Yesterday’s episode of Jaan-e-Jahan left me uncertain about continuing with the drama, given the high expectations I had. However, I am glad I decided to tune in for the latest installment. Ayeza Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi’s on-screen chemistry proved to be the highlight of this episode, injecting a much-needed breath of fresh air into the storyline. Additionally, Mahnoor’s positive energy played a pivotal role in infusing life into Shehram’s otherwise stagnant world. This also gave Hamza Ali Abbasi the opportunity to smile! He does not have enough to work with at the moment because in the previous 3 episodes, his scenes have been more or less the same. It is clear by now that Mahnoor’s determination will serve as the main driving force for character development and plot progression. That is why the writer has relegated all the other important supporting characters to the background for now. Although I still feel that the script overall is too plain given the serious nature of the storyline in comparison to the lackluster quality of the preceding two episodes, this one was better.
Tonight’s episode opened with Zeenat, the ‘chamak challo’ (thank you ‘Urs’) trying to woo Shehram yet again while he turned her away politely for the 10th time! These scenes are as typical as they get and I honestly feel that there was no need to add this character to this narrative since Kishwar is already poisoning Shehram! If she is eventually planning to kill him, mentally cripple him, or anything along these lines then what is the point of marrying him off to someone? The apparent contradiction in Kishwar’s actions is one of the many loopholes in the plot. Zeenat’s presence not only lacks significance but also proves to be a source of irritation. The inclusion of a comical element in a drama centered on a serious issue feels unnecessary. While Zeenat, is scheming and executing evil plans, the juxtaposition of another attempting to be excessively cute creates a tonal imbalance that detracts from the overall gravity of the narrative. Zeenat, your attempts at being cute are neither endearing nor amusing; kindly step aside.
The dinner table scene adeptly highlighted Kishwar’s strategic moves, emphasizing the ease with which she is advancing her agenda. Shehram’s evident trust in her becomes relatable, considering the prevailing circumstances. The fact that Shehram uttered Mahnoor’s name upon regaining consciousness implied that their conversation served as a catalyst, providing him with the motivation to end the self-imposed isolation and actively engage in addressing school-related matters and other concerns.
Tabraiz’s scenes showed how he was pursuing the worker at the factory and wasting his time playing games while he was at work. Despite receiving a considerable amount of screen time today, these scenes failed to introduce any novel elements, leaving them devoid of fresh or engaging content. In fact both the sons are few of the many unappealing and half-baked supporting characters, lacking the ability to contribute significantly to the overall narrative.
Mahnoor is evolving as the only character with inherent appeal, with Ayeza Khan’s performance elevating the impact of this particular track. I do feel, however, that Mahnoor’s track also lacks depth and intensity, especially given her circumstances. The concluding scene between Mahnoor and Shehram proved to be the episode’s highlight, offering a refreshing respite from the prevailing toxicity within Shehram’s household. Mahnoor undeniably took center stage once again. I am anxiously waiting for Shehram’s character to evolve and fulfill his promise, given the weight of expectations placed on him by his father. While Mahnoor’s daily visits may provide some solace to Shehram, addressing the impact of whatever his stepmother is administering him is far more important.
This episode was relatively better as there was some progress in the storyline. The plainness of the script, in my view, detracts from the potential depth the storyline could achieve. The smooth direction, top-notch sound quality, and meticulous camerawork stood out in this particular episode. While the captivating visuals and Mahnoor’s character contribute significantly to the show’s appeal, their impact alone may not be sufficient to entirely salvage the overall narrative. Can these visuals and Mahnoor’s character alone save the day? The success of the drama ultimately depends on a well-crafted and cohesive storyline that effectively weaves together various elements, ensuring a compelling and satisfying viewing experience. So far, there have been more lows rather than highs, reflecting shortcomings in the story writing.
Do share your views about this episode.