The third episode of Ishq Murshid welcomes us to the fantasy world of Fazal Baksh from UK where Shahmeer has turned into Fazal Baksh from Umer Kot to win Shibra’s heart. Project “Win Shibra’s heart” is being planned and put into action like an undercover mission for a spy thriller.
Fazal Baksh vs Shahmeer
Ishq Murshid turns out to be a drama which is a unique combination of a fantasy love story and true-to-life political thriller. The core of both these plot lines lies in one person that is Shahmeer Sikander. To watch it and enjoy it, we have to let go of questions like; can love to be based on a lie and deception, and can an educated girl really fall in love with someone like Fazal Baksh. Once we let go of our real-life expectations, we begin to appreciate and enjoy the drama.
Shibra Unwilling to Let Go?
In order to establish eventually Shibra falling in love with Fazal Baksh, the drama has tried too hard to establish how she values honesty over everything else. Well, we wonder if the power of her love will help her forgive Fazal Baksh’s disguise? However, we fail to connect or feel anything for Shibra, thanks to the continuation of her preachy and condescending approach which is failing miserably at establishing her as someone who is very principled and straight forward. Even the sister fails to generate any sympathy in us.
Moving Moments
Ishq Murshid’s third episode touches all the right chords. Fazal Baksh going to meet his mother after the changeover was the cutest and most heart touching moment where you can see the most vulnerable side of Shahmeer. Just when you feel a little teary eyed, the drama makes you smile with cute and lighthearted scenes of Fazal Baksh meeting Suleiman Sahib – Shibra’s father.
We appreciate the drama showing details like how Shahmeer came up with the name, the costume, and finally, how he managed to land a job in Suleiman Sahib’s office. The drama evoked the feel of watching a thrilling plan being unveiled and not just a romantic mission, which makes it all the more exciting and heart winning. Fazal Baksh then replaces the lunch delivery guy so he can get the opportunity to meet Shibra.
Events shown earlier are being woven into the plot with a twist like the thailay wala scene in the first episode and now, proving that after all, Ishq Murshid is a Farooq Rind project and one that we cannot undermine or ignore.
Bilal Abbas Shines In Both Guises
Bilal Abbas shines throughout the episode with both his performances as Shahmeer and Fazal Baksh, making us a fan of the drama. He has made the effort to change his mannerism, his wardrobe and the way he delivers dialogues as Fazal Baksh.
What Could Have Been Better
We wish the jokes and humour were slightly more elevated, like the scene between two friends when discussing Fazal Baksh’s credentials over snacks. Shahmeer’s father Sikander who is supposed to be a sinister political player, needs to be majorly revamped. We fail to feel the aura of someone who is politically significant or a seasoned political schemer. Shibra jee roti kahan aur kis chees sey buna reheen thee? Marble per or haath sey? Or do they have an extra set of Chakla Belan that was shown standing on the side? Or are we just being over critical, and that is actually a decoration piece for the kitchen?
However, small things can be fine-tuned, or maybe more attention can be paid to certain conversations. E.g., Fazal Baksh tells Shibra he has come to return the money that she gave at the wedding, and he is the same event manager. Well, how and why can Fazal Baksh have different accents?
He can get a Rs. 15000 suits stitched but he doesn’t have money to have food, so he gates crashed weddings wearing that suit… someone please help us out here. Would you not find such a guy a bit weird, and why would you tell him your name?
