“Aye Musht E Khaak” is a Pakistani drama which automatically racked on expectations with the repeat casting of Feroze Khan and Sana Javed. This is a pairing that has been successful in both “Khaani” and “Romeo Weds Heer.” While the latter was more light-hearted and of a comedic nature, the duo are back with an intense show (like Khaani) once again with “Aye Musht E Khaak.” Written by Maha Malik and directed by Aehsun Talish, the show also stars Asad Siddiqui, Shabbir Jan, Shahood Alvi, Iffat Omar, Sadaf Ashan, Ayesha Gul and others in prominent roles.
In episode 6, Mustajab (Feroze Khan) and Duaa (Sana Javed) begin spending time together after now being Nikkahed, hence having more freedom. Still, Duaa maintains her cultural and religious values, believing she shouldn’t cross any limits before the two have officially decided to spend their lives together. Mustajab, on the other hand, is a bit of trouble as he wants things to go according to his demands – and his demand is for Duaa to see him as her husband, in every way. Duaa begins to realize just how different the two are and has become uncomfortable over time. It’s the last straw when Mustajab brings Duaa home without his mother present, dismisses the servants and serves dinner……in his bathrobe. The last bit is an interesting touch, because it makes clear exactly what Mustajab’s intentions are. Duaa asks Mustajab what his expectations are and he is forthcoming, telling her that all cultural and religious boundaries should no longer exist between the two. Duaa is disgusted hearing this, further upset at how little Mustajab knows about religion, more or less professing to being an atheist. Fortunately, Dayaan (Asad Siddiqui) arrives then to pick Duaa up and Duaa is relieved, returning home with her brother. But after this interaction, she confesses to Dayaan that she is no longer sure about her marriage to Mustajab, worrying about their clash of ideologies.
What’s unsettling about “Aye Musht E Khaak” is how Duaa’s parents continue to ignore all the red flags regarding Mustajab. Fortunately, Duaa is beginning to see them and recognizes that Mustajab has some serious shortcomings. It’s Asad Siddiqui who is making a great impact as the sensitive, kind brother who is picking up on trouble brewing in Duaa’s future. But of course, it’s Feroze Khan who makes the strongest impact as Mustajab. This is a character who has been given everything he wants in life and cannot look beyond himself. He wants what he wants and that’s the end of the discussion for him. He is a charming young man who is fighting inner demons. He’s a man who is spoiled, controlling and determined to have his way. He is an anti-hero, a scary character and viewers can see the misery in Duaa’s future. Still, the character has been mapped out very well and he is believable – as is Feroze Khan’s performance.
Overall, “Aye Musht E Khaak” is becoming an interesting show, but at the same time, it’s also troubling to see stories like this. The show also has a typical glamorous, slightly melodramatic, over-the-top style that Geo tends to follow. How it shapes up will depend on the treatment as the story unfolds.