“Qarar” is a show that had a lot going for it starring likable names like Sanam Jung, Rabab Hashim, Muneeb Butt, Mekaal Zulfiqar and Ali Safina. With a great cast, written by Aliya Bukhari and directed by Barkat Sidiki, the show took off on a good note with a likable first couple of episodes. However, things quickly took a nosedive as the show progressed. Now 14 episodes in, the show does not appear to show any signs of redeeming itself.
In episode 14, Amar (Muneeb Butt) and Faria (Rabab Hashim) are now in a strong place in their marriage. Their family unit is a happy one with Bi Jaan and now Amar’s newly returned brother Junaid (Mekaal Zulfiqaar), a brother who has not been mentioned even once until his arrival. The scenes between Amar and Faria are really sweet now that the two have finally accepted each other as spouses and have realized each other’s worth. Rabab and Muneeb make a nice looking pair, which also works in the show’s favor. However, while things have fallen into place for the now-happy couple, it’s clear that this happiness is short-lived. There’s a shortage of men in this world, so where else could the newly divorced Maya (Sanam Jung) look except in Faria’s sasural? Faria’s Taayi (Seemi Pasha) sets her sights on Junaid immediately and begins plotting a match, which is the most mindless decision she could ever make considering Maya’s past with Amar. Maya, the most selfish character in recent times on Pakistani television (who does not have any mental issues and is just straight-up selfish), of course believes this is a good idea and gets to work entrapping Junaid.
The problem with this entire scenario is that Faria has suffered a lot at Maya’s hands and now that her home is a happy one, why would she step anywhere near Maya? Both Bi Jaan, Amar and Faria should, logically, step in here and set Junaid straight, telling him exactly what happened and how Maya has made their lives a living hell. Instead, Faria convinces Amar that a marriage between Maya and Junaid is a wonderful idea and Junaid happily agrees as well. In what world is this logical? These characters are so painfully fictional, they have no connection to reality. This is not a realistic scenario and human beings with any sense do not behave like this? Of course, Maya is set on making her entrance into Faria’s home to torture both Faria and Amar – not to mention Junaid. As bad as Salman was as a husband, Maya certainly didn’t make things easy and she will do the same here.
Dulhan Episode 20: Mashal Khan’s Annie Grows Suspicious of Mekaal
Sanam Jung is a natural actress and always has been, but the character of Maya does not suit her in any way. She simply does not seem comfortable playing this role and is out of her element, which is reflecting poorly on-screen in her performance. This was not the right choice for her and it’s unfortunate, because she is generally likable. Muneeb Butt and Rabab Hashmi share wonderful chemistry and look adorable together, but their characters are so dim, it’s painful to watch. One can’t even fault their acting (which is good), it’s simply that the characters have been written into a repetitive box where they continuously make the same mistakes. The greatest issue with this entire show is in the writing and the illogical actions of its characters. “Qarar” is one of those shows that should have been a sure-fire hit, but it’s one that tests the viewer’s patience.