As far as I am concerned, Mera Yakeen already had an ace up its sleeve even before it started. Any play with a leading cast like this should be something to get excited about; Faisal Qureshi, Savera Nadeem and Nimra Bucha ALL in one play, now that is what I call a stellar-cast that is bound to knock you off of your feet. Savera Nadeem and Faisal Qureshi proved in “Qaid-e-Tanhai” that they share a palpable chemistry and there is no questioning the fact that they are absolutely brilliant performers. Apart from the cast there were many other reasons for looking forward to this show; Sarmad Khoosat, the director, a well-acclaimed writer Seema Munaf and the very promising promos in particular. A&B Productions and Faisal Qureshi seem to be teaming up more often now and every time they have something substantial to offer. Babar Javed did wonders as the director of “Qaid-e-Tanhai”; I was very eager to find out what he and his team had in store this time around. My excitement for “Mera Yakeen” aside each review will reflect how I felt about a particular episode.

Today’s episode introduced the viewers to the main characters and while there were some parts where I had the ‘that’s been done before’ feeling, overall this first episode was a complete package and I especially enjoyed the well-written, aptly delivered dialogues. Mera Yakeen is the story of Maha (Savera Nadeem) and her best friend Nazish (Nimra Bucha). Maha is happily married to Asfand (Faisal Qureshi) for more than seven years or so. Maha’s life is ideal in every way possible, so much so that she cannot help but question all of it being real. Asfand is the perfect husband, who remembers anniversaries that Maha forgets, showers her with compliments all the time and one could tell by their discussions that Maha shares every tiny detail (especially about Nazish) with her husband. I found that very relatable, I know so many “best friends” like these. Maha considers herself much prettier, luckier and superior in every way possible than Nazish. She almost enjoys belittling Nazish every chance she gets and it seems as if it is something that does not strike as odd to Nazish, probably because she accepts the fact that Maha indeed is better than her in every way possible. Savera Nadeem’s portrayal of an arrogant woman who thinks that the world revolves around her was extremely persuasive. I thoroughly enjoyed the tingling chemistry between Maha and Asfand as they went on and on about Nazish and the different ways in which the two saw her. All the scenes were extremely well-done, whether it was Maha brushing her hair or the kids playing in the background while the couple “gossiped” about Nazish, each scene was different from the other and apart from the dialogues, it was the direction that caught my attention. Needless to say, I have complete faith in Faisal Qureshi and I know that this versatile actor will deliver in terms of acting and get-up as well no matter what character he is playing. Maha’s obsession with Nazish is very understandable; she is an “aam shakal ki lrki” who would gladly accept the sari Maha thinks is not good enough for her, having a friend like that must be a big ego boost for a person like Maha.

Nazish’s circumstances and life is totally different from that of Maha’s. After years of waiting, she finally gets married but it turns out that her husband is not the least bit interested in her but was actually forced into getting married to her. I especially liked the way Nazish comes out with everything she wants to say to Ahmer( Farhan Ali Agha ) even though he does not make her feel welcomed in his life for a second even. The way she tells him to leave things on halaat and waqt and also when she tells him he should not have gotten married in the first place. Ahmer, who wants to marry an American, is not swayed by Nazish’s pleas and leaves for the US few days after getting married. A year passes by quickly enough (gladly) and Ahmer, just as expected marries Cathy and has no intentions of coming back. Nimra Bucha is another actress who is an all time favorite and she totally won my heart as Nazish. I especially liked the Mehndi scene, Nimra Bucha’s expressions were adorable and the scene where she tells Ahmer to leave things on wakt and hallat. Although, this role seemed somewhat similar to the one she played in Daam and Ik Nazar Meri Taraf but it is definitely different in more ways than one and I just can’t wait to see more of her.

Overall, I enjoyed every minute of this first episode and cherished every scene. I might just watch it one more time before the second episode goes on air, it proved to be a breath of fresh air and I am definitely looking forward to more.

Author: Fatima Awan.