| D |
irected by Wajahat Rauf and written by Qurb-i-Abbas and Saira Ghulamali, this newbie is already making waves due to its gripping storyline, stellar acting and superb direction. So what is Goonj about? Is it another run-of-the-mill production that can safely be given a miss? Or does it promise something different?
Goonj is a play that raises the bar by bringing to light the often overlooked challenges faced by working women across the globe; male chauvinism, harassment and gossip culture.
Zarnab Mehmood, portrayed by Komal Meer, is a bright, talented and ambitious young woman who works for a production company that makes television commercials. Her creativity, ingenuity and professionalism have already earned her brownie points with her boss but, as is frequently the case, it ruffles quite a few feathers in the office.
Nabeel, one of Zarnab’s colleagues, played by actor Gohar Rasheed, is a male chauvinist who resents the attention and importance given to her. Like many men in corporate circles, he undermines her. He contends that her rapid ascent to the top has nothing to do with her ability or competence.
Another colleague, Ahmed, played by Feroz Kadri, joins the company as a member of the animation team and becomes quite smitten with Zarnab. The two spend considerable time together in the office.
This does not go down too well with Nabeel, who makes it a point to pass provocative and inflammatory remarks around Zarnab to shame and humiliate her. At one point, Ahmed confronts him but Zarnab, not wanting a scene in the office, intervenes and insists that she does not need a spokesperson. She says she is fully capable of standing up for herself.
Zarnab has an older sister, Nazish. She is a lawyer. Maham, her younger sister, is studying in the university. The three sisters are extremely attached to their father, Khalid Anam, who has played a pivotal role in their success and single-handedly raised them. After losing his wife at a young age, he chose never to remarry and devoted his life to raising his daughters well. It is refreshing to see him in the kitchen, preparing meals for his daughters and being both a mother and father to them.
Goonj is a drama that raises the bar by bringing to light the often overlooked challenges faced by working women across the globe; male chauvinism, harassment and gossip culture.
Nazish is romantically involved with her boss, Farhad who is a divorcee with a six-year-old daughter. Nazish invites him over for lunch to introduce him to her father. However, when Farhad hears that Nazish’s younger sister works for a media company, he expresses his reservations.
Zarnab and Farhad then have an argument, bordering on an altercation. Zarnab argues that Farhad is quite regressive in his outlook. She warns her sister about him. However, she gets offended and walks off.
Zarnab is mentally disturbed and messes up a project at work. She is asked to stay back at the office with Nabeel and Ahmed to finish the project on time. They are ready to put in an all-nighter and finally manage to get through most of the work.
Ahmed has to leave due to an emergency and Zarnab is left alone in the office with Nabeel, who makes advances towards her which she firmly rejects. The next day, the office is abuzz with gossip about the two working alone in the office late at night.
Nabeel uses this situation by passing provocative and inflammatory remarks and sensationalising the episode. He gossips about Zarnab, fuelling rumours and tries to malign her reputation.
Fuel is added to fire when Zarnab gets a promotion. Nabeel starts openly questioning her character, suggesting that she has slept her way to the top and that her promotion has nothing to do with her ability or competence.
How will this pan out? The third episode ends on a face-off between the two. Viewers are left wondering about what will happen next. The direction, script and dialogues are superb. This is definitely a play that will set the TRPs on fire.
Komal takes to her role like a fish to water and not only looks good but also acts well. The story is gripping and idifferent from the usual fare.
Goonj is a play that entertains and educates in equal measure. Reporting harassment often creates problems for survivors. This is why many women endure it in silence and do not report it. Watch the play for the superb direction, screenplay and the acing that is sure to set the box office on fire.
Verdict: A must watch.
The writer is aneducationist.She can be reached at gaiteearahotmail.com