“Fitoor” is surprisingly turning out to be a potentially strong product. Written by Zanjabeel Asim and directed by Siraj Ul Haq, this drama stars Faysal Qureshi, Hiba Bukhari, Wahaj Ali and Kiran Haq in lead roles. After Faysal Qureshi’s last show (Muqaddar), which was very successful, but highly problematic, “Fitoor” didn’t necessary grab eyeballs with its teasers. However, after three episodes, “Fitoor” is off to a great start, getting straight to the point with action-packed episodes.
In episode 3, Faysal Qureshi and Kiran Haq take a backseat as the story focuses on Dilnasheen and Hamza’s love story. We see how Dilnasheen (Hiba Bukhari) is now struggling to keep her emotions hidden from her family as she worries about the family accepting Haider’s (Faysal Qureshi) proposal. On the other end, Hamza (Wahaj Ali) reassures her that he will convince his family to bring his proposal to her house. For his part, Hamza is one hundred percent sincere and committed to Dilnasheen with an unwavering love that is borderline obsessive. This anger and frustration comes out as he calmly tries to explain to his family how much he loves Dilnasheen – but surprise! They want a girl from their own “circles” (read: rich, high society) and so Dilnasheen is immediately seen as a gold-digger. Hamza fights with his family in frustration and leaves the house, leaving his family worried when he is unreachable the entire day and they find his car abandoned by the sea. Wahaj Ali is wonderful in this episode, stealing the show as this dedicated, committed, passionate lover who will do anything to get the woman he loves. He has a way of emoting with his eyes that always manages to convey every emotion, whether it’s love or anger, and this really works in his favor.
Dilnasheen’s mother (Saba Hameed) overhears Dilnasheen’s conversation with Hamza and reacts with an attitude stereotypical of families in dramas – instead of giving the benefit of doubt that Hamza’s family will be good, accept her and thinking it would be great if her daughter could marry a man of her choice, she rips into Dilnasheen for ruining her “izzat.” This sets the stage for scenes to come when Hamza’s family, in a panic over their son missing, show up at Dilnasheen’s home. Happy that they’ve come, thinking they’re there to propose, Dilnasheen is shocked when Hamza’s father asks where Hamza is. Not only his father, but his mother also declares that Dilansheen is having an “affair” with Hamza in front of her entire family. This fabulous duo leave no stone unturned to demean and insult Dilnasheen and her family, leaving her brother Yawar (Kamran Jillani) humiliated and their mother in tears. Hamza’s father makes it clear that they will never accept Dilnasheen as their daughter in law – and after such a spectacular verbal thrashing, would any girl want to marry into this family? Would any family logically want to marry their daughter into such a family? This encounter closes all doors for Hamza and Dilnasheen’s relationship and it’s clear that Dilnasheen will now have to marry Haider.
Fitoor Episode 1: This Faysal Qureshi Starrer Is An Intense Love Story
Can we just discuss what a terrible friend Hamza’s sister is? Her name isn’t coming to mind, so let’s call her Rida. Rida has known about Hamza and Dilnasheen’s love story from the get-go. She has supported them, along with encouraged Dilnasheen. And now, not only does she not back up Hamza in the morning at the breakfast table and chime in with some words of support, but she also actively watches blankly as Dilnasheen’s character is ripped apart in front of her parents. What kind of “modern day” character is this that cannot properly convey her thoughts to her parents and stand up for her “best friend”? One can only hope Dilnasheen never speaks to this girl ever again. It’s also funny, because while Hamza and Dilnasheen are a sweet, truly likable pair and Faysal Qureshi plays Haider, the man who is essentially the “kabaab mein haddi,” Haider is so lovable that it’s hard not to root for him too. He has also been burned by love and one wants him to be happy as well. Hiba Bukhari is not usually a favorite, but she’s performing well this time around and suits this role. Overall, “Fitoor” is an enjoyable show with a different storyline, with a fast pace and stellar acting. Now let’s hope this drama manages to hold this pace and doesn’t drag episodes as Geo dramas tend to do.