تیرا حوالہ اتنا معتبر ہے باران کہ تیرے سارے قصور معاف
The final episode of Kabli Pulao was the most ideal conclusion to a consistently impressive drama. From its impeccably written poignant scenes to the final frame, each moment was artfully shot and performed. Director Kashif Nisar’s meticulous touch showed in the faultless portrayal of emotions from start to finish. Zafar Mairaj’s beautifully written dialogues completely won me over. The writer skillfully maintained a sense of suspense right till the end. The only character I truly felt for in the end was that of Shamim. But then, Kabli Pulao was essentially Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena’s story therefore there was meant to be some collateral damage. I would like to add here that Shamim and Baran turned out to be heroes in their own right.
Kabli Pulao came to an end at a time when it had the viewers’ undivided attention. Right till the final episode, the air of unpredictability, kept the viewers in anticipation about the ultimate ending of the story. What impressed me the most about this drama as a whole and these last few episodes, in particular, was the writer’s ability to intelligently shape my perceptions and sentiments towards the characters and their interrelationships.
As a viewer, the constant evolution of dynamics left me uncertain about which characters would ultimately end up together. A few weeks back, Barbeena and Haji Mushtaq were the only likely perfect couple in the drama. However, after watching the previous few episodes, it felt like Barbeena and Baran are the ones who truly deserve to be together. I could not help but wish for Shamim to find her own well-deserved happy ending as well. The uncertainty surrounding the characters and their relationships added to the engagement value, making the resolution all the more satisfying and unexpected.
Keeping all this in mind, it is nothing short of a feat that the writer managed to conclude this story in such a way that even though I feel for Shamim after watching this last episode, I can’t help but be truly happy for Haji Sahab and Barbeena. Baran turned out to be an exceptional character who was the perfect embodiment of unconditional love. Haji Mushtaq and Baran’s relationship with each other towards the end was the most unlikely yet the most pleasant one as well.
Other than being a story about self-discovery, and finding and understanding love, Kabli Pulao also had an underline theme highlighting societal pressures and how they shape individual behavior. Haji Mushtaq hid his nikkah for this reason at the beginning of the drama and continued to tell many lies right till the end, all in a desperate bid to evade any form of ‘accountability’ from those around him.
This last episode had so many unforgettable scenes and conversations. Haji Mushtaq and Baran’s scene was one of the most impactful ones. Shamim and Haji Mushtaq’s final scene together was also beautifully enacted. The last scene was everything we hoped for and more. The Kabli Pulao fans can now sleep peacefully knowing that Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena are finally together for good. Throughout their journey, Haji’s insecurities got the best of him because he was always uncertain if Barbeena would ever love him the way she loved Baran. Now with those insecurities out of the way, these two can embark on a new chapter and forge a life together without the shadows of doubt clouding their relationship.
This last episode did not leave anything to the viewers’ imagination. Even Chammo and Ghaffar’s track had a wholesome ending. Haji Mushtaq’s expressions when Chammo told Ghaffar off were the best part of this scene.
Artful Characterizations and Performances
Kabli Pulao’s well-defined, multifaceted, and layered characters coupled with some of the most riveting performances were the defining factors of its success and engagement value. Therefore, I would really like to discuss my thoughts about each one of the characters that stood out in this review.
Haji Mushtaq – Muhammad Ehteshamuddin
As a central figure in the plot, Haji Mushtaq, right from the beginning, earned the respect of the viewers. He stood out more than any other character in the initial few episodes because of his layered personality and his commitment to his relationships. His selfless nature, readiness to make sacrifices, protective instincts, fair treatment, and vulnerabilities made him a truly well-rounded character.
Just like all the other main leads in the drama, Haji Mushtaq went through multiple changes in his journey, with a pivotal milestone being discovering love and happiness. Despite these changes, his core values remained the same. He retained his inherent goodness until the very end, yet he was never portrayed as someone devoid of flaws. These flaws made his character more relatable.
Muhammad Ehteshamuddin made the most of the opportunity presented to him and gave the viewers so many reasons to fall in love with his nuanced yet powerful portrayal of love, sacrifice, and conflict. His interactions with Barbeena, Shamim, and Baran were imbued with a depth that mirrored the intricacies of real-life relationships.
Barbeena – Sabeena Farooq
Barbeena immediately became the center of attention from the beginning by taking charge of her life right from the get-go. Interestingly enough, she did so without uttering a single word, which was amazing! She chose to marry Haji Mushtaq, which showed that even though she was doing this for her brother, she was going to do it on her terms and conditions.
With the passage of time, her selfless gestures and genuine thankfulness made her an absolutely adorable character. Her character could easily be termed as a seamless integration of innocence and intellect, as well as strength and vulnerabilities. There were moments when I found myself more emotionally connected to Barbeena than I did to any of the other leading characters.
With her phenomenal acting, Sabeena Farooq ensured that the various layers of Barbeena’s character arcs were highlighted with the attention they truly deserved. She proved that she was the ideal candidate for embodying this character on-screen.
Shamim – Nadia Afgan
Shamim’s character was exceptionally well-written and acted out brilliantly as well. She was one of the many strong female characters in the drama but what set her apart were the contrasting dynamics of her plot. Her unrequited love and unwavering commitment to Haji Mushtaq unfolded as a unique portrayal seldom witnessed in Pakistani dramas. She was shown as an intelligent and perceptive woman, whose emotional struggles were obvious, yet she always made a conscious effort to take the high road.
Shamim’s character was beautifully crafted to capture the essence of emotional vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and, above all, sensitivity. This delicate balance allowed the viewers to empathize with the internal struggles she faced and at the same time made her character endearing. impactful and likable. The chemistry between Nadia Afgan and Muhammad Ehteshamuddin and their raw performances had a significant impact on their track, leaving the viewers fluctuating between different emotions.
Baran – Abdullah Farhatullah
Baran was the real surprise in Kabli Pulao. He was ‘supposed’ to be the antagonist and I was actually dreading his comeback but he turned out to be such an exceptional character. His intentions were not clear in the beginning but the way this character was written and translated on-screen I found myself feeling for him instantly.
Abdullah Farhatullah nailed this character like no other. His performance was organic and powerful. Not only was Baran’s characterization a surprise but Abdullah’s performance was an equally pleasant surprise.
Interestingly enough, all of these characters were victims in their own way yet their victimhood never took centre stage in the story. Their strengths always shone out more than their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Noteworthy Supporting Characters and Actors
Kabli Pulao had quite a few noteworthy supporting characters and actors as well. Ayesha definitely took the lead even though her character turned bitter towards the end. She played a pivotal role in the story and I will never forget her love for Haji Mushtaq and how it brought him back.
That scene at her wedding when she finds out the truth and holds on to Barbeena’s hand was also unforgettable. Ayesha was a strong female character in the story which gave us so much to remember. Fajar Khan performed brilliantly throughout. I am looking forward to seeing more of her.
Zubeida and Kulsoom were two of my favorite characters as well because of their relationship and love for Haji Mushtaq. Munazzah Arif played her part really well and I absolutely loved how naturally Farzana Taheem translated her character on-screen. I actually found Rimsha’s character quite entertaining as well. Momina Faiq is another promising new actress whose performance was impressive.
Ghaffar and Shamo’s track was the only aspect of this drama that tested my patience. They got way more screen time than they should have been given. I forwarded many of their scenes and always felt that they were nothing more than a distraction. Although this track did add to the main track and was meaningful as well, it did not deserve as much attention as it got. And most importantly, it was not appealing enough.
Goodbye Kabli Pulao
The emotional resonance of Kabli Pulao overshadowed all other aspects, a testament to the impeccable writing, stellar performances, and flawless execution that breathed life into these sentiments on the screen. Haji Mushtaq, Barbeena, Shamim, and Baran’s complex love story tugged at the heartstrings and also kept us at the edge of our seats. Sometimes, it was difficult to decide whose side you would rather be!
Kabli Pulao’s well-crafted plot kept us guessing as every twist was not just unpredictable but also a delightful combination of savory and sweet. Kabli Pulao was not just a drama; it was an immersive experience, an adventure that unfolded with each carefully crafted episode. For the most part, Kabli Pulao stayed true to its name/title, treating viewers to a delightful blend of flavors that left a memorable impression. It not only celebrated love in so many different ways but also celebrated the Afghan culture and its people.
Kashif Nisar and his team deserve due credit for the flawless execution of the drama which definitely made all the difference. The careful attention to detail in every scene, the expertly crafted cinematography, and the flawless integration of music and sound design all played pivotal roles in intensifying the emotional impact. Kabli Pulao is another shining example of Kashif Nisar and Zafar Mairaj’s combined brilliance. Kabli Pulao’s hauntingly beautiful OST also left a lasting impression.
All the four leading actors in particular tapped into the raw, unfiltered emotions of their characters and made them come alive on-screen. Their performances will be remembered for a long time.
Did you watch the last episode of Kabli Pulao? Do share your thoughts about it.