“Fraud” sees the reunion of Saba Qamar with two of her best co-stars – Ahsan Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar. This alone has been reason enough for fans to look forward to this show. Adding to this excitement is the unique story, one of marriage abandonment, and the riveting presentation, fast pace and compelling storytelling. Written by Zanjabeel Asim and directed by Saqib Khan, “Fraud” also stars Adnan Samad Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Asma Abbas, Annie Zaidi and others in prominent roles.
In episode 3, we see that Maya (Saba Qamar) is now engaged to Tabraiz (Ahsan Khan), a “well off” young man who works abroad. Of course, as an audience, we can recognize that things are amiss and this marriage will result in destruction for Maya. However, the writing on the wall isn’t quite as clear to Maya and her family – and why would it be? Tabraiz and his family (Annie Zaidi and Saife Hassan) put on quite the act of decent, kind-hearted individuals. The marriage goes off without a hitch rather quickly and Maya’s family sends her off with a world of family jewels and a hefty check for Maya’s personal use (insert laugh track, as we can see the impending robbery coming from a mile away). And while the future of this marriage is predictable, the way it is playing out is top notch. Often, audiences feel cheated when the red flags are visible from miles away, but here, those red flags are not visible. The con taking place is exactly that – a con, and it’s being executed in such a way that the audience finds them being taken along for the ride.
Maya’s father (played by Mehmood Aslam) has really lost the plot here and while his heart isn’t in the wrong place and it isn’t a crime to want the best for your daughter……his desire for financial security for his daughter is leading him down a horrible path. Nail (Adnan Samad Khan) is a beautiful young man at heart and it’s heartbreaking watching him suffer the loss of his love. And Nail does love Maya – but will he stick around when Maya’s world collapses? Nail is furious at his Mamoon for the way he has been treated and we can see that the cracks have not only appeared in this relationship, but the foundations have been shaken. Adnan Samad Khan is doing a fabulous job and has managed to steal the show in all three episodes so far. What a performer. He deserves lead roles!
Mikaal Zulfiqar’s Shaan is mourning the loss of Samra and Zimal, his wife and daughter. While his stepmother and stepsister do a great job of showing support, their true faces are seen in his absence. Shaan is being taken for a ride by his so-called loved ones. How will Shaan and Maya’s lives intersect? Saba Qamar is doing a great job in her role, but her chance to shine hasn’t really arrived just yet. Ahsan Khan’s character is just getting warmed up, his true face about to be exposed in upcoming episodes (as we’ve seen with the police showing up in episode 3). Fraud is a show worth watching so far and tells a story that affects many women in India and Pakistan – online marriage fraud. So far, this show is highly recommended.
