When Green Entertainment first began to be advertised, “Idiot” was the first show to be promoted. Starring Ahmed Ali Akbar and Mansha Pasha, the “Lal Kabootatr” team, “Idiot” has been written by Kifayat Rodhani and directed by Anjum Shehzad. The show also stars Atiqa Odho, Saleem Sheikh, Shamil Khan and others. Utilizing its lead character to point out issues within society, “Idiot” follows Gulzar, an innocent young man, along his journey through life.
In episode one, we are introduced to our lead character and his love for animals. Animal cruelty in Pakistani society is highlighted through Gulzar’s brother and his behavior towards Gulzar’s dog, Buddy. Affection towards animals is not encouraged in South Asian society and it’s Gulzar’s love for dogs that immediately makes him an “other,” creating a divide not only between him and others, but also between Gulzar and his own family. The show moves between the past and present, showing how Gulzar’s behavior has created a negative impact and forced him to isolate from his family in order to live life without judgement. However, it’s Gulzar’s reactions to topics that highlights how negative practices are normalized, such as sexism within marriage and dowry. While Gulzar manages to put a stop to his sister’s wedding after her fiancé demands a car, it’s this (justified) action which puts further distance between his already estranged family.
This is not a perfect show, but it’s the story and Ahmed Ali Akbar’s performance which elevates it. The editing and direction does need some work, feeling disjointed at times, particularly when moving between past and present. “Idiot” treads along a path which could get preachy fast if it doesn’t find a solid storyline soon. However, Ahmed Ali Akbar is simply magic on-screen, an actor who has been a natural performer since the start of his career and continues along that path. After “Parizaad,” this is yet again another meaningful character on his resume. Ahmed Ali Akbar is the sort of actor who works rarely and leaves us, as an audience, wanting much more. Gulzar is a wonderful character who is pure of heart and points out the hypocrisy and insanity in our day-to-day lives. “Idiot” delivers an engaging first episode with a great performance from its lead actor. With Mansha Pasha’s character introduced next week, “Idiot” is bound to only get better from this point.