Haissam Hussain proved us wrong just when we were convinced that Jo Bichar Gaye is only about the incidents of 1971-72. He brilliantly swayed the audience from the lives of a revolutionist and a captain to a story of two men (one with almost a broken heart) who are in love with the same woman.
And oh boy, what a performance by Wahaj Ali! He essayed the role of Rumi so eloquently that he left no room for error and made us feel for him with every passing moment in this episode!
A Tale Of Two Nations Or A Tale Of Two Hearts?
Jo Bichar Gaye is giving us two parallel narratives, both equally intense and equally tear-jerking. It tears us apart, making it difficult to decide to divert our attention to which narrative more.
The Political Narrative
As of the political narrative, the turbulent events in East Pakistan are reaching breaking point. As curfew is clamped, supply lines at the Cantt are cut off, and Mukti Bahini walk the streets threateningly, we get an insight into the tension gripping the period & the build-up to (and political ramifications of) Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman’s historic Racecourse Address.
In addition, we see Rumi in conflict with the professor over the ideology of how to lead the revolution ahead. Rumi is shown to be completely taken aback by the new plans and feels dejected. The conversation between Professor Ajeet and the army officer leading the forces in Bengal, reflects that the people of East Pakistan are not ready to surrender and have even conspired to spread rumors that Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman will pruvlsin independence soon.
As of the final scene, it was deeply tragic, compelling a real-life feel that left a lasting pain & terror in our hearts. For a few seconds, as the episode ended, we were left in a state of shock and grief – in admiration of the brave army officer who did not step back from his duty.
Rumi And Captain Farrukh
This episode provided the unexpected break from the political tensions escalating in East Pakistan in 1971.
Captain Farrukh, we admire your dedication visit Anwar-ul-Haq’s residence even in the time of war. In the scene where he disguises himself as a woman to dodge the Mukti Bahinis, we assuredly knew that we were looking forward to some entertaining sequences ahead!
The moment where Captain Farrukh had his encounter with Shabnam (Sonia’s mother) on the gate till the scene where he left the Anwar-ul-Haq’s residence, were all filled interspersed magically with both light-hearted & poignant moments.
Although we felt sorry for Captain Farrukh for being under the radar of Sonia’s mother and Rumi, we still could not help empathizing with Rumi.
Rumi’s dual realization that the cause he had been fighting for with all his life, had left him behind, and then, noting Sonia’s feelings for Captain Farrukh, were both such deeply tragic revelations for him, we could not help but feel his breaking heart inside us. Rumi, you definitely made us cry with you in this episode!
Wahaj Ali delivered a performance of a lifetime. His expressions, the pain in his eyes, addressing Farrukh with controlled sentiments & subsequently aiding his escape, were actions executed to absolute perfection by both the director & actor.
Jo Bichar Gaye is a drama that is outdoing itself in all departments of content creation in Pakistan. Director Haissam Hussain and the entire cast and crew must be appreciated for treating us to mind-blowing content this season!
