“Fraud” is a new show on ARY Digital, one which arrives with much promise and high expectations. Starring Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar, the story has been written by Zanjabeel Asim and directed by Saqib Khan. The show also stars Adnan Samad Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Asma Abbas, Annie Zaidi and others in prominent roles. The premise of “Fraud” is described as a story of deceit, dishonesty and cheating.
The story of “Fraud” follows Maya (Saba Qamar) and how her life changes post-marriage after being married off to Tabrez (Ahsan Khan), a – that’s right – “fraud.” In the first episode, we see how Maya is a young woman who has been protected by her father from “irrelevant” proposals, as he has high expectations for his daughter’s marriage. This can be seen as sweet, but ultimately, he winds up coming off as a money-driven failure despite wanting the “best” for his daughters. In his desire to want the “best,” he rejects Nail (Adnan Samad Khan), his own nephew who is completely in love with Maya – and vice versa. While Maya resigns herself to her father’s decision, she is visibly heartbroken at her father’s refusal, simply because Nail cannot provide her with riches. Nail, on the other hand, attempts to argue his case respectfully, but fails. In the very last moments of the episode, we are introduced to Tabrez (Ahsan Khan) as he creates a fake profile to lure in unsuspecting girls/families.
The first episode isn’t necessarily fast paced, but does well to set the tone of the show. Within this one episode, we can see what Maya has let go of in order to get something “better” – and will it, in fact, be better? Saba’s pair with both Ahsan Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar have been hit pairings in past shows, two of her more loved co-stars. However, make way for Adnan Samad Khan, who ironically carries the entire first episode despite not really being one of the true male leads. His performance proves that he is, in fact, quite capable of playing romantic roles convincingly and can certainly be lead actor material if he continues to work hard. It’s Adnan Samad Khan’s performance that steals the show in episode one as Nail is heartbroken at Maya’s father’s refusal. The chemistry between Saba Qamar and Adnan Samad Khan is great as well.
Overall, “Fraud” promises to be something worth watching though, again, much of the story can be predicted (even in regards to who Nail ultimately marries?). Still, the presentation is striking, the performances are natural and the story is interesting. This is one that will only pick up more as the story progresses – a winner in the making.