The final episode of Kabli Pulao gave audiences what the majority wanted desperately, that is, Barbeena having a “happily ever after” with Haji Mushtaq. giving us hope and shifting mindsets.
Gripping Right Till the End
Kudos to the creators, they kept us hooked right till the end, making us guess the whereabouts of Barbeena and if Haji Mushtaq will realize that he can’t let her go with Baraan. And then just when we thought, Barbeena was lost forever, we get our answer.
The final episode also wrapped up all loose ends in the story; Ghaffar is finally shown the door by Chamo. But maybe we wanted to see him suffer more? Why did the script show Haji Mushtaq leaving his home to live with Barbeena? Why couldn’t they both live together with the family? Or …
Did our hero and heroine have no other option but to move away because of the unclear situation between Baraan and Haji Saahib? Barbeena had chosen Haji very clearly. Even though people like Hajra (and greater society) would have made their peace if she had chosen Baraan. Choosing haji sahib was simple for her, but the more complex decision in a society that will struggle to have rules and grant social acceptability of this relationship.
And Barbeena Lived Peacefully With Her Decision
When Barbeena had no choice, they found it hard to accept, but then did so, eventually. Now, with a living, breathing former (and younger) husband, the situation turns more complex yet again!
To show such an unconventional, and we might say, blurred ending, where many will pass judgement on the decision of a woman living on the same planet with two husbands, would have been tantamount to too many conversationsa? Like we said, Barbeena had chosen Haji and Baraan had chosen to give her up, but the world would not have understood.
Kabli Pulao sent out a beautiful message: a woman had chosen, and she wanted to live in peace with her decision. The secret about her and Baraan would have come out eventually and then it would have been asking too much for two people to brace for social impact when they had already been through a lot in life together?
Shameen, The Unsung Hero(ine)
Shameem turned out to be the hero who convinced Haji Mushtaq to choose himself over everyone. She won everyone’s respect by facilitating life for the man she loved, offering to help take care of his brother’s family so he can be free of his responsibilities. Looks like she knew where Barbeena was. The drama made sure that we feel respect for both Baraan and Shameem and not pity. Towards the end, both of them seemed to accept their destiny and move on, even though it was with a heavy heart.
Hard Conversations
The conversation between Haji Mushtaq and Baraan – Finally what they needed to figure out, which was, talk about the entire scenario and say everything out in the open before each other. Haji Mushtaq finally asking Baraan why he came all the way if he really didn’t want anything… and Baraan explaining how he just wanted to make sure Barbeena was okay – a heart-warming scene between two men who placed the wellbeing of a woman they both loved above all else in their life.
The discussion between Barbeena and Hajra about choosing Baraan or Haji Mushtaq seemed to be a conversation meant for all of us, for the audiences = weighing the pros and cons of the two options in Barbeena’s life. Saying the words out in the open what many of us mighty be thinking secretly – that Baraan might surely offer her a better future. But then Barbeena’s answer restores our trust in love and the faith and belief that couples are made in heaven.
The Final Cut
Finally, last but not the least, our heart just melted, and we smiled through tears, as Haji Mushtaq finds Barbeena selling Kabli Pulao and instantly begins to serve her customers and wipe the plates. No dialogues exchanged, nothing said out loud between them, but still, a thousand words spoken in a beautiful silence that needed no words to complete it … the expressions and contentment on Barbeena’s face was priceless.
Kabli Pulao has given us a vintage surprise in a story that threw us back to the golden era of PTV. The drama proved yet again, a superlative storytelling proves, time and again that one must stick to the narrative that audiences will watch stories that they can relate to, that move them, that push the envelope and challenge their preset notions of right and wrong. And all this can be done without sensationalism, sensitive dialogue and a gripping storyline with stellar performances to match!
So, if you haven’t watched Kabli Pulao yet, now is a great time to binge watch all episodes on YouTube! You can thank us later!
