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umraaz, directed by Farooq Rind and written by Misbah Nousheen, is one of the most highly anticipated drama series of this year. Boasting a star-studded main cast that includes Ayeza Khan, Zahid Ahmed and Feroze Khan, along with a stellar supporting cast and, produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, the play is off to a promising start. It may turn out to be a rollercoaster ride with plenty of twists and turns.
Sara, played by Ayeza Khan, is head over heels in love with her first cousin Ahmer, portrayed by Zahid Ahmed. The two are planning to tie the knot soon. However, as the story unfolds, the viewers realise that Ahmer’s mother is not too keen on the union. It also turns out that Ahmer’s parents are divorced and that his father has re-married. However, Zahid is on good terms with his father and does not blame him for their situation.
Hints are dropped about a family feud involving Ahmer’s mother, her ex-husband and her sister-in-law, who is Ayeza’s mother. This is apparently the main reason she does not like Ayeza and does not want her son to marry her. However, she agrees because of her son.
Another track running parallel to this involves Haroon Shahid as Faraz and his younger brother, Saim, portrayed by Feroze Khan. Saim is obsessed with his brother and is always picking up fights. Portrayed as an obsessive individual with anger issues, he is extremely possessive about his brother who teaches music at a university and is calmer and more rational. He is always trying to knock some sense into Saim but to no avail.
Initially, the viewer is confused as there are two female characters by the name of Sara. One is Ayeza and the other is Faraz’s love interest, played by Fahima Awan, whom he meets at university and secretly marries. His family is aware that he is interested in someone whose family is against the union. Faraz’s lady love, also called Sara, has a tribal background. Once her brother overhears her conversation with Faraz all hell breaks loose. Her father tricks her by pretending that he wishes to meet Faraz and is all for the union.
The play has a lot of tracks running parallel and boasts of a star-studded main cast and a powerful supporting cast. The OST reminds the viewers of the film Humraaz, by Abbas-Mustan, starring Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol. The duo is known for directing mystery and crime thrillers and there is definitely a feeling of déjà vu while the viewer is watching the television serial.
In the meantime, Sara (Ayeza Khan) plays a prank on Faraz by approaching him in a restaurant, where he has agreed to meet his lady love, and asking him for his number as she has been dared to do by her friends. He is taken aback by her request and threatens to call the management. She runs away with his phone and as he follows her, the viewers spot Sara’s (Fahima Awan’s brother) lurking in a corner.
When Faraz arrives at the agreed spot, Sara arrives with her brother and father’s goons in tow. She tries to warn him and urges him to leave but before he can do so, he is surrounded. Sara watches helplessly as he is shot down by her brother.
Amna Ilyas is a superintendent of police. She also happens to be Faraz’s friend. When his brother beats up a couple of boys at his university and a complaint is filed against him, Amna arranges for his release on bail. It is quite evident that she likes Faraz but he only views her as a friend.
She is also the person who discovers the body and is traumatised. In the meantime, Faraz has informed his family that he is bringing Sara home. The family is busy decorating the house to welcome her. While busy with the preparations, Saim receives a call from Amna who requests him to come to the hospital. As the bombshell drops, the episode ends.
The play has a lot of tracks running parallel and boasts a star-studded main cast with a powerful supporting cast. The OST reminds the viewers of the film Humraaz, by Abbas-Mustan, starring Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol. There is definitely a feeling of déjà vu while the viewer is watching the television serial.
Feroze is rather stilted and seems to have become typecast in the ‘angry young man’ persona. Ayeza is pretty and looks fresh. Zahid is strictly average and appears to have lost his appeal on the small screen. Haroon is the strongest link and emotes and acts well. The remaining actors lend adequate support and help in taking the narrative forward.
The teasers promise a thrilling ride and as the viewers await the next episode with bated breath. How will the story unfold and what is in store for the viewers? Tune in every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm to find out.
The writer is an educationist and can be reached at gaiteearahotmail.com