“Mushk” is a show that does not receive the attention it deserves. Written by Imran Ashraf and directed by Aehsun Talish, “Mushk” stars Imran Ashraf, Urwa Hocane, Momal Sheikh, Osama Tahir amongst many talented others. The story focuses on several different characters, their lives all interconnected through one secret marriage. This show has been building up the story slowly and with episode 11, this drama seems set to really spring into action.
Up until now, we’ve seen Shayaan (Osama Tahir) under the thumb of Malik (Aehsun Talish). Whether it be being locked up in isolation as punishment or now being guarded like a prized jewel, Shayaan has been unable to escape Malik’s gaze. However, now with Malik’s wife (Natasha Ali) realizing the weight of this decision, Shayaan’s future takes a different turn. While she has suffered the loss of love (and now his death), she has always held hopes for a different future for her young daughter. After Shayaan confesses that he’s married with a child, she helps him escape, setting him out on a path of both danger and hope. Shayaan has escaped – but we’ve seen this before. Will Shayaan actually succeed this time? Stopping to speak to the SHO regarding Malik, Shayaan believes he’s taking steps towards clearing his path and doing the right thing. However, as the audience, we know to be hesitant towards this move as Shayaan has been caught before – and Malik has a heavy influence in his area. What are the chances that Malik has the SHO in his pocket? Are Shayaan’s problems only just beginning? Osama Tahir shines in this episode, getting Shayaan’s expressions just right. Shayaan is a man who has suffered a lot. He has seen hope only to have it dashed, has struggled against his Mamoon only to realize it was futile. And now, once again, the hope has been reignited. He is almost scared of being hopeful again and yet wants to fight. He’s a character to root for and Osama Tahir is doing a wonderful job in this role.
Much of the episode focuses on Roshni and her (non) marriage. Of course, Guddi (Urwa Hocane) is completely invested in this escape, happily rejoicing over Roshni’s escape – and in return, her revenge on Zulekha. Urwa Hocane is a star performer, stealing the frame every time she appears on screen. Despite her watchful eye, Zulekha (Zara Tareen) is shocked when she discovers Roshni has disappeared. Doctor sahab shows his loyalty to Zulekha when he comes to her rescue, taking attention from Roshni’s absence by setting it up to seem as though Roshni’s to-be husband is already married with a child. While this move has saved face for the family publicly, what will they do now to fix the situation with Roshni’s disappearance? Also, is Saqib (Raza Talish) trustworthy at all? While he may have come to get Roshni and has run away with her, his intentions still seem questionable. Has Roshni jumped out of the fire and into a well? Though it could also be said that she was never jumping into a fire to begin with, because her to-be husband seemed like an upright sort of man. Zara Tareen deserves a round of applause for her performance, not only in this episode, but in the show overall.
Mehek (Momal Sheikh) and Adam (Imran Ashraf) take the backseat in this episode, their scenes relegated to their presence on-stage. While Adam is seen struggling with his emotions, juggling between being happy that he’s getting engaged to Mehek, while also realizing the entire thing is a sham and his dream will never be fulfilled. Adam continues to be the most lovable character, one who is a shoulder of support for Mehek, but is also dealing with his own emotions regarding the lies and deception he’s putting everyone through. Imran Ashraf manages to stand out even when given a few minutes of screen time. Momal Sheikh is acting well, though Mehek is a very complicated character that is not “bad” on any level, but has made many questionable choices that certainly do not make her “good.”
The show has taken off in a big way, setting off two major storylines. While Roshni’s family will be seen desperately searching for her, Shayaan will continue to push to reunite with his wife and child. But will either of these characters manage to reach their desired destination? That will remain to be seen. “Mushk” continues to deliver in terms of acting, content and visuals.
