Some shows arrive and take the audience by surprise. “101 Talaqain” is one such show, a Pakistani drama which follows a divorce lawyer in his attempts to “decode” marriage and the cracks which form within marriage. “101 Talaqain” has a different premise along with a talented ensemble cast with Zahid Ahmed at the forefront, along with Yasir Nawaz, Naveen Waqar, Anoushay Abbasi, Faris Khalid, Khalid Anum, Sana Askari, Daniyal Afzal Khan, Asim Mehmood and more to come. The story has been written and directed by Omer Ikram.
In episode 1, we are introduced to Rustom (Zahid Ahmed), a divorce lawyer, and his (unusual) interactions with his clients. The first episode focuses entirely on Rustom’s quirky nature, making it apparent that he has suffered heartbreak in the past (possibly childhood issues with his mother?), and he does not have much regard for love. The first episode is a character building episode, is visually appealing with its fresh presentation and has some hilarious dialogues that immediately pull the viewer in. The director has treated this show like art, moving in an out of past and present, portraying Rustom’s emotions and internal thoughts in monologues and using the mockumentary style for characters to discuss their thoughts on marriage. This is not a new concept, but it’s certainly something unique for Pakistani television. However, by the second half of the episode, the viewer begins to wonder if there’s actually a storyline to keep the show moving.
Fortunately, in episode 2, the story moves leaps and bounds. While Rustom actively scouts couples to get divorced, he begins looking for new ways to expand his business. Discovering his project case, Rustom latches on to Sajjad (Faris Khalid) and Aimun (Anoushay Abbasi) and decides that rather than work on their divorce, he’s going to analyze their marriage and learn about marriage through their relationship. This sets the show up to move forward with a hilarious premise.
Some things initially strike the viewer as being downright odd, such as Sana Askari and Daniyal Afzal playing Anoushay Abbasi’s parents, as they are only 5 years apart in age. However, as the show progresses, it becomes apparent that it’s all intentional in an effort to add to the zany feel of the show…..and it works. The entire feel of “101 Talaqain” is “kooky.” This is not a show meant to be down-to-earth with a subject that viewers can immediately relate to. This is a story of relationships, but seen from the perspective of a deeply troubled, emotionally immature man who works to guide couples through their divorces – but needs a lesson in relationships himself. Zahid Ahmed is hilarious in this avatar and is a single-man army in holding the narrative together. Sure, he has a lot of talent surrounding him, but this is Rustom’s show. Zahid Ahmed’s performance itself makes this show worth a watch. That’s not saying there aren’t other reasons to watch. The writing is excellent, the narrative constantly pushing the envelope and moving forward.
However, that does not mean this is a perfect product. As said earlier, there are sequences that lag and leave viewers wondering what’s the point. That aside, the background music is overbearing, sometimes drowning out dialogues and performances – can this be toned down? Overall, “101 Talaqain” is an enjoyable watch, something truly different for Pakistani television and is a show that should be appreciated.