“Dulhan” is a show that riles up a slew of different emotions. Starring Sami Khan, Sumbul Iqbal, Faizan Khawaja and Mashal Khan, “Dulhan” has been directed by Adeel Siddiqui and written by Adeel Raza. While it’s impressive how the team took on such a twisted tale and has the courage to present this story in such a gripping way, one also can look at it from another angle and find themselves thinking about the sticky, questionable situation presented in this story – one that may make viewers uncomfortable. One thing is for sure though: Dulhan has managed to make an impact with the shock factor in episode two and seems to be continuing with that trend with a equally interesting third episode.
In episode 3, Amal (Sumbul Iqbal) manages to escape from Shahmeer’s (Faizan Khawaja) clutches by hitting him on the head with a pot. However, as she escapes, she is hit by a car and lands up in the hospital where she insists on being discharged immediately so she can go home. But of course, upon her arrival and after she fills in her family on Mekaal’s betrayal, her father does what most Pakistani fathers decide to do in a bad situation – rather than be there for their child, they decide to fall ill or die. So of course, Amal’s father has a heart attack and Amal rushes him to the hospital. Some moments bring families together, but Amal’s stepmother (Nida Mumtaz) is a different breed of woman and hounds Amal over this situation as her husband remains in critical condition. Sumbul Iqbal is doing a great job in this role and looks as beautiful as ever, but one really hopes she manages to deliver something more than just an innocent, injured party. She’s a good actress and is capable of turning Amal into a memorable character.
The star character of the episode is Annie (Mashal Khan), a woman who is confident and knows what she wants. She’s also aware that Mekaal is not a straightforward man and when he refuses to answer her questions about his whereabouts at night, she makes it clear that she will not tolerate such behavior after their marriage. Mekaal is disturbed by her behavior and complains to his mother, but his mother also supports Annie, stating that she is exactly what he needs to ground him. Mashal Khan suits roles like these (as we saw in “Khaas” as well) and there’s no doubt she will do well here too. Sami Khan as great as always, playing the confident, self-absorbed, unattached Mekaal well. The character of Mekaal will have a lot more to offer in upcoming episodes, that much is clear, and it will be great to see Sami playing a different role.
Dulhan Episode 2: This Week’s Episode Makes an Impact With an Unexpected Twist
“Dulhan” deals with a story that is peppered with characters that are, at present, “black” characters. These characters are grim and dark, specifically the male characters. If we analyze the present situation, Mekaal is actually married to Amal and took a bet to such an extent that he married her, but does not acknowledge the marriage. Mekaal is a commitment-phobe who wants to be “free,” but he’s not free at all – he’s married. Shahmeer wants Amal, but even if he gets her now, she’s not his wife and she’s married to Mekaal. Amal is essentially stuck between two twisted men without the least bit of respect for women. How will she find a way out of this situation? What is the solution? Will Mekaal realize his responsibility to Amal? Will Shahmeer recognize his faults? Or will Amal walk away from both these men with her dignity in tact? That remains to be seen, but as the episode comes to a close, we see the two men arguing over, yet again, the car. The value of a human life means little to these men in front of a car – and that’s what makes this how so interesting. “Dulhan” focuses on the petty nature of individuals and how that pettiness can evolve into something much more sinister.
