“Jhoom” is nothing short of a super success as far as viewership and TRPs go. However, where “Jhoom” is truly a winner is in terms of characterization, writing and presentation. These are three of the most important aspects of a good drama – and “Jhoom” has it all. This is a show that could be categorized as not only being an excellent entertainer, but also a show with meaning. Starring Haroon Kadwani, Zara Noor Abbas, Usman Peerzada, Zainab Qayyum, Javed Sheikh, Haris Waheed, Sidra Niazi, Farhan Ali Agha, Noreen Gulwani, Ahmed Agloria, Reham Rafiq and others in prominent roles, the story has been written by the talented Hashim Nadeem and directed by Ali Faizan.
In episodes 11 and 12, Aryaan (Haroon Kadwani) and Maryam (Zara Noor Abbas) count down the days until their separation is over. Unfortunately, the closer they get to achieving their goals, the more enemies Aryaan seems to make. This week, his latest enemy arrives in the form of Mehwish (Sidra Niazi). While we initially assumed Mehwish would fall for Aryaan, the story has gone an entirely different way. Asfandyar (Javed Sheikh), Mehwish’s father, is married to Shehla (Zainab Qayyum)…..Aryaan’s mother. Mehwish initially wants to support Aryaan after hearing about his love story through Mahlab (Noreen Gulwani) and visits him at home, where she discovers the truth about Aryaan’s past.
With each episode, it’s the small things in the writing which make “Jhoom” so worthwhile. While Mehwish could easily be seen as yet another villain – and she certainly will be -, there’s depth to her emotions. As a young girl, Mehwish lost her mother and then felt she lost her father after he remarried. She held her stepmother responsible for taking her father away from her and though Asfandyar has not only tried to be a good father to her now in the present, he also tries to atone for his past behavior by working with the kids of his orphanage. Unfortunately, as far as Mehwish goes, it’s too little too late and the scars have left their mark. Realizing that Aryaan is the son of the woman who she holds responsible for her pain is a big blow and her fear that Aryaan will step in to take what she has is, quite honestly, a valid fear from her perspective. Does that mean we begin to root for Mehwish? No, but it’s the sign of good writing that we’re able to understand her.
Credit must also be given to Usman Peerzada and Javed Sheikh for their portrayals of Dr. Tauqeer and Asfandyar respectively. In this episode, these two grown men come together to discuss not only the present, but the past. These characters are aware that their decisions have impacted their children in different ways. While they made the best choices for themselves, the ramifications of these choices have affected their loved ones.
As Aryaan and Maryam plan their reunion with excitement, even picking out engagement outfits and counting down the days, they win our hearts as a couple forced to be at a distance. Their romantic scenes are limited, considering they aren’t allowed to meet, but their sightings and interactions with the help of their friends are really sweet to watch. While Haroon Kadwani is still an actor attempting to prove himself worthy of these high-budget projects, he has improved immensely as an actor over the past couple of years and is delivering a lovable performance. Zara Noor Abbas is not only endearing as Maryam and is delivering a strong performance, but she is also drop-dead gorgeous with her styling. There’s little to criticize about “Jhoom,” unless we truly want to nitpick. With Mehwish now joining hands with Sherry (Haris Waheed), the wall between Aryaan and Maryam will continue to grow – hopefully in a way that continues to be enjoyable and not grating. As of right now, this is an enjoyable watch with depth.
