“Qalandar” is a show that doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. This isn’t a show that’s preaching religion or a show with a strong moral message. It’s your generally melodramatic show with conniving, mean-spirited characters with a sprinkling of kind ones. And yet, there’s something about this drama that makes the viewer sit up and take notice. Whether it’s the beautiful sets, the cinematography, the good-looking actors or the talented (but asked to overact) cast, “Qalandar” has a lot going for it. Starring Komal Meer, Muneeb Butt, Ali Abbas, Hiba Aziz, Kinza Razzaq, Asma Abbas, Kashif Mehmood, Noor Ul Hassan, Kinza Malik, Ali Tahir and others in prominent roles, the story has been written by Samra Bukhari and directed by Saima Waseem.
In episode 14, Tabraiz (Muneeb Butt) and Adan (Komal Meer) are now married. While Adan is truly devoted to Tabraiz and sees him as her savior, Tabraiz is already planning his second marriage to Sumbul (Hiba Aziz). While we’ve already known these women are as different as night and day, the differences are clearly apparent in this episode as we see their respective demeanor with the object of their affection, Tabraiz. Adan is a doting wife, soft-spoken, hard-working in regard to household chores, loving towards family members and anxiously awaiting Tabraiz’ return. In contrast, Sumbul has a classist attitude. She expects Tabraiz to mold himself to her liking and “loves him,” openly expressing her like, though it’s evident she only likes his appearance and wants to possess him. Her classist ideas come out in a particularly ugly outburst at the mall when Tabraiz expresses his hunger – and Sumbul does not mince words or even bother keeping her voice level down while verbally thrashing Tabraiz over it publicly.
If there are some beautiful moments in the episode, they are the moments between Adan and Irfan (Ali Abbas). Irfan is a very sweet, kind-hearted individual and will most likely become Adan’s protector within the household – but will this affect his relationship with Shafaq (Kiran Razzaq)? We’ve seen Shafaq and Juhi’s fights already, so while Shafaq appears to be a loving partner now, we know she has an aggressive side. However, we can’t help hoping Shafaq will be Adan’s ally rather than an enemy….but seeing Adan and Irfan’s bond, it seems unlikely. We can’t possibly have kindness and normal family relationships in a drama!
Ali Abbas and Komal Meer really stand out in this episode with their performances, as they play the nicest, sweetest characters. As previously mentioned, Hiba Aziz appears miscast in this role – though she has greatly improved in between episode 6 and episode 14. Her outburst in the mall was rather believable. Overall, “Qalandar” remains to be a very interesting watch, though the Chacha (Kashif Mehmood) turning villainous has been an unwelcome turn of events with the family celebrating Tabraiz’ upcoming second marriage while treating Adan like the household help. How long will it take for Tabraiz to recognize the value of his (first) wife?