This was yet another episode of Dobara that belonged to Mahir. Bilal Abbas Khan’s performance tonight was more impressive than ever. Mahir is such a well-written and beautifully portrayed character. The last scene was one of the most powerful scenes we have seen in recent dramas. The director and the actors involved did complete justice to it. Narmeen’s entry has breathed new life into the story. Honestly speaking, I was not looking forward to this part of the story but this scene and the situations leading up to it, made it an absolute delight to watch. This episode also had so many meaningful dialogues to its credit. Some of these dialogues were even alarming. While the writer has taken the main track forward convincingly, I would not say the same about some of the sidetracks. Zameer and Minal’s track in particular has been wrapped up illogically, to say the least.
Important Developments – Convincing or Not?
Most part of this episode covered how in control Mahir was and how he dealt with every single issue wisely. His plan was kept a secret right till the time he executed it. Surprisingly, this plan involved a lot of thinking because Mahir kept into consideration that Minal’s happiness depended on whatever he would choose to do. Mahir is definitely capable of such wisdom but it was definitely not expected at this point considering how much harm Zameer has done over the years. I must say that I am still finding it hard to believe Zameer’s change of heart. I cannot seem to brush the fact that he wanted to see Mahir dead and Affan in jail under the carpet! I really wish, we were not shown that evil side of this character. If Zameer was only greedy, it would have been easier to forgive him and accept the change of heart. Although he did not do much practically to contribute to Affan or Mahir’s troubles, he did try to get Affan arrested by telling the police the truth. I feel that this particular track has not been wrapped up too wisely.
A person such as Zameer surely needed more of a reality check to get back on track. Ultimately, we were shown that his love for Minal superseded everything else. I found it difficult to relate to this ‘love’ because he has been playing a really negative role in Minal’s life for the most part. He did not only use her mother’s business to meet his own ends but he also tried to destroy it completely. Most importantly, he brainwashed Minal against her own mother! Now, all of a sudden, he loves Minal so much that he cannot bear to leave her. All of this made no sense to me whatsoever! Minal’s dialogues in this episode were written really well but unfortunately perhaps for the first time, Maheen Siddiqui’s performance was not up to the mark. She was clearly struggling while delivering those dialogues. The message the writer wanted to put forward was a powerful one but it would have been far more impactful if these dialogues were delivered more confidently and aptly. The final warning to Zameer also could have come earlier; this was not the perfect time for it since he had already mended his ways. We need to hear such dialogues more often in dramas; full marks to the writer for penning them down.
Mahir and Mehru’s track took an interesting turn tonight. Mehru’s dialogues were more meaningful than any other tonight. Her conversation with her friend suggested that she would willingly let Mahir go if that would make him happy. Later on, when she talked about how short life was, I was wondering if Mehru will die in the end. Even now, I feel that Mahir likes being in control and is a good person but he does not ‘love’ Mehru. Mahir’s expressions when Mehru left to answer the phone call suggested that he is hiding his feelings. I am definitely very curious to find out how he actually feels because I feel that is still a mystery even after all these weeks. Mahir’s stepfather’s reaction was unexpected but definitely not surprising. The last scene made me feel for Mehru; she had no idea what was going on in Mahir’s mind.
Mahir and Narmeen’s meeting was the best part of this episode. The OST playing in the background coupled with powerful performances from Bilal Abbas Khan and Zoya Nasir made this scene an absolute treat! Bilal Abbas Khan’s expressions in particular were simply outstanding. He said so much with those expressive eyes and the way he was lost after seeing Narmeen was translated brilliantly on screen!
Final Remarks
I am looking forward to the last two episodes after watching this recent episode. I also think that Dobara is one of those quality dramas that overstayed their welcome! It could easily have been a more entertaining drama had the story been covered in 25 weeks instead of 31. The preview of the next episode was really enticing. I am glad this drama will get the kind of ending which brings viewers back because I am certain a lot of viewers must have stopped watching it by now!
On a side note, I really want to review more dramas but all the recent dramas are too commercial and have done-to-death stories. I am truly missing the Parizaad days! If you have any good recommendations, please let me know. Otherwise, I will take up one of the commercial dramas on air right now! Even Dushman has a predominant commercial element to it. Kindly share your thoughts.