Are you feeling for Ayman or blaming Ibaad? Pakistani dramas are renowned for belting out revenge in the last episode. It could be a last minute suicide, car crash, or even a divorce … the villain pays heavy dividends, but not before we have been gifted (tortured) with a super stretched narrative over 30 episodes? Well, Pardes is changing all that!
The drama is winning us on many accounts. We don’t have to wait for the last episode to see Karma at work & we are loving that. It also highlights the challenges & dynamics of spouses working abroad in todays’ generation. The transition from Ahsan to Ibaad is both poignant & intriguing. Should Ibaad follow in Ahsan’s footsteps? Is Ayman being too demanding? These are some of the debates raging on the internet about a script that is resonating with many Pakistanis.
On another note, Atiqa Odho as Raheela is giving us a character that throws subtle grey shades, one that many viewers can relate to.
The fact that both Asim & Noshi as well as Sheema are facing the downside of their previous actions has helped deliver justice on characters that felt they were invincible. What makes it convincing is that the characters face the negatives within the narrative, rather than right towards the end, in the very last episode. This has made Pardes more credible in the eyes of those who related to the plot from day one!
The drama is delivering heart winning performances & a riveting story line from episode one. Not a week has gone by when we could say that the narrative was too stretched, or needlessly delayed. This is not your everyday romantic comedy (Prem Gali), or even mystery thriller (Neeli Zinda Hai), yet, it keeps us watching, taking in every dialogue & nuance!
From Aymen’s helplessness transposed with outspokenness, Ibaad’s affection. Raheela’s tempered responses, to Zooby’s quiet acceptance, to Zaid’s turn around & Asim’s subtle realizations, every character has delivered a profound message.
A shout out to director Marina Khan & writer Sarwat Nazir for gifting us a drama that is touching hearts across the nation, for opting to tell a story that is courageously sober, yet hugely absorbing.
Latest Episode Review
Is Ayman justified in her demands to Ibaad or is she coming across as a demanding wife who is just being a nuisance?
Or is she reflecting the sad reality that every time a wife raises her voice for her rights or for herself, when she is not the selfless spouse our society expects her to be, she is viewed as extra baggage? Not just by her spouse but by all of us as well.
Zaid has managed to notch up full marks – from making chai to washing dishes to helping his mother at home – setting such a great example for young men & also normalising this behaviour for viewers. Atabik Mohsin you have our vote for portraying Zaid with an ease that makes the entire character endearing.
Behzaad bhai aap khair munaiye … Sheema apa might not be that forgiving now?
Just one confusion, why doesn’t Ibaad respond even once with a solution that, Ayman, worse case scenario, you can come to England?
Will he be able to fulfill his promise to be there for the delivery?
