From the writer of hits like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Shehr-e-zaat, Thoda Sa Asman and Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, comes another hit novel and Geo Entertainment drama – Alif.
As if it was not enough that Alif was a super hit novel that readers couldn’t put down, the fact that its drama version will cast Pakistan’s sweetheart Sajal and the rebel Hamza in lead roles has fans in a frenzy. I have to admit I’m one of these super crazy fans that are completely in love with the novel.
How Will It Translate From Novel To Screen?
Alif the drama is all set to release this month! While I am so looking forward to Alif – a novel close to my heart, being turned into a drama and wish it will be another super-hit like Humsafar, I am also very, very apprehensive of it being a big disappointment like Bin Roye.
I am desperately praying that the producers do not alter or shorten the story, that they will present it exactly how it is in the novel.
My message to the director – Alif is a masterpiece, please don’t mess with it.
What Is The Geo Entertainment Drama, ‘Alif’ About?
Alif has two stories running parallel and one story is revealed in flashbacks, which is beautifully interwoven into the other. But how will this translate into an onscreen drama? It will surely be a huge challenge. If the producers attempt to show one story first, followed by the other, then the story might lose its essence.
The upcoming drama from HUM TV that has everyone excited!
For those who have not read Alif, they might wonder “aakhir Alif main aisi kya baat hai”? Well, let me tell you more: This Geo Entertainment drama is not a story about me or you. Alif is a story about a world which we all are fascinated with. Whose inhabitants, we follow madly. The world of film and dramas.
Alif is the story of two couples. The first one being Qalab-e-Momin & Momina Sultan and the second, Husn-e-Jahan & Taha. Alif will depict how they walk the path towards their destinies and how during that process, they discover Allah.
Qalab-e-Momin (Hamza Ali Abbasi) is a successful and much sought after producer in the film industry. He is also very arrogant, chauvinistic, and materialistic. He is not familiar with the word “No” and the term “Failure”. Momina Sultan (Sajal Aly) is a struggling actress, desperately trying to land some work so she can raise money for her brother’s treatment.
What happens when their paths collide, and how life takes them to a place they both had never imagined, that’s for you to find out. The drama is partially based in Turkey, so it will be great to see some stunning Turkish locations. The story is woven around the art of calligraphy. A fantastic opportunity for all of us to get reintroduced to this centuries-old beautiful art form.
Four Things ‘Alif’ Offers Fans
1) Romance:
Alif will treat you to two beautiful and endearing love stories. One which defies the world and creates its own world and one where you know the hero and heroine are made for each other and you desperately want them to be together. You won’t get to witness any lovey-dovey, mushy scenes, but you will watch opposites attract and fall in love despite their best intentions not to.
2) Drama:
The storyline is dramatic and keeps throwing one twist after another at you. It solves one mystery for you, yet presents another question that you want to be answered. So you keep on turning the pages. Like any great story, it will give you moments when you will feel extremely sad and the tears won’t stop. There will be other times when you will feel anger at certain characters, It will also show you the ugly, yet real faces of our entertainment industry. However, you’ll find your self smiling at the romance.
Umera Ahmed, being the brilliant storyteller that she is, slowly unfolds the story in such a way that you just cannot put the book down. We already feel for all those who haven’t read the novel, and must wait a full week, in anticipation to find out what will happen next…
3) Relationships:
It’s amazing how Umera Ahmed has managed to show so many different relationships in one novel, and when you put the novel down, each one would have created an impact on your senses.
Momina’s parents do not just depict a parental role, her family’s relationship with her is pivotal in determining who she is and what she does.
However, Qalab-e-Momin, and his relationships go much deeper, and again, there are so many. Each one of these has a sub-story within itself that unveils ever so gradually.
4) Discovery of Allah:
For me, the most important thing that Alif did was to show how one can be part of the entertainment industry without leaving Allah’s path and without compromising on principles.
The one thing that will strike a chord with everyone are the two different relationships of Momina and Qalab-e-Momin with Allah, that has developed based on their life circumstances. Furthermore, how that relationship changes and determines their actions in their lives.
Alif is Umera Ahmed’s masterpiece, as she truly takes the reader through a journey where you discover how Allah is always there with you. We forget, we neglect, we choose to look the other way and then we complain – but in reality, Allah has been in our hearts all along.
Does ‘Alif’ Have The Right Ingredients To Become A Hit?
The Geo Entertainment drama ‘Alif’, has all the right ingredients – suspense, drama, romance and most importantly, a beautiful lesson about having faith in Allah.
You will hate Qalab-e-Momin, and you will cry desperately for Momina. You will pray for Husn-e-Jahan and then wait anxiously for the ending.
Alif presents a very realistic picture of people’s lives in the film industry, and will surely highlight all the positives and negatives of this lifestyle. Will you be tuning in?
No one can justice with this super class novel…no one can capture that spirituality…which was described in this novel
Can’t one be good without being religious?