“Farq” is the latest launch on Har Pal Geo, one starring Faysal Qureshi and Sehar Khan in lead roles. The title “farq” most importantly highlights the age difference between the lead characters, though there are many other differences between the characters as well. Still, it’s great to see that this casting choice is story-based, which makes it a show to look out for. Written by Imran Nazir, the show has been directed by Aehsun Talish, who has been sensitively directing interesting stories lately (Aye Musht E Khaak, Chauraha), which makes this a show to look out for. The show stars Faysal Qureshi, Sehar Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Saba Shah, Javeria Abbasi, Sohail Sameer and others in prominent roles.
In the first two episodes, we are introduced to Kamal (Faysal Qureshi), a well-off businessman who is living the life of a widower after his wife’s death. He lives for work and his daughter, Ayzel (Saba Shah), who is a grown, college-going girl. Ayzel is spoiled, brash and yet very close to her father. On the other end, we are introduced to Irsa (Sehar Khan), who is the daughter of Kamal’s driver, Arif (Mehmood Aslam). Irsa has dreams of a good life and sees riches all around her. Kamal pays for her education, which means she attends school with the upper class and her father picking her up in Kamal’s car is enough to give off the perception of her own “high status.” This situation may give her temporary gratification, but it also heightens her understanding of class difference.
Geo appears to have an obsession currently with the spoiled, practically inhumane rich girl role. We’ve seen it in “Qalandar” with Hiba Aziz’s character and here, again, we are seeing it with Saba Shah’s character Ayzel. However, one thing must be said here – Saba Shah is pulling the role off with panache. This character has her outbursts which come from the lack of a mother figure. Ayzel isn’t a bad person, but she is lacking in areas in which she needs guidance, such as being taught to respect those who work within the household as human beings. She is a flawed character – but she isn’t entirely a bad one. Saba Shah has some wonderful acting moments in these first two episodes, particularly in the scenes involving conversations and situations dealing with her mother where we can feel her anguish and sensitivity.
It’s pretty clear in which direction the show is headed, but it’s not clear how the story will come to this point. As of right now, Kamal treats Irsa with stern demeanor and is very much a father-figure in her life. Faysal Qureshi is sweet and likable so far in his role as Kamal and it’s great to see him playing a role that suits his stature. Whether the story continues to hold interest will depend upon how the writing and direction push the story forward – and how believable and/or relatable the story is. Will it follow a “Woh Pagal Si” (ARY) type of unbelievable, exciting track or will it put a more somber, realistic story forward? We will have to wait and see, but as of right now, it shows promise!