Sar-e-Rah continues to offer a variety of stories with the kind of execution which we rarely get to watch on the small screen. All the stories so far have revolved around female protagonists with the males in their lives playing an important role in some way or the other. It started with Rania finding the courage to take a step that was not welcomed by many and since then we have watched two more empowering stories. Tonight’s episode was yet again refreshing mainly because of the male lead Shozib.
While I thoroughly enjoyed watching this episode as well, some of the dialogues and scenarios in this episode, just like the previous one, were not too logical or convincing. The first episode was penned down faultlessly but the next two have not been equally well-written. However, this episode was just as meaningful and entertaining as the previous two. Through this latest installment, the writer showed different sides of social media. This was a relevant topic covered interestingly. Although social media stars are quickly getting the same kind of attention that many of mainstream celebrities get, we do not get to see such characters being part of new stories. With the exception of a few dramas such as Hum Tum, most of the time we get to see only the negative side of these social media stars.
Breaking Stereotypes
I must say that the beginning of this episode was a lot like the previous one. The new protagonists were just as trusting of their taxi driver as the previous one. This introduction and sudden warming up did not work for me this time around as well but by the time this episode ended, there were so many positive aspects of the story which made up for this flawed scene. If Rameen’s (Saboor Aly) video had already gone viral and she was a rising social media star with millions of followers, why was she surprised that Rania recognized her? The whole viral video issue was also confusing because Rameen mentioned multiple times that the video was already available online. This particular aspect of the story was important but it lacked clarity.
This episode definitely did not have the best opening scene but later on, the story moved forward with the same flow which is turning out to be one of the best aspects of this drama. The writer quickly shifted his focus to Rameen’s story which was initially somewhat predictable – the video going viral and the aftermath. However, the real surprise was Shozib (Mirza Zain Baig) and his open-mindedness. It is always great watching a male lead such as him in dramas. He was introduced as a loving, caring, and open-minded individual, and right till the end he retained these qualities.
Rameen was shown as a young social media star who was not in this field for money or even fame but it was something she enjoyed doing. There was a great deal of focus on Rameen’s creative side instead of showing her as an attention-seeker. Through this character, the writer showed a different side of such social media stars. All of them are not attention-seekers, there are some such as Rameen as well who have a creative side, and showcasing it on social media gets them the public approval they want. At the same time, the writer also highlighted the monetary aspect of the work. This was such a good way of showing that being a social media influencer was also a way of earning money for many but it isn’t something that is readily acceptable by the older generation. Rameen did not cross any boundaries even when she was presented with some lucrative deals by the best people in the business.
Apart from Rameen’s side of the story, Shozib’s role throughout was the main attraction. It was truly refreshing watching a ‘secure’ man standing by his lady unconditionally. Rameen and Shozib’s relationship dynamics were the perfect example of a healthy relationship. Mirza Zain Baig and Saboor Aly played their parts really well.
Final Remarks
Overall, most of the aspects covered in this episode aptly highlighted the kind of pressure girls in particular face when they decide to take up a profession that is looked down upon. That is how Rania’s story started as well. Even though Rameen was extremely conscious of the kind of content she posted on social media, it was not accepted by people around her. Apart from that, the writer also managed to do justice to the trend of ‘going viral’ by showing how it brings with it opportunities. Yet again, the one thing that stood out and made this episode truly refreshing was the way Shozib and both the mothers stood by Rameen. Even though at times the emotional element of Sar-e-Rah is difficult to ‘explain’, it never fails to be heartwarming and uplifting. Saba Qamar has given this character her best and sometimes her performance saves the day, especially in circumstances that are difficult to relate to. I do find myself questioning some of the scenes in each episode but in the end the kind of impact these stories have on me wins!
Sar-e-Rah continues to be positive, uplifting, and inspirational. Rania’s character continues to be delightful. Although she is struggling herself, she spreads positivity effortlessly. The visual appeal of this drama cannot be overlooked. Each element of cinematography from camera placement to lighting makes every scene a treat to watch. Also, the fact that each episode has a new story that is wrapped up in a few minutes makes it interesting to watch even when these stories are rather simple. Muneeb Butt’s character definitely piqued my curiosity; I am more interested than ever to watch his story unfold on-screen. Hareem Farooq will be the only character left after this one so I am wondering if the next 2 episodes will cover Rania’s track.
Did you watch this latest episode? Do share your thoughts about it.
Not only Hareem
Muneeb ka character ka episode bi ana hai
i think phir rania track k liye just one of episode reh jayega
Yes, of course, you’re right. My Maths was not right haha! Just goes to show how bad I am with numbers. That’s actually good.
The episode was interesting dealing with another issue women face. This time a middle-class family girl who was popular on social media but is reluctant to join showbiz because it does not like by her male family members. Rameen’s situation of leaking a dance video with boys should not be highlighted that much by society, especially her male family members. But this has given a chance to them to exploit the situation and impose some sanctions on a free will of a woman. According to them, being a social media celebrity is morally not good at all, even though the video she usually uploads are perfectly modest. They want her to shut down all the media accounts and moreover her father-in-law wants to cancel the engagement of her with his son. However, the episode shows beautifully that every situation woman faces, should not be all with cries but can handle maturely as well. The support provided by the other two females (her mother & mother-in-law) was appreciable. Both go against the males in the families and show her the path to go forward while they handle the burns later. And not to mention, her fiancée who is also a male but stands all the way with her in her choice of career.
With this episode, Rania understands that every woman faces challenges in the world but there are women out there as well, to support each other. So never give up but deal with the hurdles in life courageously and more importantly never underestimate yourself for being a woman.
Your review was on spot, Fatima. Title of the episode was perfectly relevant to the story and as you said, some scenes were looking plastic but at the end Saba Qamar leading a different story, makes it worth to carry on & concludes with an applaud. I am also looking forward to Muneeb’s story. It’s a rarely untouchable topic, which here shown with another perspective, as what I get it from the promos.
Hello Aamer, good to hear from you. You summed up this episode and your views perfectly in your comment. I agree, it is always pleasant to watch dramas that show women supporting each other. Rameen’s character was quite interesting, different from the usual protagonists. I am actually liking the visual element of the drama, I feel the message does not get lost even though it is so pleasing visually.
Appreciate your feedback, glad you’re watching this one :)
Ye log ajnabi taxi driver se aisay ghul mil rahain hain jesay Rania naheen, Saba Qamar se mil rahe hoan. 🙂
Despite few issues, is main do raaye naheen k this drama is far more interesting and visually appealing than any other play on air. Actually, 20-plus-episode stories, as normally shown these days, are hereby covered in less than 50-minute instalment in SeR with highly swift unfolding of events and the conclusion. Aur maza bhee is liye ziada aaraha hai. This is for the first time i have watched story of any social media influncer as theme of the story. Very captivating situations were realistically potrayed by the lead actors.
On lighter side, why are they calling it a recap jab k us main new episode se taluq rakhne wala koi scene hee naheen tha? 🙃
Execution dramay ki zabardast hai aur sath main ap ka review bhee!
I agree with you Urs, I definitely like these short series ideas. Otherwise, buhat hi khench dete hein stories ko, these are short and precise.
Haha true about the recap. I guess un logon ke liye jinhun ne previous episode na dekhi hu, to rope them in ;)
Thank you so much janab. It is always good hearing from you :)
Matlab ek larki na mehram larko kesath nachey kisi ki shadi mai aur dance viral hojayen aur open minded ke naam per usko support miley Uske chawal fiance shozeb se aur baap ko naraz karkey bhaag jayen toh kia yeh breaking stereotypes hen?
Hareemshah viral video leaked inspired by Sar E Rah. Esey dramas mai joh parents ko jahil aur zalim dekhana, behayaye aur ghar se farar hona aur values ko target karna ke lye hotein hen. Real life mai Dua Zahra jese cases hamarey samney hen phir bhi istarah ke drama.
breaking stereotypes? Matlab na mehram larko kesath dance viral video leaked hojati hen aur Liberal fiance shozeb support karta hen Rameen ko. Baap agar naraz ho ya ghussa karen toh jahi aur zalim dekhau drama mai. Family values ko target kartey hen aur Ghar se bhagna ko promote. Haqeeqat mai Dua Zahra aur Hareemshah jesey badnami hoti hen.