“Fitoor” is one of those shows that raises the blood pressure, but is difficult to look away from. Written by Zanjabeel Asim and directed by Siraj Ul Haq, it stars Faysal Qureshi, Hiba Bukhari, Wahaj Ali and Kiran Haq in lead roles. Now that the story has picked up pace, this drama has gone back to airing one day a week (rather than back-to-back episodes on Thursdays and Fridays). With a great cast and interesting story, “Fitoor” is bringing in the ratings week after week.
Wahaj Ali is honestly carrying this show on his shoulders at this point, giving the best performance of the lot in episode 9. Given, this is his moment to shine as his character is being given the best material to work with and is also the most likable character. Of all four lead characters, it’s Wahaj Ali’s Hamza who is loyal to a fault, unwavering in his love for Dilnasheen and unable to imagine his life without her. Out of this love, Hamza winds up in the hospital when he attempts to commit suicide, unable to live without Dilnasheen. While his parents have been unfaltering in their refusal to accept Dilnasheen into their household, even the hardest of hearts soften when children and their lives are involved. Seeing how much grief Hamza is in, his father vows to bring Dilnasheen home as his bride.
Meanwhile Dilnasheen (Hiba Bukhari) continues to face grief from her family. There has never been a more unlikable “shareef” family on-screen. This family wins that prize hands-down, to the point that the viewer wishes to see them disgraced. Dilnasheen is finally embraced back into the fold right before her wedding festivities kick off, her mother (Saba Hameed) and Yawar (Kamran Jillani) “forgiving” her for her mistakes. Were her mistakes anything to be forgiven? The logical mind would not even remotely think so, but these people are not logical – and are a large reason as to why this show is so infuriating.
Haider (Faysal Qureshi) and Dilnasheen’s wedding begins with the mehndi. It’s clear that Haider is going through the motions with this wedding. While he’s trying to do his best to move on and chose Dilnasheen of his own accord, he’s still unable to forget Mehmal (Kiran Haq). His attraction is still towards her and his heart belongs with her – and this is something Mehmal is well aware of. This goes back to Hamza being the only loyal character. His track is one-minded, focused completely on Dilnasheen. Haider may be marrying Dilnasheen, but his heart is with Mehmal. Mehmal may be married, but she still insists on having control over Haider. And Dilnasheen may love Hamza, but her loyalty is to her family. When Hamza’s father walks into the mehndi and asks for Dilnasheen’s hand in marriage, Yawar and his mother, as usual, behave in an uncouth matter, even wishing Hamza dead and send his father away. There’s also a beautiful moment where Dilnasheen is seen speaking to Hamza on the phone, trying to raise his spirits while crying herself at her fate. Dilnasheen even begs her mother to allow her to marry Hamza instead, especially since the two love each other and even his father has agreed now – but no. The family from hell takes it to the point that Yawar picks up a gun and threatens to shoot himself.
It’s difficult to see Saba Hameed and Kamran Jillani playing such unlikable characters and one wonders why they even signed such regressive roles. These characters are worse than villains – they hate their own daughter/sister and continuously speak of their “izzat.” Is respect worth more than a loved one’s happiness? They bring down the entire feel of the show, leaving the audience seething with anger. Now with Hamza’s father giving Hamza false hope that Dilnasheen’s family agreed, this will send Hamza spiraling further when he realizes the truth. “Fitoor” is one of those on-the-fence shows, because it’s interesting and leaves the viewer wanting to know what will happen – but the characters are infuriating!
