From start to finish, “Pinjra” has been a show cut from a different cloth from the rest. While other stories focus on family politics and romance, “Pinjra” chose to follow a less treaded path, one that set out to highlight the importance of parenting – and how parenting can affect life-long behaviors in children. Starring Omair Rana, Hadiqa Kiani, Sunita Marshall, Zhalay Sarhadi, Adnan Bashir, Sohail Masood, Furqan Qureshi, Ahmed Usman, Aaina Asif, Aashir Wajahat and others, the show has been written by Asma Nabeel and directed by Najaf Bilgrami.
In the finale, Azaan (Aashir Wajahat) comes to the rescue, accompanied by Fareeda (Zhalay Sarhadi), Rabia (Jinaan Hussain) and the prized missing CCTV footage. In the end, it’s Omer’s mother’s testimony that truly closes the case when she confesses to hearing Bakht (Sharique Mehmood) conspiring to falsify evidence. Abhaan’s release is a joyous occasion for the entire family, but with all the trauma they have been through individually, is coming back together all that simple? Omair Rana is brilliant as Javed, a man who is overjoyed for his son, but also grappling with his own guilt over his part in how the so-called crime transpired. What’s beautiful is how the family reunites once again under Javed’s roof, resulting in a heartbreakingly beautiful apology from Javed to Abhaan. This goes to show that ego should never come in between family and parents should be willing to acknowledge their mistakes – and learn from them.
Meanwhile, Wajiha (Sunita Marshall) finally gets her happy ending with Arsalan (Furqan Qureshi). Wajiha’s life as an independent working woman has always been to provide for her family, but she has also always put her children first. The depiction of her open, trusting relationship with her kids works in her favor when, in the end, they rally behind her to find her happiness with Arsalan. This is not only a beautiful moment in the show, but also one that offers hope for divorcees with children that there is life after a bad marriage.
The final scene leaves an impact as Javed and Abhaan are caring for Omer’s grave as his father arrives. Javed reminds Bakht that while they may not have been together in happy times, they can join hands during the sad ones. All malice aside, the three pray together for Omer’s peace, reminding us that forgiveness and understanding is the most important thing in this world.
While the finale is great, there’s so much to praise about “Pinjra” as a whole. “Pinjra” has not, even once, tried to absolve the children of their bad behaviors, rather it took a deep-dive into why they behave in a certain way. Abeer (Aina Asif) is essentially the driving force behind why Abhaan winds up in jail – but why does she behave in that way? Abeer is not only rebelling against her parents’ strict rules, but also searching for a loving male figure outside the home….because she’s not receiving that sort of love and attention from her father. Of course, Abhaan had an entirely different, artistic side which was being stifled by his father’s expectations, causing him to lash out emotionally, engaging in a fight with a student instead of being able to logically use his words. On the flip-side, Wajiha’s children are strong, self-sufficient kids due to her upbringing – but even they have their faults. Is there any fool-proof method to parenting? Of course not and kids will be kids. There isn’t any formula to raise perfect kids. But the message “Pinjra” drives home is that we, as parents, should be there for our children, support their strengths, help them through their weaknesses and, more than anything, listen.
There having been so many moving parts and strengths in this show, it’s hard to pin-point who to praise. The leaders are, of course, Omair Rana, Hadiqa Kiani and Sunita Marshall, three actors who have given exceptional performances as parents simply trying to do their best – and not always succeeding. The stars of “Pinjra” have truly been the kids. Aashir Wajahat is a star in the making, particularly after seeing his growth in “Chand Tara” currently airing on Hum TV. He has proven that he’s capable of playing different roles already at such a young age. Aina Asif, Zuhab Khan and Eeman Khan all shine in their roles as well. The true star of “Pinjra” is Ahmed Usmaan as Abhaan, a young man who feels confined within his home, but finally escapes his cage while behind bars. He has performed truly difficult scenes and situations really well. The entire cast here deserves a round of applause.
Of course, we cannot forget the efforts of writer Asma Nabeel, the force behind dramas like Khaani, Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, Surkh Chandni, Damsa and, at the end, Pinjra. She passed away in 2021, but Pinjra was the last show she worked on – and what a fine piece of work it is. “Pinjra” is a show that went through a slow phase and certainly could have been 5-6 episodes shorter to keep the story moving at a more gripping pace. And yet, as a finished product, “Pinjra” is unforgettable, a must-watch and will be missed.
