To say that “Jhoom” is one of the best shows on television would not be an understatement and would not be overselling the show. This is a story with strong characters, good performances, a story which keeps us hooked at every turn and truly eye-pleasing camera work. Starring Haroon Kadwani, Zara Noor Abbas, Javed Sheikh, Usman Peerzada, Zainab Qayyum, Haaris Waheed, Sidra Niazi, Farhan Ali Agha, Noreen Gulwani, Reham Rafiq, Ahmed Agloria and others in important roles, the show has been written by Hashim Nadeem and directed by Ali Faizan.
In episodes seven and eight, Sherry (Haaris Waheed) has put forth the condition that Aryaan (Haroon Kadwani) will need to stay away from Mariyam (Zara Noor Abbas) for 3 months – during which time he must get a job and stick to it. While initially angry over this humiliation, Mariyam and Aryaan’s friends and family convince him to accept the condition and prove himself worthy of Mariyam’s love. Mariyam, on her part, believes this will be good for Aryaan. This condition isn’t unreasonable, though Sherry’s reasons for putting it out there are manipulative. But what else could be expected from Sherry? What is unbelievable is the fact that Mariyam has so innocently put Sherry’s crime on the backburner and is taking his demands seriously. Considering the mess Sherry has just come out of, would any logical older sister put all the control for her marriage in the hands of a man who is so emotionally and mentally unstable? How could she weigh Sherry’s mental health – a man who shot Tina – above Aryaan’s?
Still, Aryaan agrees and actively begins looking for a job. Unfortunately, due to Sherry’s sabotage, he does not get hired on. However, during one such work search, he encounters Asfandyar Khan (Javed Sheikh) in a chance encounter. Befriending him and his little friends, he learns that Asfandyar Khan runs a home for abandoned young boys. This is an interesting twist, as Aryaan feels that immediate connection to these boys. Aryaan himself was abandoned by his mother and those feelings of abandonment are what caused his struggles with anger.
The emphasis placed on human psychology in “Jhoom” is commendable. Aryaan is attracted to Mariyam due to her demeanor and the way she cares – something which he has been lacking in his life (from a woman). Mariyam falls for Aryaan, because of her own traumatic past and she sees in him what she wishes her ex had been for her. She sees a protector and that’s what she wants in a partner. There’s something else that needs to be discussed here though and that’s Aryaan’s anger itself. Many men who struggle with this sort of temper turn out to be horrible partners. They make unstable husbands and their wives spend their lives trying to pacify their volatile partners. It would be great to see a character like Aryaan actually receive treatment for his temper and go through a process to chance – rather than making Mariyam his solution.
The strength of “Jhoom” is how well-etched the characters are. These are not flat characters and they react in ways we, as normal human beings, would react. This isn’t a world built on misunderstandings or half-truths, rather the characters are openly willing to engage in discussion, be open with one another regarding their past and work together towards a solution. Quite honestly, “Jhoom” has a lot going for it from presentation to solid writing and good acting. Haroon Kadwani has learned a lot from his “Ruposh” days and is molding himself into a good actor. Zara Noor Abbas is beautiful as Mariyam and is delivering a natural performance. Usman Peerzada is great, though his lectures on love are reminiscent of the weird speeches from “Ishq E Laa” last year.
The final scene introduces viewers to Zainab Qayyum’s character, who is in the hospital. It’s evident that this is Aryaan’s mother – but what is her connection to Asfandyar Khan? Is he the man she left home for? What is the real story? Overall, “Jhoom” has found itself on the list of must-watch shows with audiences waiting for each episode.
