“Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3” has been a much-awaited show and comes with colossal expectations. After the premiere last week, feedback has been positive, the performances, pace, cinematography and overall feel of the show garnering praise. The show has been written by Hashim Nadeem Khan, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and stars Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, Junaid Khan, Mirza Zain Baig, Sunita Marshal, Javed Sheikh, Seemi Pasha, Waseem Abbas, Tooba Siddiqui, Momina Iqbal and several others. Last week served as an introduction episode to the lead characters and key players. This week further lays the foundation for the story.
In episode 2, Farhad (Feroze Khan) is at the receiving end of a lashing from his father, Taufeeq (Waseem Abbas) after flunking his exams yet again – rather, not even bothering to take them. Seeing his fickle attitude towards his education, Taufeeq sends him to Nisar (Javed Sheikh) for working purposes, hoping he finds his path. In a cliched case of mistaken understanding, Mahi (Iqra Aziz) and Farhad meet when Mahi believes he’s the guest Nisar has been waiting for. However, when she discovers that he’s there for work, she rudely throws him out of the room. This exchange could have been written in a better way as it makes Mahi come across as really unlikable while making Farhad seem dim. Who would not ask a person what their purpose of visiting is before escorting them inside (and vice versa)? Still, it’s not a criticizing point, simply a matter of not loving a scene. What ensues afterwards is a case of one-upmanship between the two once Mahi realizes Farhad is the wedding planner (more or less) and is being given respect by Nisar. These scenes are entertaining to watch and the chemistry between Iqra Aziz and Feroze Khan is there for all to see.
It’s nice to see that Farhad and Mahi’s attraction is not immediate. This may have been the greatest complaint with Khuda Aur Mohabbat’s earlier seasons, the complaint that the “mohabbat” was based on, essentially, love at first sight. In a show like this, the love story has to be based on true affection, a bond that grows over time, even if simply over the course of spending a few days together in close proximity. This makes it easier for the audience to buy the growing relationship between two individuals and it seems as though this is the path on which “Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3” is headed on with Farhad and Mahi as the two are not particularly fond of each other at this point.
Another high point is the conversation that takes place between Farhad and Javed Sheikh’s character at the end. Farhad is doing very well in his position with Nisar, working hard on arranging the wedding and one immediately thinks “Why doesn’t he do this as a career?” This idea isn’t lost on Nisar either, who commends Farhad for his hard work. Farhad admits that he enjoys all kinds of work and activities – other than studying. Nisar is quick to point out that success is not always associated with education. This is an important point to highlight in a show, because while education is important, at times it can hinder an individual’s self progress when always struggling to meet the expectations of others. Feroze Khan and Javed Sheikh are wonderful in this scene that many will be able to connect with.
Khuda Aur Mohabbat Season 3, Episode 1: Does The Premiere Live Up To Expectations?
At the end of the episode, we see Rida (Meherbano) and Mahi plotting a way for Rida to meet her fiancé, Faaris. Mahi’s plan goes straight to befriending Farhad, not realizing her slight flirtation will have an everlasting effect on him. It’s clear through the promo for episode 3 that Farhad will fall head over heels for Mahi – but will she reciprocate? As of right now, this drama is truly a quality show, one that has all the ingredients for a sure-fire hit. It has romance, comedy, great actors, lavish sets and what appears to be a strong script. We’ll have to see how the story plays out, but so far, “Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3” is a winner.
