Shak continues to engage with its well balanced, fast paced narrative. This episode introduces Zara, ‘Sham’s sister with a presumably special needs child, precipitating Ammi’s exit, a runway Rumi and insights into Ali’s character.
I really appreciate the fact that this drama touches, however fleetingly (for now), on instances of childlessness, special needs, different parenting styles and the pressures of home and work. Even glimmers of these things situate the drama in a contemporary world the characters and their troubles seem real and relatable. Added props for casting actors that are doing justice to their roles.
This one belonged to Shamim Hilali. A natural in front of the camera and in her down to earth perceptive prescriptions she exudes grace, warmth and wisdom. Ammi sees right through the “my-life-is-wonderful” picture Sania paints. In her worldly wisdom, she can also sense that Sania is unhappy, and perhaps a little envious. She warns ‘Sham again to tell Seherish the truth else keep their distance, but Sham in his let bygones be bygones manner seems reluctant.
Also how cute was take on the “Mein toh phenomenon”? Though perhaps her perceptive insight about Sania’s – “What –if” scenario deserves more of a mention.
All of us at some point re-examine our choices– what if I had chosen differently, what if I had a different career, what if I had not polished off that box of chocolates (um, ok, I would be 5 lbs lighter but I digress…) what if married someone else? For Sania’s, she is literally face to face with her past. When finally Sania allowed herself to think of the big and little things of being in love and a life with her future husband-she was rejected – how can you not carry a little of that hurt and wounded pride?
While, I doubt she dwells on it that much and leads her life with dignity and a sense of duty but as Ammi pointed out – tum uska pehla pyar thee….What if she had married ‘Sham who is vastly different from her husband and ended up with a carefree life and an understanding saas instead of a demanding one?
Ali, (who btw, needs a quick lesson in advertising 101 -an advertising business does not include production, suppliers and distributors) is seeming to crack under pressure. Though he tries to be reasonable and is quick to apologize too, he comes across as rather close minded. A strict disciplinarian with Rumi, chiding Sania about a halwa factory and her desire to work and socialize make him out to be quite controlling and ‘pehle Ammi phir Rumi’ pretty much sums up his expectations. Also while we glimpse his softer side (apologizing to Sania, kissing a sleeping Rumi) I longed for more. Some close ups and showing his internal conflict might have helped. You can tell his authoritarian streak is going to cause future friction.
Of course, there is also runaway Rumi (who has a bright future as cat burglar and is possibly a passive aggressive teen). He’s doing a really good job -anyone know who this cutie-patutie is? I never thought I’d say this but this drama could do with a few more watchful servants!
The camera work is quite good too. The scene with Seherish walking down the stairs with reflection of the pool was lovely and there is a nice depth to the framing and use of mirrors as well which is not too in your face. .
Some things were a bit off this episode though. The texting between ‘Sham and his mother and their meeting was deliberately suspenseful, and didn’t seem to work. Also what’s the deal with people calling each other on their cells while at home – I found it unintentionally hilarious – are their homes so palatial that a good old fashioned shout wouldn’t do the trick? The transition to finding Rumi also seemed amiss – opening of the door, finding Rumi asleep – it needed something. Also, after having a show down with ‘Sham, Ali and Sania calmly follow him home?Not quite right.
Minor gripes in a drama that’s really got me hooked. You?
MM (aka A musing Muslim)
