Khudgarz Episode 3-4:
This episode was just as dramatic as the previous one, with excellent performances by every one. The four main characters are brilliantly written; they all have a past that has shaped them into what they are today, and it will be interesting to see how it is revealed in the up coming story. I love the dialogues, they are simple, yet meaningful and poignant, and emotionally charged at the same time, added by the situational scenes touch you in the right places. Again, there was not a single dull moment, and I like how we get to see flash backs of Junaid with Rabiya and Abeer with her father. The actress playing Rabiya is good too, and pretty, and I am wondering if she has a bigger role to play in the narrative or are we going to bid her farewell after her marriage?
Out of the four main characters, Ayera, is the most level headed, sane, rational one and is also the strongest, and I have a feeling she will be the one who will bring out the skeletons from the closet that the Ali family has been hiding for a long time. Aamina Sheikh is brilliant as Ayera, and it is a delight to see her again in a drama! She looks beautiful, acts natural and has good chemistry with both Jibran and Sami Khan. We see her developing a soft spot for Junaid in this episode, and I cannot wait to see them falling in love! Her best scene was when she had the altercation with Hasaan; she’s the only one who could fight with him, and I was like “you go girl!” I was pleasantly surprised by how fast Ayera’s opinion of Junaid changed, and how quickly she assessed the family dynamics of her new home.
I had a hunch that Abeer was sexually abused by her step father, which was suggested in today’s episode. Abeer has never had a father figure in her life, and is craving for a man’s love that she found in Hasaan. From reading reviews online, it seems that her character is the most misunderstood one, followed by Hasaan. Several studies have revealed that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be affected by violence as adults, either as victims or perpetrators. Children from homes with domestic violence are much more likely to experience significant psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, aggression, anger issues that we see in both Abeer and Hasaan. Other startling finding is that these children are 74% more likely to commit a violent crime against someone else. But the most significant figures and the most relevant to our drama, are the fact that children of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood, as growing up with domestic violence is the most significant predictor of whether or not someone will be engaged in domestic violence later in life. Given the choice between being the out-of-control victim, or the in-control abuser, some of these people grow up to prefer the role of the abuser, as we see in Hasaan’s character. The reason I’m writing in detail is because last week’s review by Reviewit.pk called Abeer “a little bit too majboor,” which I found ignorant, and perhaps derogatory and disrespectful to victims of abuse. Similarly many people call Hasaan a “psycho” which is again name calling, discriminatory, and has a negative impact on the people suffering from mental illnesses like Hasaan. That being said, Mansha has given her best, but the chemistry she had with Sami Khan in Tau Dil Ka Kiya Hua is missing! One glitch: how did she make her hair so perfectly with her injured hand? Did anyone notice that both of their right hands were cut? Some may perceive them as victim and perpetrator, but to me Abeer and Hasaan are one and the same, both injured, wounded; and the question is, will they become each other’s bandaids? Only time will tell!
And now my two favorites: the two male leads! I cannot decide which character is better/ has more depth and who is the better actor! Both Sami Khan and Syed Jibran have immersed themselves completely in their respective roles, and both are awesomely amazing, from body language to facial expressions to dialogue delivery! And they both have the best dialogues; the only difference being Junaid’s are more profound in a worldly way, and Hasaan’s give an insight into his character. Hasaan, like I said before, is also a victim/witness of domestic violence, and I am intrigued to know exactly why he hates Junaid so much! There must be a reason! Junaid, on the other hand, though raised in the same household, did not become like Hasaan, one may argue. But, every person responds differently to any specific situation, even identical twins who have essentially the same genetic makeup, and in this setting I am certain that Junaid’s meek, submissive personality, his obsessive compulsive behavior, is a direct result of his environment.
I love Syed Jibran, he made a personality like Junaid attractive with his brilliant depiction, and the mustache look with the “timid” body language is cherry on the cake. I loved his scene when he said I do not have time to be in “khushfami;” the dejected shoulders, the expressions, all made the scene extremely impactful. The conversation between him and Ayera when they went out for dinner, was another scene which was affective, with eloquent and meaningful dialogues; even the situation was telling, with Rabiya siting across with her own family.
Likewise, Sami Khan is pitch perfect as Hasaan, and outdid himself compared to last week’s performance! All of Sami Khan’s scenes were brilliant, with dialogues that were not only intense and fiery but sarcastic as well, adding a touch of “dry humor” that toned down an otherwise dramatic scene. Of course, the credit also goes to the writer Rida Bilal who gave us such wonderful dialogues. His portrayal of Hasaan’s Borderline Personality is impeccable, showing the right amount of zeal, with exceptional dialogue delivery during the emotional “outbursts,” that made the scenes that much more entertaining. I find Hasaan to be a victim just like Abeer, and have a soft spot for him despite his manipulative, scheming behavior. I am still perplexed as to why he keeps going to Abeer even though I am sure he has other “options.” He genuinely hurt when the guard would not let him in. Abeer is his “comfort zone” without him even realizing it, yet. That brings me to another thought: is Abeer going to get pregnant? How would Hasaan react?
The promos of the next episodes show Ayera counseling Abeer, and some more altercations between Ayera and Hasaan. It also showed Mr. Munawar Ali’s “khudgarz” behavior with him even considering the option of asking Junaid to divorce Ayera. How can someone be so selfish? I am eager to find out who the real “khudgarz” is, because I have a strong notion that it is not Hasaan! Let’s wait and watch.
References:
“Behind Closed Doors.” UNICEF. 2006.
