We unravel and elaborate on five scenes from “Fanaa” that intrigued, interested, and engrossed us. Find out which scenes we are referring to!
Fanaa on Green Entertainment is directed by Najaf Bilgrami, written by Muhammad Qurban Ali Rao, with GM Operations M. Shahid Shaikh overseeing, and cinematography by Saqib Khan. Produced by TNI Entertainment, featuring a talented cast including Shehzad Sheikh, Aijaz Aslam, Shaista Lodhi, Nazish Jahangir, Asim Mehmood, Maryam Nafees, Saad Furrukh Khan, Asad Malik, Usman Javed, Laila Zuberi, Anjum Habibi, Sara Bhatti, Hashim Butt, Nargis Rasheed, and Izzah Malik.
As we delve into the drama, we encounter a tale of love entwined with enmity, juxtaposing wealth and power with poverty and powerlessness. Both parallel love stories within the drama address the overarching theme, commendably challenging the archaic societal narrative that dictates a woman must bear a son as her first child. Isn’t it true? How many people in our population are willing to accept the role of science and God’s will in this matter?
Well, there are many other aspects of the drama that have intrigued, interested, and engrossed us. The cinematography, locations, characters, and storyline engage you as a viewer. Many viewers empathize with Saamina, while others are captivated by Gul Hayat’s unwavering presence. Some neutral viewers appreciate the underlying messages conveyed by the series with much subtlety.
Here are 5 scenes that have stood out for us until now:
1. Saamina Feels The Pain Of Gul Hayat’s 3rd Marriage Miles Away
Aijaz Aslam, portraying Gul Hayat Khan, is depicted in a rather aggressive pursuit of a male heir. During his third marriage ceremony, amidst the somewhat dull celebrations (well, that’s understandable given it’s his 3rd), the drama next presented a poignant and well-crafted scene. At that precise moment, Shaista Lodhi, portraying Saamina, his first wife, sat alone in the dark under a tree, on a bench, embroidering the shadows of her married life. As her husband uttered the words ‘Qubool hai,’ she feels a prick on her finger, a moment that is poetic and rich, heavy in symbolism. It depicted her pain, suffering and perhaps, what’s to come later.
2. Saamina Reunites With Her Mother 20 Years Later
Samina, (for those who didn’t know), eloped with Gul Hayat early in life, and wasn’t able to meet her family for more than two decades. However, thanks to nephew Shamil Khan (although we aren’t too sure of his intentions yet), she reunited with her mother – mother and daughter were able to reunite after over 20 long years of estrangement in episode 3. We won’t deny that it may not have been the most flawlessly executed scene, but it was undeniably gut-wrenching. You truly feel the pain that such a long separation must have caused. The circumstances and storyline played a significant role in this emotional moment.
3. Gul Hayat – A Lethal Paradox
Gul Hayat, on his way back after escorting his third wife, the potential bearer of his heir, encounters a group of enemies awaiting his arrival at a specific juncture, stationed to shoot him down. However, Gul Hayat isn’t a man lacking in sharp sense and being 10 steps ahead; he had already positioned his men along the way, hidden amid the thick forest, to protect him. With his men successfully knocking down one of the attackers and him clearly having the upper hand, Gul Hayat took a rather spontaneous and unusual action, albeit dark and twisted. He hands the gun to his new wife, directing her to aim at the enemy and shoot, showcasing his lethal nature. He is certainly a paradox, justifying and comparing the act of making his new bride kill as a form of charity for her life.
His complex nature is once again depicted, and repeatedly, when he feeds his ailing father. One thinks he is doing it out of duty and love, till one catches the sarcasm and self-loathe in Gul Hayat’s tone and mannerisms – a character to be reckoned with for sure.
4. The Thrilling Face-Off Between Shamil Khan & Gul Hayat
Gul Hayat is onto Shamil Khan, who challenged him to a duel in episode 5, delivering an action-packed scene filled with thrills as the two faced off in a race. Each put their life on the line for the chance to either reward or punish the other, fiercely navigating the rugged terrain of the forest to complete the challenge. Despite encountering a couple of hurdles, Gul Hayat persevered and ultimately triumphed. Upon reaching the finish line, he swiftly and sharply held a knife to Shamil’s throat, yet refrained from killing him. This powerful imagery illustrated Gul Hayat’s complex nature; despite the opportunity, he spares Shamil’s life, feeling that ending it would deprive him of their enmity and perhaps also to fulfil his wife’s wish to spare her nephew.
5. Subtly Romantic & Darkly Poetic – Saamina & Gul Hayat’s Equation
Saamina feels she has lost Gul Hayat—his love and his affection. In episode 5, despite claiming she has stopped praying for him, she remained patiently and incessantly on the prayer mat, praying for Gul Hayat’s well-being. Despite his new wife’s efforts to implant a misconstrued idea in Gul Hayat’s mind, he immediately recognized and witnessed his first and loyal wife’s unwavering dedication. His Saamina had been praying for his life. This scene was subtly romantic, poignant, and darkly poetic. He approached her, sat down beside her, and told her to say “Saamina, Ameen keh lay, teri dua qabool hogai hai. Wapis agaya hou mai.”
It has to be said that the onscreen chemistry of Aijaz Aslam and Shaista Lodhi is one not to be missed, especially if you’re into the vintage, old world feel of Fanaa. The messaging stands out strong and has been carried through to the next generation, in the lives of Rizwan and Afsheen.
Maybe, you will just have to watch it to know what we mean. Got a chance to watch Fanaa yet? What are your thoughts on the drama?
