scene and said her “I love you” in another had us in tears. Undoubtedly, without such an incredible cast to back up the main leads performances the episode would not have left the mark that it did. Kudos to the producers and director for choosing a cast that compliments the characters and each other.
And of course the three main leads have come up to expectations
Mahira, Kubra & Usman Mukhtar were of course, the highlight of the episode. Mahira Khan with her hair tied back in an unassuming braid and the spectacles added layers to her character. From her first shot when she wakes up frightened by her interaction with Mashal, every frame was executed perfectly and delivered this effortlessly by a seasoned actor.
On the other hand Kubra Khan just looked and acted her part! Her first shot where she tosses Mehreen’s inhaler gave us goose bumps. And she looked stunning too. And then of course there is Usman Mukhtar who plays the charming hero, nailing his short, yet effective entry into the game. Now all we wait to look forward to is the onscreen chemistry between the three of them!
An important message for all parents
The drama in its first episode was able to give us a very important message. It highlighted how the three young children were deeply affected by their parents’ conversations and interactions with one another. On one hand we saw Mehreen petrified from seeing her parents fight while on the other hand, Mashal was affected after being constantly compared to her cousin which surely contributed towards her bitterness for Mehreen.
A shout out to the director Farooq Rind for giving us a fast-paced yet moving episode, original frames (need we mention the bus rooftop?), dated wardrobes to match the period transition, ensuring Mahira looks and acts like the girl next door who is not as great looking as her cousin, and exceptional casting & performances from child actors who matched up to their grownup versions!
And Umera Ahmed, how can we forget the fleshed out characters we see already. From a deeply nuanced Mehreen to a Mashal who nurses many wounds inside her proud heart, to an unassuming Aswad who’s shades are yet to be revealed (though we know he has them)!
Overall, HKKST has set an exciting premise with the right amount of thrill that we look forward to
With the right blend of direction, writing and cast HKKST was able to win the hearts of the viewers and it is safe to say that it will keep us waiting for Monday evenings! We cannot wait for the next episode to air!
