Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: September 04, 2024 | 
| 中文
Hareem Farooq and Nauman Ijaz in Bismil
Bismil, the latest drama series penned by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Aehsun Talish, sets out to weave a compelling narrative around the complexities of ambition, love and betrayal. With a cast led by veterans like Nauman Ijaz and Savera Nadeem and Hareem Farooq, the last of whom is making a comeback into dramas. The show aims to take its viewers on a thrilling journey through the highs and lows of a woman determined to reach the pinnacle of success, no matter the cost.
Hareem Farooq, Shaheen Khan and Asad Siddiqui
The story centers around Masooma, portrayed by Hareem Farooq, a girl from a lower-class background with dreams that soar far beyond her means. Her cunning and intelligence help her navigate a world, in which success often requires sacrifices that come with heavy consequences. Opposite her, Nauman Ijaz plays T.T., a successful businessman and landlord, who, despite his powerful status, finds his life and that of his family entangled in Masooma’s ambitions. His wife, Reham, played by Savera Nadeem, adds a layer of sophistication and control to the storyline, pushing the drama forward as the family’s dynamics unravel.
Saad Qureshi, Nauman Ijaz and Savera Nadeem
While the premise of Bismil is intriguing, drawing the audience into a world where ambition can lead to both triumph and disaster, the execution falters in several critical areas, primarily due to glaring editing flaws and inconsistent production quality.
The most noticeable flaw in Bismil lies in its editing. Scenes that should build tension and drive the story forward are often cut abruptly, leaving viewers confused and disrupting the flow of the narrative. There are instances where the transition between scenes is so abrupt that it breaks the immersive experience the drama is trying to create. The lack of coherence in some sequences makes it difficult to stay engaged with the plot, which is a significant drawback for a story that hinges on its suspense and emotional twists.
Behroz Sabzwari, Shaheen Khan and Hareem Farooq
Moreover, the pacing suffers due to these editing missteps. Moments that should be poignant or thrilling are undermined by either being rushed or dragged out unnecessarily. This inconsistency in pacing detracts from the overall impact of the story, making it hard for the audience to fully invest in the characters’ journeys.
Bismil clearly aims to deliver a visually striking experience, with its settings and costumes designed to reflect the grandeur of the world the characters inhabit. However, the production quality often falls short of this ambition. There are scenes where the set design and lighting fail to match the tone of the story, resulting in a visual experience that feels inconsistent and, at times, amateurish.
The cinematography, though commendable in certain sequences, lacks the polish needed to elevate the drama to the level it aspires for. This inconsistency is especially apparent in scenes meant to showcase the opulence of T.T.’s world, where the visuals do not always match the narrative’s intention of grandeur and sophistication.
Asad Siddiqui and Hareem Farooq
Despite these technical shortcomings, the performances by the lead actors manage to keep the drama afloat. Nauman Ijaz delivers a powerful performance as T.T., bringing depth and nuance to his character. He is both a loving husband and a formidable businessman. Hareem Farooq as Masooma, shines in her portrayal of a woman whose ambition knows no bound, capturing both the vulnerability and ruthlessness of her character. Savera Nadeem’s Reham adds a touch of elegance and control, making her a compelling figure in the story.
Savera Nadeem and Saad Qureshi
The storyline itself is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience invested. The exploration of how ambition can both elevate and destroy is well-crafted, and the narrative does a good job of portraying the consequences of Masooma’s choices.
Bismil is a drama with a strong premise and a talented cast, but it is ultimately let down by significant editing flaws and inconsistent production quality. While the story of Masooma’s rise and fall is compelling, the execution leaves much to be desired. For viewers who can overlook these technical issues, Bismil offers an intriguing narrative about ambition and its consequences. However, for those who value polished production and seamless storytelling, this drama may prove to be a frustrating watch.
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