“Jaan E Jahan” may not be getting the incredibly high views other shows are getting, but it has built up a quality, dedicated fanbase and can be called nothing short of a success due to its beautiful romance, angsty family story and wonderful performances. 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.
The love story between Shehram (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and Mahnoor (Ayeza Khan) has settled into a realistic, comfortable, natural romance which is not only beautiful to watch, but also realistic. These two characters love each other, respect each other and understand each other and this is the foundation of a good relationship, without any toxicity, which is why we find ourselves so hopelessly rooting for this couple. On the other hand, Taimoor’s (Emmad Irfani) interest in Mahnoor is also at an all-time high and he is a likable character – but will he wind up being a thorn in Shehram’s side with his mother’s arrival and a proposal heading in Mahnoor’s direction?
Meanwhile, Abdul’s (Raza Talish) romance has been thwarted now that Tabraiz (Haaris Waheed) is getting married to Aaliyah (Srha Asghar). Abdul and Aaliyah’s friendship had just been forming, so Abdul cannot logically step in and claim a romance nor has Aaliyah necessarily thought of him along those lines (yet), so it’s logical that Abdul would not overreact or overstep. Raza Talish does a great job of keeping his reactions reserved and subdued. Abdul does what any respectful man would do – approaches Tabraiz and asks him to mend his ways before marrying such a good girl. Will the marriage between Aaliyah and Tabraiz take place or will Abdul have a chance at romance with Aaliyah? Quite honestly, it would have been nice to see more of a romance developing between the two, but maybe that could still take place.
It was only a matter of time before Kishwar caught on to Zeenat’s antics and suspicions, otherwise it would have seemed unrealistic. Unfortunately, Zeenat got caught in a rookie move, handing over her phone to Kishwar, not deleting the picture of the sleep medicine in her phone and then leaving her phone unattended. It’s frustrating to see an intelligent character get caught like this – and yet, it’s realistic. Fortunately, the curtains have been lifted and Kishwar and Zeenat now see the other for who they are. While Zeenat is being sent away, the previews seem to promise that Zeenat will clue Mahnoor in on what’s happening. Will the two work together to remove Kishwar from her high horse, especially now that it appears somewhat of guilt is settling in with Murad Shah appearing in her dreams?
The entire cast is doing an exceptional job and there isn’t really just one actor to praise. While Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ayeza Khan are the heart and soul of the show, it’s enjoyable watching every character on screen from Maryam Nafees and Savera Nadeem facing off, Raza Talish and Srha Asghar’s characters bonding in a potential romance, Haaris Waheed continuing to manipulate those around him and even Nawal Saeed as the vulnerable Gul Zaib. Credit must be given to Rida Bilal’s writing, which has kept the characters entertaining, engaging and layered, while Qasim Ali Mureed has painted such a beautiful canvas, bringing these characters to life on our screens. There’s a lot to praise about “Jaan E Jahan” each week and little to criticize. This week, however, we do have to wonder if the story is taking a political turn. Will Shehram, to defend his father’s reputation and property, take up politics and take the reigns towards his father’s legacy? And if so, is this a path that will keep audiences hooked? At present, with Zeenat’s departure, Jamal’s plotting against Shehram, Aaliyah’s engagement to Tabraiz and the reappearance of Mahnoor’s ex-fiance, it’s not really clear what direction “Jaan E Jahan” is headed in, but at the present time, it’s still a must-watch.
