While Har Pal Geo often touches upon serious subjects in their dramas, the treatment of some shows place them in the bracket of “guilty pleasures.” “Mujhe Qabool Nahin” is one such show, based on the topic of child marriage and how individuals do grow apart when big decisions are made for them at such a young age. The topic is an excellent one, but the treatment does not require the viewer to take it too seriously – especially when the role of knight in shining armor has already been assigned. Starring Sami Khan, Madiha Imam and Ahsan Khan in lead roles, along with Sidra Niazi, Osama Tahir, Saba Faisal, Azra Mansoor, Humaira Bano and Mohammed Ahmed in supporting roles, the story has been written by Adeel Razzaq and directed by Aabis Raza.
In episode 7, Maira (Madiha Imam) faces the aftermath of Atir’s (Ahsan Khan) visit. This entire scenario is bizarre, because in any dignified situation, Atir would’ve not only informed his own mother of his intentions before dragging her to Maira’s home, he would’ve at least spoken to Maira about the situation before turning up at her house. While Maira is technically married, she could’ve been engaged or committed elsewhere and proposing would’ve been entirely out of line – and it was. That’s not to say that Maira’s family is sane, rather they’re absolutely insane, Daadi (Azra Mansoor) in particular. And while Nudrat (Saba Faisal) may be soft-hearted, she’s also a terrible mother who allows her mother-in-law to bully her at every turn, even into slapping her own children.
Of course, we cannot talk about this situation without talking about Salman (Sami Khan). Sami Khan is such an excellent actor and he has made some interesting choices with Salman. Salman is a master manipulator and he knows just how to play Maira’s family against her. The interesting choice Sami has made with playing Salman is that he ensures the audience knows he is not a nice guy and is manipulating the situation, even when putting on his “nice guy” act for Maira’s family. Salman is a terrible character, but Sami Khan’s performance is exceptional. Salman continues to foray into one mess after another, refusing to work, but getting involved with the wrong kind of crowd.
Atir’s home condition is warped as well with a mother who is against love marriage thanks to Shajiya’s (Alizeh Rasool) failed one. And while Atir is this kind-hearted, devoted, loyal savior for Maira, it’s all too much too soon. He barely knows Maira and has barely ever even had a normal conversation with her. And in one of the few moments where she speaks more than 2 sentences, he determines that she’s unhappy with her nikkah and decides he’s going to save her somehow. Still, the moment between Maira and Atir works in a big way due to the respect Atir shows her in confessing his feelings, not only recognizing her unhappiness, but also making it clear that he would like to see her find her way out of that relationship – even if she chooses to reject him. Ahsan Khan is such a strong actor that even while playing this lovelorn role, his sincerity shines through, making Atir every bit the “hero” he is meant to be.
Overall, “Mujhe Qabool Nahin” is a good watch, one with great actors and strong performances – but also high on melodrama. Madiha Imam is doing a great job in this role, fitting the part of the strong working woman trapped in her personal life. The emotional blackmail from all corners can be overwhelming. With Atir’s proposal already out of the way and Salman’s intense emotional abuse, what more will Maira have thrown her way considering we’re only on episode 7?