“Qissa Meherbano Ka” premiered with much buzz and fanfare and yet, it hasn’t been winning rave reviews due to its slightly slow pace and regressive storyline. However, after a slow start, the story has been gaining momentum in the last couple of episodes. Starring Mawra Hocane, Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz, Ahsan Khan, Areej Mohyuddin, Mohammad Ahmed, Zeb Rehman and others, the story has been written by Fakhra Jabeen and directed by Iqbal Hussain.
In episode 8, we see Meherbano (Mawra Hocane) attempting to find her footing in her new life with Murad (Ahsan Khan). This isn’t an easy feat, considering he already has a wife (Mashal Khan), who has made it her mission to make Meherbano’s life hell. Adding to this is the character played by Hassan Noman, who is harassing Meherbano at every turn. This is a character that doesn’t sit well with viewers, as he is given effeminate mannerisms and is seen as a harasser. Who thought this was a good direction to go in exactly? Much of the episode focuses on this character and his desire to get revenge on Meherbano for slapping him. Fortunately, after Ayaz (Khushal Khan) falls ill, Meherbano not only nurses him to health, but also covers for him after he steals money. This wins Ayaz over and a bond is formed between Meherbano and Ayaz.
Quite honestly, there are only two relationships in this show that deserve more screen time at present. The first is the relationship between Abba Jaan and Noor, which is a very cute, affectionately antagonistic relationship – and realistically so. Their scenes put a smile on the viewer’s face and leave us wanting more. Unfortunately, Abba Jaan keeps making comments regarding death – is this an indicator of his impending departure? And if so, where will that leave Noor? The second interesting relationship is that between Meherbano and Ayaz. Ayaz is a deeply troubled character due to years of negligence and hatred faced at the hands of his own family. Now with Meherbano’s arrival, he’s beginning to realize he does have someone in his corner – and vice versa. This aunt-nephew relationship has potential to be a sweet one. Khushal Khan is also quickly proving himself to be an actor of value.
Other than this, some of the bigger players like Ahsan Khan and Zeb Rehman are let down by a slightly dull screenplay. So far, the story is moving at a snail’s pace. Honestly, how many times can we watch Mashal Khan’s pitiful character throw taunts at Meherbano despite realizing Murad’s master plan and how badly Meherbano has been treated by him? Why can’t the “other woman” be a human being with two brain cells? Adding to this, Zeb Rehman’s character is rigid in each and every scene without any layers – she simply is the way she is, because that’s how she has been written. There isn’t any soul there, which is disappointing considering the caliber of Zeb Rehman’s acting. Ahsan Khan’s role is another let-down, as he doesn’t have much to do at this point but pacify two wives. It will be interesting to see how the show continues to unfold, as it has become more interesting with the introduction of Khushal Khan’s character. Will Mehran (Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz) and Noor wind up married in upcoming epsiodes? This is a path that would not be enjoyable and yet, the previews seem to suggest it.