“Safar Tamam Hua” is one of those unusual shows that found itself on the brink of being rejected by drama viewers due to slow pace and a paper-thin plot based on unnecessary misunderstandings – and now, somehow, has managed to recapture the interest of its audience. Starring Ali Rehman Khan, Madiha Imam, Syed Jibran, Noreen Gulwani, Samina Ahmed, Haaris Waheed, Sonia Nazir, Annie Zaidi and others, the story has been written by Rahat Jabeen and directed by Shehrazade Sheikh. The story has picked up in the past few episodes with the introduction of the Nazo character, along with some interesting layers added to the Nabeel character (who is our killer).
Sami (Ali Rehman Khan) and Anoushay’s (Madiha Imam) household has never managed to recover after Rija’s death, each placing blame on others, suspicious of their own family members. Amidst this friction, Nazo (Noreen Gulwani) has landed at the most inopportune time – but the perfect time for Jamal (Syed Jibran), who has decided to utilize Nazo to create a further rift between Sami and Anoushay. Jamal has been chit-chatting with Nazo on the phone under the pretense of being Sami. This plotline would be paper-thin, as wouldn’t Nazo recognize Sami’s voice? Fortunately this is actually addressed later on in the episode in a believable way. Sami has grown horribly frustrated with Anoushay and matters are made worse when, on Nazo’s encouraging, she asks Sami to marry Nazo. Sami has had enough with Anoushay’s suspicions and accusations and decides he is done with her. Unfortunately, Anoushay’s brain finally begins to work (too little, too late) and after a little snooping, she discovers Jamal has been calling Nazo in an effort to create misunderstandings between Sami and Anoushay. The truth is revealed in front of the entire family and while Anoushay is the one to “save the day,” Sami is blunt – it’s too late. If the audience has been feeling irritation towards Anoushay’s behavior, imagine Sami’s emotions being mistrusted by the person who knew him the most. Sami has checked out of the relationship just as Anoushay has checked back in. Will they ever be able to move past their problems?
Nabeel (Haaris Waheed) has become a fascinating character and Haaris Waheed is playing the role very well. Nabeel is the guilty party behind Rija’s death and while we don’t know the details, we know it’s eating at Nabeel, leaving him unable to rest. Nabeel is seen lashing out at everyone from Sami to Ayeza (Sonia Nazir) and even his own mother (Annie Zaidi), but no one understands why. Ayeza is seen discussing options with Sami and Anoushay, wondering if she should take him to a psychiatrist. It’s nice to see that the topic of mental health is being discussed here with educated, progressive characters instead of discussions on “nazar” (the evil eye).
Safar Tamam Hua Episodes 13 & 14: Haaris Waheed Makes An Impact As Nabeel
Overall, “Safar Tamam Hua” has picked up in an exciting way, paving the way for upcoming storylines to unfold. Ali Rehman Khan and Madiha Imam’s chemistry is wonderful, despite the complexed, almost unlikable character of Anoushay – Madiha Imam is a good enough actress to make it work. Ali Rehman has the nicest character in the show and is the most likable, while Syed Jibran is playing the slimy Jamal well. It’s Haaris Waheed and Sonia Nazir who are really making an impression though, both naturals in their roles, being given some solid material to work with. It’s rare to see a somewhat dull show make a comeback like this. It’s a refreshingly pleasant surprise. One can only hope the story continues to pick up from this point on.