Wow!! What an amazing finale this was, poignant and gratifying! It was definitely worth the wait and reminded me of the reasons why I fell in love with this drama in the first place. This ending was so good that I have even forgiven Zubeida for all the torture she put us through. Her dialogues in this episode were superb. Pareesa’s dialogues when she talked to the press about child abuse were soul-stirring and right on point.

Muqabil had to be one of the most entertaining and unpredictable dramas of this season. It was also one of those very few serials which keep you at the edge of your seats and keep you coming back for more. The story went off track a few times and the pace of the drama slowed down in between but overall Pareesa and Arman in particular always gave the viewers reason to tune into this drama every week. Both these characters were different in many ways, they were etched-out in a very interesting manner and the fact that Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan gave phenomenal performances made them even more appealing. Mohsin Abbas Haider played this character so well that there were times when the viewers felt more for Arman than they did for Pareesa.

The only aspect of this drama which could be termed as a weakness was that there were very few scenes which showed Mahmood in a negative light, although these scenes were impactful but it would have been better if there were more such scenes. All those encounters Mahmood had with Pareesa in which he felt he was entitled to be forgiven were right on point, more such scenes would have given the right message about someone like him who thought he deserved to be forgiven so easily. Asif Raza Mir however was brilliant as Mahmood especially those expressions he gave when Pareesa was dressed up as a bride and every time she gave him a reality check were unforgettable. The good thing about the ending was that Mahmood was not forgiven in the end neither was he shot by someone else.

Muqabil also had a strong message for all the parents out there in particular and it was put forward in an intelligent manner without putting the viewers to sleep! This message was not repeated over and over again but the writer definitely let the viewers draw the conclusion from whatever they saw on screen in every episode. The last episode however put this particular message forward in a beautiful manner; there couldn’t have been a better way to end this story. Shehnaz took a big step forward by letting Pareesa talk about her past in a press conference. Her apology was sincere and her actions even more so. The support Pareesa’s family showed and most importantly the change in Pareesa’s personality was shown impeccably. There was a time when Pareesa could not even mention what happened to her even in front of her parents but now she had the courage to speak out against child abuse in front of millions of people. The whole message of the show was summed up in a very touching manner when Pareesa poured her heart out in front of the press. Although, the change in Arman’s behavior was sudden but it was convincing and most importantly satisfying! It was convincing because tonight we saw the Arman we were introduced to initially therefore what he did today was completely in line with his character. It was satisfying because all of us wanted Pareesa and Arman to have a happy ending.

Saba Hameed was brilliant as the cold and mechanical yet somewhat concerned Shehnaz and although there were times when you questioned her actions, her character got the perfect ending. Saife Hassan played the cool yet sensitive father flawlessly. Kubra Khan and Mohsin Abbas Haider definitely deserve tons of praise and an award for their performances. Mohsin Abbas Haider’s performance in particular was mind blowing throughout the show. Watching Asif Raza Mir play a role which was unlike any other he has ever played was definitely another plus.

A big thank you to the writer Zafar Mairaj for giving us a drama which was different and engaging. The director Ali Hassan deserves tons of praise for doing complete justice to every single scene and making this drama a visual treat. This drama gave the viewers hope that Big Bang Entertainment will be giving us quality entertainment in the future too.

I would highly recommend this drama to all those viewers who did not watch it while it was on air and I would like to thank all those wonderful readers who read the reviews and commented every week.

Do share your thoughts about this last episode and the drama as a whole.

The fact that time literally flies whenever I watch Muqabil proves that this drama is not just impactful but it is engrossing as well. The director Ali Hassan has made sure that all the scenes keep the interest of the viewers intact and the writer Zafar Mairaj has written an extremely sensitive story in an intelligent manner without sensationalizing whatever happens between Mahmood and Pareesa in particular. My favorite scene from tonight’s episode was the one which covered the night of Pareesa and Arman’s wedding. The way Arman, Pareesa and Mahmood’s feelings were shown was beyond impressive. Pareesa’s expressions and body language changed with every door and window Arman closed and Arman’s reaction to what Pareesa told him was the most unexpected part of this scene. This scene was subtle but had great impact. The viewers saw just how messed up Pareesa was even though she pretended to be confident but she was still as effected by what happened to her so many years back as if it happened yesterday.

Although Pareesa chose Arman for different reasons but her intuition and her first impression of Arman was right. She trusted him with his flowers and knew that he was a good man, he is the kind of person who will stand by someone through thick and thin. I have always liked Arman’s character because we don’t see men like him in dramas very often. He is not perfect but his personality traits are different, appealing and very well defined. Mohsin Abbas Haider has owned this role completely right from the get-go. He is a natural who understands his character which is why he makes it come alive on screen almost effortlessly. Kubra Khan is another actress who gives perfect expressions every time and never goes over board. The look on her face every time she is close to the person who violated her shows how much she hates him.

Asif Raza Mir is a pro who knows his craft only too well. Mahmood is someone who thought he could move on and forget he did something so heinous if he continuously prayed. Now that the girl he raped is in his house as his bahu, he will be reminded of what he did every single day. The way Mahmood interacted with Pareesa however suggested that he wanted her to have a ‘normal’ relationship with him now that she was married to his son.

Pareesa’s parent’s guilt and everything their son told them was an important part of this episode and yet another aspect which was well-executed. I am glad Pareesa’s mother has not been shown as one of those mothers who are incapable of feeling anything for their children. Her guilt pangs make her character more realistic. Saba Hameed made her presence felt in both the scenes and made these scenes worthwhile even though the actor playing Pareesa’s brother isn’t a very polished actor.

Shaheen Khan’s scenes once again were the most annoying part of this episode. This episode would have been perfect if for once we did not have to hear her shouting again, not once or twice but a little too often and in every single scene! Anyone who hasn’t watched this episode yet should definitely forward her scenes because they can easily be skipped.

Muqabil is one of those dramas which I eagerly wait for every week. It is very well executed and has some remarkable performance to its credit. One of the best things about this play is that the story focuses on the main leads and even without any side tracks it keeps your interest alive.

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This episode of Muqabil was gripping as usual and the most important aspect of this episode was watching Pareesa share exactly how she felt with a family member. The response she got went to show that she was the only sensitive person in her family! Mehmood’s “apology” and the way Pareesa was pushed by her mother to apologize to him was one of those scenes which give you goose bumps; this was a very disturbing scene. Although Mehmood told Pareesa that he was really “sorry” but at the same time he accused her of committing a bigger sin than he had committed! I must admit that this scene reminded me of Sangat but so far the writer has not tried to show that Mehmood truly is “sorry” for what he did. The manner in which he covered up for himself when Shehnaz came and had no qualms in mentioning the pool incident went to show that deep down he didn’t think he had done anything for which he had to pay a big price. He asked Pareesa to “move on” because he had already moved on! Pareesa’s conversation with her little friend after this scene showed for the first time that she wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do. Until now Pareesa was very sure that this was what she wanted to do but now after this “encounter” with Mehmood she was seen wondering if she really wanted to do this. While Asif Raza Mir owns his character completely, Shaheen Khan continues to shout throughout. Her character could have been shown as loud and annoying even without all this screaming. I was tempted to fast forward her scenes tonight.

Pareesa shared how she felt that night with her brother but he could not care less. Salman is happy with his life because even if his parents were never around he probably learned to depend on things and money to give him comfort. The way Pareesa explained how alone she was that night was extremely touching. I had not trouble connecting to her character in this scene and I could imagine how a little girl in her position would have felt in such a situation. None of her family members were there for her when she needed them the most and that is when she decided to distance herself from everyone. Kubra Khan’s acting once again was absolutely superb in tonight’s episode. Even though the actor playing Pareesa’s brother’s role gave a below average performance but Kubra Khan managed to make this scene a complete success. Also, this scene was directed really well.

Arman and his father’s scenes together were a treat to watch too particularly because of the brilliant acting by both the actors involved and the sleek direction. Mohsin Abbas’ body language and expressions were beyond perfect in this particular scene. No matter how closely you observe him, you cannot find faults in his performance. His amazing and faultless performance has definitely added charm to his track and character.

It was interesting watching Mehmood blame his son and wife for everything when in fact he was the one who was truly responsible for the situation everyone was in. Arman seemed to be relatively more at ease with getting married to Pareesa after his meeting with her. I feel for him every step of the way because he has no clue what is going on and the only explanation he could come up with was that Pareesa needed someone reliable to look after her plants!

Apart from the acting, the unpredictable and enticing storyline and creative direction, the locations and picture quality of this play are amazing. After tonight’s episode I am however a bit worried about how Pareesa and Mehmood’s interactions might be covered in the future. Also, I am still wondering why Arman’s annoying mother gets way more scream time than she deserves especially because she isn’t really adding much to the story at this point. I also think that the story needs to move forward now.

How many of you watched this latest installment? Do share your thoughts about it.

This episode laid the foundations for what is coming ahead. Arman is now completely trapped and he has no choice but to get married to someone he could never even consider marrying. I must say that Mohsin Abbas yet again was the star of the show tonight. His exceptional and mature performance has completely won me over. Asif Raza Mir and Kubra Khan are equally impressive. Shaheen Khan got way too much “scream” time in this episode. The preview of the next episode however suggested that there is a reason why her character is being given so much screen time. The conversation between Pareesa and Mehmood which most of us were looking forward to turned out to be a dream sequence or so it seemed. This conversation showed Mehmood telling Pareesa how his life completely changed after he violated her. He turned towards religion hoping that he will be forgiven but he still continued working in the same house and the way he talked to Pareesa in the previous episode went to show that he had not changed much.

Arman turned towards his college friend Zara (Sundas Tariq) for help, which basically went to show that he was going to leave no stone unturned to ensure that this marriage did not take place. I cannot praise Arman’s character enough. He is extremely likable and you completely understand why he does not want to get married to Pareesa. I am however having a tough time relating to Pareesa’s mother’s fixation with her marriage. She was shown giving Pareesa other options a few times but now she has stopped trying to understand her daughter and thinks that marriage alone is the solution to her problems. It would have been nice if she also gave her the option of staying single for a few years and it was Pareesa who insisted that she wanted to get married since we know why she is so eager to get married to Arman.

Pareesa has been reliving what happened to her so many years back every single day and at the same time it seems like she was looking for a time and opportunity to channel all her anger and hatred towards something which would torment Mehmood. We don’t know yet what Pareesa has in mind but for now we do know that she thinks that living in Mehmood’s house and getting married to his son would be a punishment for him. Pareesa is emotionally disengaged from her surroundings all the time. Her only attachment is with her plants or with her maid’s daughter and that too because she feels she needs to protect them. Because of her frame of her mind, she does not care how her decisions are effecting the people around her. Also, deep down she feels that her parents were not there for her, they could not protect her therefore she owes them nothing. Pareesa’s character is complicated and so far it has been translated on screen quite well. Except for Kubran Khan’s outlook everything else about this character makes perfect sense. A simple look would have suited Pareesa’s character more than this made up look.

Some of the scenes in Arman’s house were not very entertaining because of all the screaming but other than that the story took an interesting turn with this episode. Muqabil has some exceptionally impressive performances to its credit, the story is unpredictable and it keeps on giving me a reason to look forward to more.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

I was expecting this episode of Muqabil to be the last one since it was announced that the previous one was the second last episode and honestly speaking, I did not feel that there was much left to show or discuss but apart from Sara’s track which is terribly forced, everything else about this episode was on point. The writer could have kept the viewer’s guessing how Pareesa and Arman’s track will end without bringing Sara in the picture. Sunbal’s encounter with that man in the graveyard and the way she explained everything to her mother had to be the highlight of this episode. Although she does not hate her father but she understands what Pareesa went through and why Shehnaz took such an extreme step. It is also logical that she wants to remember her father as the person she thought he was as opposed to someone who violated a girl his daughter’s age. This episode also gave hope for a happy ending for Arman and Pareesa as well.

Pareesa’s state of mind was shown brilliantly throughout. Her dialogues in the last scene in particular were very touching. Pareesa is once again lost and this time she is more lost than ever but even then she was shown as someone who is looking for a solution to this situation instead of blaming others. Kubra Khan acted brilliantly once again but her styling and make-up just like every other episode proved to be a major glitch in this entire scenario. Watching her console her brother even at this point and volunteering to leave the house went to show that Pareesa learned to take care of herself and also other people around her a long time back! It was also good to see Shehnaz feeling guilty but it would have been so much better if there was at least one scene in which she talked to Pareesa about this entire situation. She is still distant and like Aftab said she is feeling sorry for herself. I definitely liked Aftab’s approach better. He talked to Pareesa about everything and also tried to make Shehnaz understand that she was not the victim in this situation.

Arman once again was shown confused about the entire situation and it looked like he had given up. The reason for this is that he still loves Pareesa despite of everything that happened, in his heart he knows that Pareesa also loves him. Sara’s character and the role she is playing right now has to be the most annoying part of this track. Arman makes it only too obvious that he is marrying Sara as an escape, not sure from what now since Pareesa is already gone! Sara never loved him but all of a sudden she is so excited about getting married to him although there are other men who would like to marry her. This whole situation is only meant to confuse the viewers about Arman’s state of mind and to make them wonder whether he will marry Sara or not although it is quite apparent that this marriage will not take place. Since Sara and Arman have no “history” and her sudden interest in Arman is rather strange therefore I am guessing that this track was added later on after the drama gained popularity.

Sunbal and Zubeida understood Pareesa’s situation better in this episode but Arman still considers himself a bigger victim than Pareesa. After this episode, there is hope now that he might at some point realize that he can still put the past behind him and live a happy life with Pareesa. It will be difficult for them both but it is a possibility.

How many of you watched this episode? Don’t forget to share your thoughts about it.

I have to admit that the last scene of this episode made me forget every other development in this episode and I had to watch this episode again so that I could write the review! What a cliffhanger this ending was and I hope that this time around this last scene turns out to be exactly how the viewers would want to see it unfold otherwise it will be a major disappointment. Right now, I am thinking how will I be able to wait another week to find out what Zubeida actually heard especially after watching the preview of the next episode. When Arman was shouting and saying all those things, I was wondering how come no one ever hears them talking and then Zubeida was standing right there – best ending ever to ensure that all of us wait for the next episode impatiently.

Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan stole the show yet again with their faultless performances and the amazing chemistry which makes all their scenes special. Their performances and chemistry are the reasons why they should have been given more screen time together in every episode. Arman’s dialogues about Pareesa entering his life like a khudkhush bambar and the way Pareesa tried to make him understand that she did not plan all this was the best part of this episode. Although as a whole there were some filler scenes in this episode as well but few conversations which were intense and performances which were truly mind blowing made this episode an interesting watch. This time around it was easier for me to connect to Arman’s character and I simply love how Pareesa has been shown as such a strong individual. Although Pareesa is shattered from inside but even then she always found a reason to continue loving people. She distanced herself from her parents because she blamed them more than anyone else for what happened to her but she still chose to love and protect Nadia and her flowers. Now too when she found out what a wonderful person Arman was and how much he loved her, she loved him back and is now being shown fighting for their relationship. I must say that there was a time when I felt for Arman way more than I did for Pareesa because I saw him as collateral damage but now Pareesa is definitely being put through a lot more. Mohsin Abbas Haider’s expressions were brilliant when Pareesa was walking out; Arman clearly did not want this, he was torn apart but he also could not let Pareesa go.

Apart from Arman and Pareesa’s scenes together, Zubeida’s conversation with Pareesa in the kitchen was another one which seemed to be going nowhere until Pareesa asked Zubeida if she practiced what she was preaching. Pareesa’s statement could be the reason why Zubeida got inquisitive and decided to find out what exactly was the problem between Arman and Pareesa. I can’t wait for Shehnaz to find out the truth especially after watching her showing so much support not only for Arman but also for Mahmood. She blamed Pareesa for her “attitude” and appreciated Mahmood and his family for putting up with her!

The only issue I have with the developments so far is that Mahmood cannot sense the hatred and disgust Arman feels for him even though it is quite apparent from the way he looks at him. Pareesa’s expressions in the preview of the next episode suggested something completely different! The next episode can be the game changer, let’s see. Muqabil is back on track and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Do share your thoughts about this episode.

This episode just like the previous few had quite a few scenes which were stretched unnecessarily but it also had a few nice surprises in store. Arman’s character has taken a turn which is disappointing to say the least and I did not enjoy watching Mahmood plead Pareesa’s case. If the writer is trying to show that he can “redeem” himself by saving Pareesa’s marriage then it is absolutely wrong. Mahmood’s wife and daughter should know what he did and so should Pareesa’s mother. He should not be forgiven in the end. Pareesa’s mother in particular needs to know that the person she trusted with her daughter blindly for the longest time is actually a vulture.

The good thing about this episode was watching Zubeida play a positive role for a change. The best aspect of this drama so far is Pareesa’s character; the way it has been etched-out and the manner in which it is changing with every episode. Her dialogues are written in such a way that you feel an instant connection with her. You know exactly how she felt before she got to know Arman and how her feelings/state of mind changed after she got married to him. My favorite part of tonight’s episode had to be the conversation Pareesa had with Arman. She explained how her mother and Arman’s father destroyed her faith in people and the role Arman played in restoring her faith in relationships. Even with all her fears and inability to cope with some situations, Pareesa has ultimately turned out to be the strongest and also the most intelligent character in this play. Arman on the other hand cannot handle the truth, another visit to the psychiatrist would have helped at this point instead of adding a track which is forced. Instead of bringing Sara back in the picture, it would have been so much better if Pareesa asked her psychiatrist to help her out. I am having a very difficult time feeling for Arman although I understand his situation. Someone like him shouldn’t have relied on a woman to bail him out of this situation. Also, he is a victim too, his father is the real culprit and the viewers would have enjoyed it more if he was shown suffering instead of Arman.

In this episode a lot of screen time was given to Arman’s decision to leave Pareesa. Watching Zubeida stand by Pareesa and asking Pareesa to fight for her man was a refreshing change. Mohsin Abbas Haider’s acting was flawless, like always, but these latest developments have turned out to be an unpleasant surprise. Pareesa and Arman’s scenes are still as intense as they always were, the acting and direction is brilliant but right now Pareesa is the hero and not Arman. At this point things should have been getting easier for Pareesa and not more complicated. I am waiting for the showdown and hoping that those characters who deserve to suffer in the end would be the ones who will be punished. Right now it seems highly unlikely that Pareesa and Arman’s track will have a happy ending.

Muqabil needs to pick up pace and deliver soon! Stretching all the tracks unnecessarily at a time when the drama should be concluding is unfair to the viewers who fell in love with this show.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

Muqabil set the bar really high in the first 15 weeks or so with its steady pace, well-executed scenes, an unpredictable story and of course phenomenal performances. Even the previous few episodes which were slow-paced and one which was somewhat ambiguous (the one in which Arman went to Sara’s office) had some important developments to their credit but this episode in my opinion was directed more towards keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats for absolutely no reason, more than anything else!! At least twice, the viewers got the impression that Arman was going to tell his father or mother the truth but both these scenes ended with him blaming Pareesa.

The viewers can only hope that there is a good surprise in store for them which will be worth the wait. Right now the story is all over the place and Arman’s reaction was definitely unexpected and disappointing. These episodes are the most crucial ones because they are going to cover which turn Arman and Pareesa’s story takes from here on but for the first time I felt like the writer was testing my patience. Even the past few episodes had quite a few scenes which could have been easily chopped down but this one had far too many of them. There were a lot of conversations which could have ended in a more dramatic manner, like the conversation which Arman had with his father. It would have been awesome if he confronted his father and continued to support Pareesa. Even if he told his mother the truth, her annoying existence could have been put to some good use.

Shehnaz’s reaction to the whole scenario was another disappointment. It was good to see her going out of her way to make an effort to help her daughter and understand her in the previous few episodes. In this episode however she reminded me of the person she was in the first few episodes. Shehnaz was of course doing what she thought was in her daughter’s best interests but the way she did it wasn’t exactly pleasing. Shaheen Khan’s scenes once again had nothing new to offer, I actually kept on adjusting the volume every time she was on screen and I kept on wondering if all this pointless shouting was even needed!

The only good thing about this episode was the way Maulvi sahab gave Mahmood a reality check. Mahmood’s increased sense of guilt was the only important development in this episode. The performances once again were top-notch but I do feel like the viewers deserve more because they wait all week to find out what turn the story will take next. Having said that, I feel that Muqabil so far has done better overall than many other dramas. I hope that the makers do not spoil the whole experience by ruining the story in the end and give the viewers an ending which is both logical and satisfying.

For the first time, the preview of the next episode did not appeal to me. The story is going around in circles at this point which is just plain sad considering the fact that Muqabil has been such a brilliant play throughout.

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This episode was directed and acted out brilliantly. Kudos to the director and the actors in particular for making every episode of Muqabil a wonderful experience. Even when there is no obvious development in the story, the direction and the performances keep you hooked to your television screens. Also, the writer is gradually showing changes in different characters unlike some other writers who wait for the last few episodes to show a major change in the characters. Arman’s reaction was shown realistically and the timing of all the scenes covering Arman’s disgust towards his father was beyond impressive. Mahmood has no idea what is going on in Arman’s mind, Arman is not in a position to be away from his family therefore he is forced to be around his father. The scene in which he threw up while his father was reciting duas for him was right on point! Every time his father touched him, he cringed and thought about the things which Pareesa had said in the past. There is an intensity and precision about Mohsin Abbas Haider’s performance because of which just watching him act is a treat! He makes the most of every single scene by giving the perfect expressions even in the most complicated of situations. Asif Raza Mir is immensely talented and all his scenes make a strong  impression on the viewers. Watching these two stars in one frame in these complicated situations is truly spellbinding because they never go wrong.

Another character which is getting more interesting with every passing episode is that of Shehnaz. She has come a long way; Pareesa’s marriage proved to be a reality check for her and she decided to change her priorities in life. Watching Shehnaz make a conscious effort to make things easier for her daughter by putting her ego aside was a refreshing change. Saba Hameed is constantly experimenting with different roles and every time she appears on screen with a new role, she makes sure that she changes her get-up accordingly too. Pareesa decided to distance herself from Arman because she once again feels that he deserves better and perhaps to shelter herself from more emotional damage.

For a change Zuebida’s scenes in this episode were not only bearable but also showed a very caring side of her. Although she was loud as usual but her dialogues about Arman’s meeting with his mother in law were funny and her concern for Arman easy to connect to. For the first time I saw her as a mother who was truly concerned about her son and understood what her son was going through even though she had no clue why he was so terrified and sad. The scene in which she said that Arman had an accident before too but he never looked so scared and strange showed that she was the only one who had guessed that there was something wrong with Arman.

The preview of the next episode was exhilarating; I am waiting to see how Mahmood reacts when Arman tells him that he knows what Pareesa went through in her childhood. Will he cover up for himself or will it lead to a confrontation between him and Arman? Can’t wait to find out.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

This episode of Muqabil laid down the foundations for what is coming ahead. Although everything that the viewers were shown in this episode needed to be seen but it also had a lot of scenes which could have been chopped down. The pace of the drama has slowed down considerably but it is still unpredictable and has some phenomenal performances to its credit. Every episode has some new development which gives you a reason to tune into this drama the coming week. This play could have been a game changer if it maintained its fast pace and there weren’t a lot of filler scenes which are clearly meant to kill time. This episode however was not a filler episode overall because with this episode Pareesa learned a few things about her which she was not willing to accept before and the dynamics of Arman and Pareesa’s relationship also changed completely this week.

Half of this episode covered everyone’s mindset while they were desperately looking for Arman. In my opinion this could have been one of those episodes which keep you at the edge of your seat if the preview of the next episode did not reveal that Arman was in the hospital. The song covering Pareesa and Arman’s past scenes and the visit to Sara’s house did not serve any purpose at all. The only important aspect of Sara and Pareesa’s conversation was that for the first time the viewers watched Pareesa acknowledge the fact that she was in love with Arman. The biggest purpose that these recent developments served is that Pareesa has finally accepted her true feelings for Arman, she is not afraid to love him and she is not scared of admitting how much he means to her. Pareesa, Arman and Mahmood’s characters are the lifeline of this drama, no matter how meaningless an episode is as a whole, these three characters always add meaning to every episode and keep it from getting too dull.

My favorite scene in tonight’s episode was the one in which Arman looked at Pareesa and his father for the first time after his accident (suicide attempt?). It was brilliantly directed and Mohsin Abbas’ acting was beyond remarkable in this scene. It showed exactly how Arman felt at that moment but was unable to express his feelings in any way. Honestly speaking, I was expecting a lot more from this episode but it did not cover Pareesa and Arman’s scenes the way one would have hoped it would but on the contrary focused on showing the aftermath of Arman’s disappearance. I have always been a big fan of Asif Raza Mir but now I am completely sold. His expressions when he warned Pareesa that she should never share her secret with Arman were remarkable. He brings out all the shades of Mahmood’s personality effortlessly on screen. Shehnaz and Aftab’s scenes covered Aftab’s guilt and also a different side of Shehnaz’s personality. Saba Hameed is also an all time favorite and Saife Hassan is very convincing as Aftab. These people may run a big business but they have no clue how to handle their daughter, that is something they are still learning to do!

The preview of the next episode suggested that Arman will take his time coming into terms with the fact that his father was the one who violated the woman who is now his wife. So far Muqabil has picked up pace every time the viewers thought it had lost its momentum therefore I have high hopes that the next episode will deliver.

How many of you watched this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

The real surprise and the twist we had all been waiting for came in the later half of this episode and I have to say that Muqabil continues to be amazing in so many ways even after all these weeks. The scene in the pool was beyond exceptional not only because it covered the most important development in this episode but also because of the way it was shot. The acting, camera angles, the direction and not to mention the location was right on point. The director conveyed everything perfectly through the expressions and gestures of the actors involved. This scene proved what an exceptional director Ali Hassan is because if he wanted he could have shortened this scene but then it wouldn’t have the impact it had. The only thing which looked somewhat out of place was Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan’s perfectly styled hair after the intense scene in the pool. Other than that Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan nailed their scenes once again. Both of them deserve tons of appreciation for giving this drama their best. Arman’s reaction after he found out who had violated Pareesa when she was a kid was also shown brilliantly.

This episode opened with Pareesa’s parents discussing how content they were with the way things turned out for their daughter thinking that she was finally happy. Everything was perfect in the first half, even Zubeida who is always complaining had few good things to say about madam for a change. The most important scenes were the ones in which Mahmood was shown content because he thought he had gotten away with what he had done to Pareesa! His conversation with the maulvi sahab was brief but it was very impactful. What maulvi sahab said to him was spot on and exactly what everyone wanted to hear. All this time Mahmood has been thinking about himself, how he can escape what he had done and whether he would be able to move on but he did not pause to think about Pareesa even once. He never thought about how he changed that little girl’s life for the worst forever which basically goes to show that he isn’t really “sorry” . That one line which maulvi sahab said should have been enough to make him reflect upon what he had done but that did not happen. He does not think he should be punished but he thinks he should be forgiven because he has been repenting for so long. Mahmood is another example of one of those people who twist religion to suit their needs. He has been asking Allah for forgiveness but he is not willing to pay for what he did! Asif Raza Mir has breathed life into a character which is not an easy one to translate on screen. He is at that stage of his career where he did not need to experiment with a role which was completely different from every other role he has played in his career therefore I am especially impressed that he made this choice.

Pareesa’s reaction was also covered in a realistic manner. One of the main reasons why Muqabil is one of my most favorite plays is that it is not only thoroughly entertaining but the story has always been unpredictable and logical. Saife Hassan and Saba Hameed’s natural acting and the way their scenes were penned down and directed made their scenes enjoyable.

Everyone who gave up on Muqabil after watching the last two episodes, should tune into it this week and they will most certainly tune into it next week too! Can’t wait to find out how the story unfolds from here on. This episode had plenty of scenes which could have been chopped down, I hope that the pace of the drama doesn’t slow down now because so far Muqabil has been phenomenal.

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Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan’s on screen chemistry saved the day today because this episode as a whole did not have a lot to offer. The fact that these two stars can make all their scenes a treat to watch makes them one of the best on-screen couples of recent times. The ‘misunderstanding’ which got a lot of screen time tonight did not serve any purpose because it was quite apparent that Arman was only making up stories to make Pareesa jealous and the way Arman was introduced to the staff in the office was my least favorite part of this episode. Arman and Zara’s meeting made absolutely no sense, it was just as confusing in this episode as it was in the promo! The only reason why this track was slightly relevant was that Pareesa for the first time acknowledged that she needed Arman in her life and it wasn’t as easy for her to let him go as she pretended it would be. Had Arman and Zara’s scene not been shown it would have been easier to relate to what we saw today. Arman is after all human and he can’t always be understanding, there will be times when he will do things to upset Pareesa too or perhaps to get her attention but most of what we saw tonight wasn’t interesting because it looked too staged.

I truly appreciate a lot of aspects of the story but one aspect I appreciate more than anything else is that for a change someone who isn’t rich or accomplished is being shown in the lead role and in a good light. Usually the hero of our dramas have certain traits and being affluent passes as one of those traits because of which the leading man is more attractive or charming. Arman is not rich and he is more ordinary than anything else yet he is charming, something which has always been the most appealing aspect of this drama. When Pareesa mentioned the fact that money is not important and her father introduced Arman as the ghareeb naujawan who won the heart of his princess it killed the subtlety and beauty with which this message was being put forward through this drama for the past 13 weeks. The message that a knight in the shining armor can also be an ordinary man who is not perfect was a wonderful message and one which did not need to be spelled out!

In this episode Arman yet again went against his wishes and did something he vowed he would never do only to please Pareesa. The change in Arman’s personality in these past few episodes especially ever since he found out the truth has been my most favorite part of the drama. Also, the gradual change in Shehnaz’s outlook towards life and what matters to her most has also been shown in a subtle manner in the past few episodes. There was a time when publicity meant more to her than anything else but now she does more to ensure that her daughter stays happy than she ever did before.

This episode like all the other episodes of Muqabil had some very interesting dialogues. The preview of the next episode suggested that Pareesa’s father finally managed to get Arman drunk! I must say I am not looking forward to Arman playing more mind games with Pareesa! Arman’s character is one of the best aspects of this drama therefore I hope he continues being sensitive and sensible. Muqabil has been right on point for the past 15 weeks, I hope that it continues to be equally interesting in the future too.

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This episode of Muqabil focused entirely on Arman and Pareesa’s track. The new OST of the drama compliments the new direction which the story has taken. This new start however is not free from complications and these tricky situations have been handled brilliantly by the writer, director and both the actors involved. The friendship between Arman and Pareesa coupled with their beautiful personalities makes their relationship one of a kind. For the first time we are watching a rape survivor trying her best to have a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and respect with a man not because she does not have a choice but due to the connection and love she feels for that man. Arman’s character is just plain adorable! He is the kind of man who believes in loving unconditionally and only such a man could have played the role he is playing in Pareesa’s life. I absolutely love the fact that Arman has been shown as a practical person who gradually ended up falling in love with Pareesa and not someone who fell in love with her the second he laid his eyes on her. There was a time when Arman’s career came before everything else and he did not even want to get married but tonight the viewers saw him focusing on his marriage alone because especially ever since he found out what happened with Pareesa his sole concern is his wife’s well being. He wants to make sure that he dedicates all his energy into making this marriage work even though right now Pareesa and Arman have a long way to go.

Pareesa’s character is also etched-out brilliantly. It has been a long time since she had a “normal” relationship with anyone around her. She was always closer to her plants than she was with people. Even though Pareesa and Arman have a long way to go but Pareesa has never been shown making this much effort to make a relationship work. Pareesa and Arman’s scenes together were very well put together in this episode; they were practical hence relatable. There weren’t a lot of cheesy dialogues which conveyed their feelings for each other but their actions showed that both of them wanted to make this relationship last. Pareesa wants Mahmood sahab out of her life for good although it is impossible. I am certain that I am not the only one who is wondering if Arman will ever find out who violated Pareesa. Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan’s exceptional performances and their sizzling on screen chemistry has definitely taken this drama to the next level.

This episode just like this drama as a whole so far was exceptional and it ended too soon! My favorite scene from tonight’s episode was the one in which Arman tried to reason out with his mother and sister! The dialogues were right on point, the camera angles and everyone’s acting made this scene impactful. For the first time it seemed like Zubeida understood his son. The director Ali Hassan deserves special credit and appreciation for paying attention to every minute detail because of which not only are all the scenes convincing but also a treat to watch. Muqabil continues to be one of those very few dramas I look forward to watching all week and it always delivers.

The preview of the next episode was quite confusing. Personally, I like such previews which leave a lot to the viewer’s imagination and keep us guessing.

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This was another amazing episode of Muqabil which made me fall in love once again with Arman and Pareesa’s characters and the dynamics of their relationship. I cannot praise Zafar Mairaj enough for etching out these characters brilliantly and for penning down some of the most beautiful and emotional conversations between the leading pair. Pareesa hasn’t confessed her love for Arman just yet but when someone with Pareesa’s past learns to trust a man blindly and feels secure around him then it means that she feels something even more than love for him! Pareesa was shown showing the kind of respect for Arman which she has never shown for anyone else. She is still not ready to have a physical relationship with Arman but otherwise he is closer to her today than anyone ever was since the day she was violated. Once again every single conversation between Arman and Pareesa was spell-binding. These conversations have always been beautiful and meaningful right from the day these two met and Mohsin Abbas Haider’s acting in particular makes you fall in love with his character even more with every passing episode. He is one-of-a-kind hero, a trendsetter, in more ways than one. He emotes so well that you can’t help but feel every single thing that he is going through.

Pareesa’s character is especially appealing because of her honesty. Pareesa is complicated, she has some major issues but she does not know how to play games. She was always very honest with her parents about her feelings, she even told Zubeida that she was not the one who wanted to move out of the house, she told her mother that she was not going to exploit Arman’s love for her, she could not hold back when Arman told Nadia that he could spend time with her and most importantly she was quick to talk about her feelings after Nadia and her parents left. This aspect of Pareesa’s personality makes her strong even though she has so many insecurities and fears. I absolutely loved the argument between Arman and Pareesa after everyone left. Everything that they said made perfect sense; Arman hated that Pareesa did not trust her with Nadia and Pareesa in a very intelligent manner made him understand that she trusted him. Pareesa and Arman have made for each other written all over them, they are soul mates and I find myself rooting for them every step of the way. Kubra Khan and Mohsin Haider’s on screen chemistry makes their scenes faultless.

Zubeida’s scenes were actually funny today especially her conversations with Mahmood were hilarious!! The one about Arman and Pareesa sleeping in separate rooms was quite amusing. I am glad that Arman and Pareesa did not move in with Pareesa’s parents. It will be great watching them interact now without any “interruptions” or with people spying on them! Mahmood was shown relieved and happy now that Pareesa and Arman have moved out. He wants to see his son happy and he obviously thinks that he deserves to be forgiven because he has repented for his sins. I hope that the writer shows Mahmood paying for what he did although that will break Arman’s heart and right now I am certain that I am not the only one who wants to see Arman happy but it needs to be done. Kubra Khan, Mohsin Abbas Haider and Asif Raza Mir gave exceptional performances yet again in tonight’s episode. I must say that Mohsin Abbas Haider is especially gifted, I am completely in awe of his wonderful performance.

This was another beautifully written and brilliantly directed episode of Muqabil. The director Ali Hassan deserves tons of credit for paying attention to minor details and for making Muqabil one of the best dramas of this season. So far Muqabil has been picture-perfect. I highly recommend it to anyone who is not watching it already.

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Celebrities React on Mohsin Abbas Haider Wife Fatima’s News

Pareesa and Arman stole the show yet again tonight. That one scene in which Arman cried while he poured his heart out was the sort of scene which truly moves you mainly because of the situation, expressions, dialogue delivery and the way those expressions were captured. This episode had quite a few scenes which moved and impressed me but there were also one scene in particular which didn’t work for me. We all know now why the viewers had to put up with Zubeida’s yelling all these weeks. It was because of Zubeida’s nosy and loud personality that Arman finally decided that he had to move out of the house. The poor guy has no idea that Shehnaz’s best friend who is always around could easily pass as Zubeida’s twin sister because of her personality traits!!

The highlight of this episode was the opening scene and the effect that session with the psychiatrist had on Arman. Everything that the psychiatrist said to Arman was put together perfectly and it showed that the right man who was willing to do everything in his power to restore a girl’s faith in relationships in general and men in particular could do so. I cannot praise the writer enough for covering this painful yet beautiful journey of this unusual couple in a very convincing manner. Arman’s character has been one of the most interesting characters we have seen in our dramas in recent times due to a lot of reasons. Arman never jumped at the opportunity of marrying a rich and beautiful girl, he fell in love with her simplicity and not her looks or money and although he is a simple guy but he also sensible and is committed to this relationship. His circumstances were such that he could easily choose to be the victim instead of the savior therefore watching him play the hero despite of his limited resources is endearing. I don’t have the words to praise Mohsin Abbas Haider’s brilliant performance. He impresses you more with his performance with every passing episode and just when you think his acting cannot get better, he proves you wrong! Kubra Khan and Mohsin Abbas Haider make the most amazing on screen couple especially given the fact that their characters and circumstances both are unusual to say the least.

Another scene of this episode which truly impressed me was the one in which Arman announces that he was leaving the house. The way the director captured all the reactions was superb. Zubeida was shocked to hear the news, Arman was scared while announcing it and Mahmood couldn’t have been happier. Sometimes the treatment given to a certain scene can change the overall impact it has altogether. It is always a treat watching Asif Raza Mir perform but in this case it is extra special because in Muqabil he plays a role very different from all the roles he has played in his long career. His acting is always effortless and extraordinary. I must say though that showing Arman tell his parents that he was going to move out of the house before the commercial break killed the surprise.

The only part of this episode which didn’t work for me was the conversation between Shah Sahab and Mahmood. Can a victim really “forgive” the person who abused her? I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts about it.

Arman and Pareesa will move to Pareesa’s house in the next episode and I am waiting to see how their relationship evolves from here on. Muqabil has restored my faith in Big Bang Entertainment. I hope that this drama continues to be this intense and poignant in the future too.

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Muqabil has it all; a strong script, performances which leave you in awe and skillful direction. Although this episode did not cover what Shah Sahab said to Mahmood after he confessed to him but even then the scenes which covered Pareesa and Arman’s track in particular were beyond exceptional. For the first time the viewers are watching a very realistic perspective of a rape survivor trying to have a normal married life not because of societal pressure or due to loneliness but because she found the ideal partner. Pareesa has been shown as a girl who lost a great deal when she was violated and she held on to this ugly experience for all these years but she was always capable of loving. She was shown showering Nadia with unconditional love and her relationship with her flowers also showed her sensitive and loving side. Pareesa tried to take a step to get close to Arman and this huge step forward was extremely convincing because Arman had done what it took to earn Pareesa’s trust and even love. Arman and Pareesa’s characters are etched-out brilliantly and their circumstances make their story even more enticing. Mohsin Abbas Haider deserves to be praised over and over again for an outstanding performance. He was the perfect choice for playing this role. Kubra Khan also owns her character and brings out the best in it. The scenes which show the sensitive and loving side of Pareesa have also been written and directed very well. Even though her brother wasn’t there for her when she needed him the most but even then she gave him all his money, which once again showed that she was quite capable of loving.

The change in Shehnaz’s personality and her attitude towards those around her was also the kind of character development which makes this drama even more interesting. Unlike many mothers we have seen on television very often who never realize that they need to change themselves in order to be there for their children, Shehnaz finally understands this and was shown playing with Nadia and going out of her way to be nice to Arman because she feels she needs to do it in order to please her daughter. Arman’s conversations with Pareesa’s father were also penned down perfectly and directed and acted out in such a way that they appeared quite realistic. One of the primary reasons why the viewers have no issue connecting to all the characters and happenings while watching this play is that everything is close to reality. The fact that people change with time is one of the most important aspects of real life but one which is ignored in many dramas. Character development which is convincing always makes a drama more interesting. The fact that it is impossible to predict what turn the story will take in the upcoming weeks makes Muqabil the kind of drama which keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Shah Sahab apparently decided to help Mahmood out with his problem and watching him trying so desperately to make things easier for his son went to show how important it was for him to see his son happy. Mahmood’s children are his assets and if Pareesa tells them the truth then he will lose them forever. My favorite scene from tonight’s episode was when Arman reassured Pareesa that he was going to stand by her and he was not going to back out of this relationship. The best part about this scene was that Arman also shared with Pareesa just how used he felt but at the same time he vowed to make this relationship work. Arman’s mature character and Pareesa’s practical yet sensitive attitude made this scene phenomenal. Also, the dialogues were simply brilliant; deep and meaningful. This was the kind of conversation which you remember for a long time.

Overall, this episode was simply brilliant just like all the previous episodes of Muqabil. Muqabil is turning out to be one of my favorite dramas this season and I highly recommend it to all those people who are not watching it. Shaheen Khan also did not scream a lot in this episode, which was great! The preview of the next episode showed Pareesa telling Arman the truth. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds from here on. Watching that scene in the preview gave me goose bumps!

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Even after 10 weeks Muqabil continues to be thoroughly entertaining and unpredictable. Apart from some power-packed performances, this drama also has some exceptionally impactful characters to its credit which are also brand new. Muqabil is a must watch for all those viewers who are sick and tired of watching same old stories. This episode also had quite a few meaningful conversations and strong messages.

The conversation between Arman and Pareesa about why Arman didn’t go through her things was one of the most meaningful conversations of this episode which covered a great deal and gave the viewers more of an insight into what was going through Arman’s mind and how Pareesa was never like any other teenager her age. All those things which Arman said to Pareesa were perhaps an attempt to find out if the reason she did not want to have a bond other than that of friendship with him was that she was involved with someone else or had lost someone she had loved once. Arman thought that Pareesa was a romantic person by nature therefore she was fascinated with flowers, he had no idea why Pareesa was so attached to her flowers! Pareesa on the other hand could not even imagine feeling that way about any man at all because of the ugly experience she had at an early age with the man she trusted so much and the one she looked up to like a father figure.
The fact that there was no such concept in Pareesa’s life went to show yet again how deeply she was effected after she was violated by Mahmood. This was something which changed her completely and even though she is a strong person, she can never undo (even in her mind) what happened that day.

Pareesa’s character is brilliantly etched-out, she is a fighter in her own way, she learned how to survive even with all her scars by using different means to make herself feel useful. She protected her flowers and her maid’s daughter and distanced herself completely from her mother in particular because she held her equally responsible for what happened to her. It is however good to see that for a change the victim’s mother is trying her best to understand her daughter and is shown feeling guilty a lot of times too. Pareesa has given her mother and Mahmood the perfect punishment, she definitely thought this through. Her life was always going to be the same no matter where she lived or who she got married to because so far Pareesa has been shown as someone who lives in her own world no matter who is around her and where she is.

Although Arman and Pareesa’s relationship and the circumstances in which this marriage took place is anything but normal but even then Kubra Khan and Mohsin Abbas make the perfect on screen couple. They share great on screen chemistry and their characters compliment each other. Arman is a sensible and caring person who will be willing to do a lot more for Pareesa than anyone would have. Mohsin Abbas’ performance was beyond brilliant throughout but in the last scene he completely stole the show.

Mahmood found out exactly what was going on between Arman and Pareesa and that was the first time that the viewers saw Mahmood regretting what he did in front of someone else. I am waiting to see what Shah Sahab says to Mahmood, I hope we get to hear his reply. Asif Raza Mir’s eloquent dialogue delivery and his natural acting make his scenes a treat to watch. Saba Hameed is another actress who pays attention to every little detail and makes sure that her expressions do the talking even when she does not have any dialogues.

One of the best scenes of this episode was the one in which Pareesa told Safia off for leaving her daughter at home. Watching a girl who was raped as a child saying something like this in loud and clear words was a very strong message which needs to be heard by every parent out there. The significance and impact of what Pareesa said was more because of what she had gone through. She strongly believes that her parents could have protected her if they were not busy socializing. Mahmood’s expressions and the way Pareesa looked directly at him when she said all that to Safia added to the intensity of this scene.

Tonight it wasn’t just Arman’s mother who was screaming at the top of her lungs but her daughter joined in too!! A lot of the scream time Shaheen Khan got in this episode covered similar scenarios therefore her dialogues could have been easily chopped down. Her character and all the attention it is getting is the only part about this play which is annoying, otherwise Muqabil is picture perfect in terms of script, direction and acting.

The preview of the next episode was just as intense as everything else we have seen in Muqabil so far. Eagerly looking forward to the next episode.

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