“Wehem” took off on a great start and has, since then, continued to build a strong, “slow burning” narrative. The central character in “Wehem” is Rukhsana, a strong, matriarchal character with many shades, shades that begin to reveal themselves by the end of episode one and continue to present Rukhsana in a new light as time goes on. Starring Savera Nadeem in the central role, the show also stars Babar Ali, Tara Mehmood, Shamim Hilaly, Adnan Samad Khan, Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz and Kinza Hashmi. The story has been written by Imran Nazir and directed by Adnan Wai Qureshi.
“Wehem” can truly be called a psychological drama. On the outlook, the story is about a young girl, Eshal (Kinza Hashmi) learning to co-exist with her mother-in-law. However, the show is much more than this – and can leave the viewer feeling rather crazed by the end of a 38-minute episode. This drama is truly about a narcissistic, controlling personality and depicts how Rukhsana manipulates others and creates an image of kindness for herself all while holding her “loved ones” under her thumb. Junaid (Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz) and Fareed (Adnan Samad Khan) have been raised to feel indebted to their own mother, Fareed for being adopted by her and Junaid for having been raised by her single-handedly and educating him. This is not a mean, vengeful woman, rather it’s a true personality disorder. Rukhsana first lashes out at others in anger, saying what she truly thinks and then, wins the individual back over in her moments of extreme kindness. By doing so, she’s building a relationship of trust, a relationship of “belonging” to one another and a relationship of…..well, abuse.
Up until now, Fareed has never worked a day in his life and has been completely reliant on his mother – along with his wife, Saira. This is exactly how Rukhsana has always wanted it, to be the center of attention within her family while they are entirely dependent upon her. And yet, Eshal’s entry into their household has shaken things with both Junaid and Fareed now starting to think differently, seeing the world from a different point of view than simply their mother’s. Fareed has finally decided that he wants to work and be independent while Junaid has begun to see that his mother may not always be right. Rukhsana has raised her sons to be pure Mama’s boys, so they will never see their mother as “wrong,” but they are beginning to see that they may have their own opinions, which do not match up to hers.
In all of this, it’s Khawar (Babar Ali) and Sabahat (Tara Mehmood) who are the voice of reason. This is a strong couple, a couple who not only love their daughter, but also love one another. They are expressive and share their thoughts with each other. They want the best for their daughter and are caught up in many thoughts while deciding what that may be. This is a broad-minded couple struggling to do the right thing. And yet, we can also see that Rukhsana is almost blackmailing Khawar with her attitude. What is this secret between them?
Overall, “Wehem” is a great watch. Savera Nadeem is the glue that holds the show together, but Shamim Hilaly, Babar Ali and Tara Mehmood are also equally as good. While the young cast does a great job, it’s the older generation of actors that get the most scope to act and they do a fabulous job. This one is highly recommended.