When it comes to writing reviews and critiquing shows, it is much more difficult to review a good show over a mediocre/badly written one. “Prem Gali” is one such show that is a quality show and manages to win the viewer’s heart each week. Airing on ARY Digital, “Prem Gali” has been directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and written by Faiza Iftikhar. Starring Farhan Saeed, Sohai Ali Abro, Saba Hameed, Uzma Hassan, Shamim Hilaly and many others, this is a show with an incredibly talented team all around. The audience is transported into this small neighborhood and not only do we fall for the lead pair, but also all the side characters that reside there. In the last episode, we saw Fari’s (Anoushay Abbasi) marriage celebrations beginning, but the episode ended in disaster.
As episode 8 begins, the neighborhood celebrations for Fari’s marriage come to a standstill when Haseena’s (Farah Shah) home catches fire, specifically the room containing all the items Haseena had gathered for Fari’s wedding. While the neighborhood comes together to help and the fire is put out, Haseena and Fari are left mourning when all of Fari’s “jahez” is destroyed. Through this tragedy, a beautiful display of solidarity occurs when Shireen (Saba Hameed) gathers the entire neighborhood and they all pitch in money, jewelry, clothing and other valuable items to make up for what was lost so the marriage can move forward. This is a neighborhood, this is love and support from neighbors – neighbors who may gossip, backbite, and have petty fights, but when it boils down to it, these very people come forward to help during times of crisis. Shireen’s contribution of her car money and Tau’s contribution of his Hajj money both bring out the waterworks, as viewers are aware what a great sacrifice this is for both characters.
While Haseena is overwhelmed by this show of support, Fari lashes out, saying that while she appreciates the love being shown by everyone, why is her marriage dependent on these material items? And if that’s what a marriage is about, not the girl but the things, then who needs such a marriage? Hamza (Farhan Saeed) once again displays what a stand-up guy he is when he steps up and supports Fari’s decision against accepting the things. As it turns out, Fari and Hamza have both already spoken to the groom’s family and, in a refreshingly happy moment, Fari’s groom and to-be mother in law speak to Haseena and Shireen, saying they just want Fari and are there for them during this trying time. People are not all inherently bad and that’s what has been highlighted in this episode. During a time when so many dramas show the negative side of human beings, this show is doing a great job of showing how while individuals are flawed and can make mistakes, there is good that resides in their hearts.
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There’s also an interesting scene that takes place between Hamza’s chacha in this episode. While up until now, it seemed as though Fari and Chacha were still a possibility, this episode casts some light on a potential different angle – Mussarat (Uzma Hassan) and Chacha? While this is not a pairing that one could have seen coming, it certainly has potential. When the episode ends, Hamza has been called over by Shireen – but for what purpose? While Hamza and Joya (Sohai Ali Abro) believe she’s calling him to discuss his marriage to Joya, Hamza is shocked when Shireen asks him to find a proposal for Joya. Hamza snaps angrily, asking why she can’t see the man standing right in front of her. Now that Hamza has confessed his feelings for Joya to Shireen and Joya will confirm the same next week, how will the show move forward? One thing is for sure – the way “Prem Gali” has been written leaves one wanting more. This is the kind of show Pakistani drama viewers have been waiting for, a show that’s light-hearted, but has substance. This writer-director team of Faiza Iftikhar and Qasim Ali Mureed have done it again after “Aagan.” “Prem Gali” continues to be a winner.