“Jaan E Jahan” has acquired a dedicated, loyal fanbase with its steady storytelling, strong characterizations and slow-building love story. While the heart and soul of “Jaan E Jahan” may be a love story, but it’s also a story of family, loyalty and trust (or the lack of it). Starring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ayeza Khan, Asif Raza Mir, Noor Ul Hassan, Savera Nadeem, Haris Waheed, Raza Talish, Srha Asghar, Emmad Irfani, Maryam Nafees, Nawal Saeed, Kinza Malik and Zainab Qayyum, the story is written by Rida Bilal and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed.
In episodes 13 & 14, we see further bonding of Shehram (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and Abdul (Raza Talish). With Tabraiz (Haaris Waheed) and Kishwar (Savera Nadeem) focused on their own manipulations, Abdul seeks approval and companionship in Shehram and the two begin to realize just how similar they are. Tabraiz is getting too big for his boots at this point, taking confidence in his control of the business and Shehram’s poor health, while not realizing Shehram is slowly turning back into his old self – thanks to Zeenat (Maryam Nafees). Tabraiz and Shehram go head-to-head in an argument and Tabraiz informs Shehram what the village folk are saying about his relationship with Mahnoor (Ayeza Khan). Finally realizing why Mahnoor has distanced herself from him, both Mahnoor and Shehram are seen praying for guidance regarding their relationship. Later, after much consideration (and a very sweet phone call from Shehram), Mahnoor makes the decision to leave town to avoid gossip. While Mahnoor has feelings for Shehram, she’s unable to move past Kishwar’s words and how they’ve hurt her. Of course, we know that Shehram will stop Mahnoor from leaving. The relationship between Shehram and Mahnoor is the highlight of “Jaan E Jahan,” their romance pure and innocent, one made on the basis of friendship and understanding. Each scene between the two is like poetry, particularly Shehram’s beautiful dream of Mahnoor, showing the intensity of his love for her. Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ayeza Khan are doing an incredible job with their roles, making us fall for their characters more with each episode.
On a tragic note, Aamir (Saqib Sameer) is murdered in Karachi while transporting a large sum of money for Tabraiz. It doesn’t take long for audience suspicion to be confirmed – Tabraiz hired the assassins to murder Aamir. Gulraiz (Nawal Saeed) is left mourning for Aamir, a man who may have seemed a mismatch to the outside world, but was her husband, her love, her companion and her emotional equal. These sequences are nothing short of heartbreaking as we watch a wife mourn her husband and wonder what’s next while Tabraiz plots his next step – one which involves trapping Gulraiz in his web. All of this is taking place as Kishwar takes his proposal for Aliya (Srha Asghar) – but is rejected, her parents taking interest in Shehram instead. Saqib Sameer has been so lovable as Aamir and it was refreshing seeing him in such a sweet, kind-hearted role, which has only made Aamir’s death all the more tragic. Nawal Saeed’s performance this week is great too as she grapples with her loss and what’s left for her future. And, of course, Haaris Waheed inspires fury as Tabraiz, giving an excellent performance as the emotionally stunted young man who cannot look beyond his own desires, even overlooking the value of human life.
There’s little to criticize about “Jaan E Jahan.” This is pure entertainment and each scene feels important without any “filler” sequences. It has been a long time since we’ve seen a slow burning show, one which allows its audience to wait for good things and allowing occurrences to play out at a realistic pace. “Jaan E Jahan” is that show – the sort of show that, if it continues with this quality, will be remembered for its romance for years to come.
