“Sabaat” has consistently been refreshingly different from other shows on television. While the show has its own share of drama (what’s a show without an antagonist?), the presentation is not melodramatic or loud and comes across as realistic with characters that are likable and/or believable. Starring Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, Sarah Khan and Usman Mukhtar (who will finally be gracing us with his presence!) in the lead roles, this is a drama that has treaded a consistent pace, but with episode 11, the events pick up tremendously.
Without dragging things out, Hassan (Ameer Gilani) and Anaya’s (Mawra Hocane) wedding takes place. The events are shown in, again, a very natural, realistic way from Hassan’s baraat leaving the house, Anaya’s friends waiting with her, Anaya’s deep discussion with her father (Mohammad Ahmed) – which was beautiful by the way – and all the wedding festivities. When Anaya’s friends went to steal Hassan’s shoes, it felt as though viewers were a part of the event. Of course, Hassan and Anaya’s relationship has progressed in such an endearing way that one hopes their relationship stays like this throughout the show.
Miraal (Sarah Khan) has been slowly progressing towards a different level of instability. Narcissism aside, her behavior has begun to mirror that of a psychopath, showing all the symptoms, particularly murderous tendencies and now arson.
Watch the eleventh episode here.
Miraal does not attend Hassan’s wedding and in their absence, she sets Hassan’s wedding bed on fire. Miraal is a difficult character to watch and has been consistently brash until now, but Sarah Khan excels in this episode as Miraal continues her unraveling into madness. Her joy and laughter at Hassan and Anaya’s reception being canceled is a telling sign that Miraal has completely lost it and it will be exciting to see how Usman Mukhtar will figure into this scenario next week.
Mawra Hocane gives the best performance of the episode. Anaya has been a confident, modern-day character, but still fairly straight-laced until now. With this episode, Mawra is given the scope to really perform as Anaya transitions into a different household and is faced with discomfort the moment she arrives (courtesy Miraal), but true to her father’s advise, Anaya does her best to mask her feelings.
Read about episode 10 here.
Of course, it does help that Hassan is a supportive, loving husband and does his best to shield Anaya from his family. Ameer Gilani is so likable on-screen and while Hassan may have been likable regardless of who played him, Ameer gives him this charm that has the audience rooting for him. Hassan has also “grown up” a lot over the past few episodes. Mawra and Ameer look simply adorable together and their chemistry is what has viewers swooning over Anaya and Hassan.
“Sabaat” continues to be an audience pleaser of a show and this episode exceeded expectations, balancing out Miraal’s madness with Hassan and Anaya’s sweetness. Usman Mukhtar’s Dr. Haaris will enter in episode 12, which is something to anticipate in itself. Add Hassan and Anaya’s married life to the equation and “Sabaat” is ready for take-off.