Watching Rozy run the gamut of emotions, from the highest of highs, an impending reunion with her husband and beloved daughter, to the lowest of ebbs, receiving her divorce papers, was like riding an emotional rollercoaster, one that refused to let up for even a minute during the entire episode. Shazia Afghan was stellar as the heart-broken Rozy.
Today’s was an action-packed episode. Nasim came tantalizingly close to reuniting with her sister. Dr. Ammar and his mother Shabana both tried to convey the news to Sanjha but remained frustratingly unsuccessful. Weeda, despite his bluntness to the interviewing committee, gained admission to the arts college. The spontaneous outbreak of happiness that followed this announcement was wonderful to behold. Watching the crusty Mumtaz congratulate Weeda in her own inimitable way and then breaking out in an impromptu jhatka matka was indeed a moment to savor. Resham is the perfect Mumtaz: her coarse language, the loud clothes, the over the top makeup and jewelery, the head scratching, the constant complaining about her aching shoulders and legs, she is superb. Mooda, the ever-reliable Rashid Farooqui, still plotting to get back at Mumtaz, tries to entice Sanjha away from the kotha. For a moment it seemed like he had almost succeeded, but, just in the nick of time, Weeda drove in to the rescue and saved the day.
In addition to the acting and the storyline, what stands out is the superb direction by Farooq Rind. Resisting the temptation to essentialize, Rind succeeds in conveying how hard life must be like behind the closed doors of these kothas. To his credit, however, he does not allow this to become a dark story. The depression and disillusionment are delicately balanced with precious moments of joy. The bonding between the girls, born of shared pain, is beautifully depicted. The slice of life scenes, Sanjha dancing on the balcony with the other girls clapping along, Rozy distributing her things as she prepares to return home, and the joy these girls feel when they hear of Weeda’s admission, all were beautifully executed. Here, credit must also go to the DOPs, Majid Mumtaz and Farhan Alam, for making the drama come alive on screen. The scene where Sanjha dances on the balcony was absolutely exquisite.
So, the suspense continues to build. Sanjha has made it through one more episode with her virtue intact. How long will Mumtaz hold on to her promise not to sell her? When and how will the two sisters meet? How will Weeda fare as an art student? Where and how does Nauman Ijaz fit in to this story? So many questions. Waiting to see how many will be answered next week …
Written by S Z ~
