Of all the shows releasing on Green Entertainment, “Kabuli Pulao” has stood out due to its unique, novel love story between an older man and his younger wife. What are the circumstances that lead this unusual couple to come together? This question alone will bring many to watch the first episode at least with the hope that there is strong context and storytelling sensitive to the subject matter – and fortunately, there is. Written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar, “Kabuli Pulao” stars Mohammed Ehtashamuddin and Sabeena Farooq in lead roles.
In episode one, we are introduced to Haji Sahab (Mohammed Ehtashamuddin), a man who has earned all his life to provide and care for his family members, but never married himself. Now at his elder age, he has sacrificed it all in the name of God to grow closer to him. At this time, he encounters a young widow from Afghanistan and the two, under unusual circumstances, get married. However, with how Haji Sahab has lived his life, will his family accept his new, young wife?
This is the crux of the storyline of “Kabuli Pulao” and with the first episode alone, the viewer is drawn into this world. Credit must be given to Ehtashamuddin, who has such command over his dialogue delivery and manages to toe the line between being a stern elderly man while also showing him as a soft, kind-hearted man who wants to grow and refuses to repeat his past mistakes. Mohammed Ehtashamuddin is brilliant in this first episode, consistently proving himself to be a stellar part of the Pakistani drama industry. Sabeena Farooq spends much of the episode with her face covered, speaking through her veil. It has to be mentioned that Sabeena’s Pashto is strong and she is believable in this role – and it’s nice to see her in a role worthy of her talent.
Between “Jeevan Nagar” and “Kabuli Pulao,” it’s a treat for Pakistani drama viewers to have two Kashif Nisar shows on air at the same time. He is a director who has always managed to win over audiences and if the first episode of “Kabuli Pulao” is the judging point, we are in for a wonderful journey. The first episode of “Kabuli Pulao” is just wonderful and leaves audiences feeling as though they’ve seen a piece of moving art. With more than twelve new shows on Green Entertainment, “Kabuli Pulao” currently tops the list of must-watch shows.
