While Ramadan dramas are taking their time to come to a close this year, the arrival of Eid has introduced more than just Eid telefilms. Many new shows have also launched at this time, giving viewers a head-start on creating their viewing schedules. “Radd” has taken the time-slot previously held by “Sukoon,” airing on Wednesdays and Thursdays. “Radd” has been advertised in a lavish way, but does it meet expectations? Starring Hiba Bukhari, Sheheryar Munawar and Arsalan Naseer in lead roles, the story has been written by Sanam Mehdi Zaryab and directed by Ahmed Bhatti.
The story of “Radd” is described as “revolving around three characters who want each other, but fate keeps coming in the way.” First of all, whoever wrote that sentence summary needs to go back to the writing table and……write something better. In the first episode, we are introduced to Iman (Hiba Bukhari), a hard-working career woman who sees herself as her father’s “son.” While Aalim (Mohammed Ahmed) has three daughters, two are married (and meddlesome, family-politics types) while Iman refuses to get married unless she finds someone who understands her. This someone arrives in the form of Zain (Arsalan Naseer), a progressive-minded, good-natured man who arrives to see her for a proposal. Unfortunately, despite Zain’s best intentions, his possessive mother (Asma Abbas) will certainly pose as a problem in the future.
Of course, we can’t forget our “real” hero, Salar (Sheheryar Munawar), who is potentially the most lovable character in the show. Salar carries many scars from his childhood, mistreated by his parents (as we assume from flashbacks) and given the stepchild treatment from his entire family. While they appear to be very well-off, he is a simple man running a shop. It’s not clear what transpired, but what is clear is that Salar is a kind-hearted young man starved for love and searches for that love in Aalim – and Iman.
The first episode is immediately engrossing, pulling the audience in with visuals which are eye-catching, along with the hummable OST by Asim Azhar. Hiba Bukhari initially seemed like a miscast for this role, but she pulls it off very well with just the right amount of confidence required without overdoing the attitude – and looks beautiful. Arsalan Naseer is breezy and likable as Zain while Mohammed Ahmed plays his part as a father trapped between tradition and progression well. It’s Sheheryar Munawar who seemingly has the meatiest part as Salar. Sheheryar has worked on his look as Salar and that adds to the believability of the role, along with the soft way in which he’s playing the character. This could be a real winner. There’s an interesting role swap here. We’re used to seeing the poor, mistreated heroine saved by the rich businessman. Here, it’s the hero who is mistreated and in need of love, while our heroine has love and support and may wind up being the hero’s savior. ARY Digital has had some great shows recently like “Jaan E Jahan” and “Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet,” but unfortunately, they have been outliers – not the general standard. Like “Radd,” shows like “Mein,” “Tere Bina Mein Nahi,” “Sukoon” and “Tere Ishq Ke Naam” also took off to an excellent start….but wound up as disasters. Will “Radd” retain its quality throughout? We can only watch and hope!