Many shows have come to an end over the last few weeks and “Fraud” is one such show. While “Fraud” did lose its way in terms of pacing midway with the unnecessary Talaal death track, it has been a fairly well-paced show throughout. Starring Saba Hameed, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ahsan Khan, Asma Abbas, Adnan Samad Khan and others in prominent roles, the story has been written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Saqib Khan. In the finale, the loose ends are wrapped up neatly – possibly too neatly.
In the finale, Shaji (Ahsan Khan) succeeds in wiring all of Kulsoom’s (Asma Abbas) finances to his own account, wiping out both Kulsoom and Tooba (Naeema Butt). As a result, Kulsoom suffers a heart attack…..and instantly repents for her thirty years of bad behavior. Why? Where is the moment of reflection? Can a bad person who never grew to love a young child she literally raised ever really turn over a new leaf? Kulsoom also destroyed Shaan’s first marriage. Why isn’t this touched upon? Shaan (Mikaal Zulfiqar) and Maya (Saba Qamar) are now successfully running their garments business while simultaneously helping wronged women by employing them and are doing well for themselves. And yet, as soon as Kulsoom falls ill, the two are full of love and forgiveness, ready to welcome Kulsoom and Tooba back into the fold. Are we suddenly overlooking the fact that Tooba locked little Zimmal in a closet for a full day? She physically and verbally abused Shaan’s daughter. Are such people worthy of forgiveness simply because they’ve now lost all their money….money they stole from Shaan? The entire arc surrounding Shaan’s stepmother and stepsister is not digestible and feels too neatly wrapped up, complete with a pretty bow on top, glossing over their disgusting crimes. Sometimes forgiveness does not equate to accepting individuals back into our lives.
Coming to Shaji, he has gotten away with so many crimes for so long. And suddenly, for the sake of convenience, he is trapped by a “bait engagement” and caught by Maya, Tooba and two other women he wronged. Honestly, shouldn’t we have seen Rehana (Aamna Malick) as well? Where did she disappear to after being given so much screen space earlier? Shaji’s downfall came on too quickly. It would have been nice to see a slower build up, which would have been more satisfying.
This is not criticizing the finale as a whole – or “Fraud” as a show. Quite honestly, “Fraud” has been a good watch, each episode highly awaited. As far as pacing goes, “Fraud” has gotten it right for the most part (minus the Talaal debacle). The finale simply feels too tidy. Saba Qamar and Mikaal Zulfiqar have been the highlight, their pairing truly being a treat for the eyes. Can we see them in another show together again please? Ahsan Khan did a great job as Shaji, really encapsulating the creepy, slimy demeanor of a con artist. The entire cast has done a wonderful job in a show that had a strong overall message of female empowerment and the importance of good life decisions. “Fraud” is a genuinely good show and is one that will be missed.