“Mushk” started with a solid first episode and has amped audience excitement for the show. Starring Imran Ashraf, Momal Sheikh, Urwa Hocane, Osama Tahir and many others, the show has been written by Imran Ashraf, is directed by Aehsun Talish and is airing on Hum TV. The first episode, as expected, introduced viewers to the main characters and we found ourselves drawn into the world of Mehek, Adam, Guddi and Shayaan, four interconnected characters balancing their individual relationships and holding their own secrets.
In episode 2, “Mushk” doesn’t make a lot of movement, rather it builds on the information viewers have already been given. Mehek (Momal Sheikh) fills an awkwardly giggly, happy, giddy Guddi (Urwa Hocane) in on her love story and how Shayaan (Osama Tahir) went away and never came back. Guddi is almost sadistically enjoying Mehek’s misery and it makes one wonder how much negativity and evil could be buried under that “silly” exterior. Urwa Hocane is doing a great job though in this role, giving a lively, upbeat performance that balances Momal Sheikh’s restrained, quiet demeanor as Mehek.
Shayaan (Osama Tahir) escapes from jail and finds himself on the run from a character soon revealed to be his Mamoon (played by Aehsun Talish). A kind soul comes to his aid and helps him reach Mehek’s village. Through a mix of Mehek’s narration to Guddi and Shayaan’s own memories, we are able to piece together what transpired between Mehek and Shayaan. The two fell in love, but due to a mishap between their friends, Mehek became insecure in her relationship with Shayaan. Then when Shayaan went to Pakistan after their marriage and didn’t return, Mehek assumed that he abandoned her, not realizing he was in trouble. Shayaan, as revealed at the end of the episode, fell victim to old family traditions and was ordered to marry his very young cousin. While it hasn’t been revealed what exactly happened, one can assume he refused and that led to his imprisonment. Osama Tahir is convincing in his role, shuffling between a weak, downtrodden Shayaan in the present and a youthful, happier one in the past.
The stand-out performer on the show at this point is Imran Ashraf himself, playing the role of Adam. Adam is such a subdued, kind, sincere character who seems to be genuinely in love with Mehek. Adam is not only a role that is lovable, but is also given some really beautiful sequences which only amplify viewer interest in seeing Adam and Mehek together – while also realizing Mehek’s husband Shayaan is committed to her and in love with her. The story will only get messier from here, that’s for sure.
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Credit must be given to the director, Aehsun Talish, and those behind the scenes for how nicely this show is coming across visually. The rain scenes between Shayaan-Mehek and Adam-Mehek are simply stunning and transport the viewer onto a different plane with old-world charm and a notion of romance that we don’t really get to see often these days. Imran Ashraf’s writing is coming across well so far, though these first two episodes have served only as building blocks for the show. With the preview for episode 3, it seems the audience has some excitement in store when Mehek and Shayaan come face to face once again. But will things go smoothly or have we been seeing a foreshadowing of tragedy all along? How will Adam figure into the scenario? Let’s wait and watch. So far, “Mushk” is a show that isn’t following a predictable path.
