Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: November 14, 2024 | 
Adeel Hussain and Ushna Shah in Ghair
The drama Ghair written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, directed by Yasir Nawaz and airing on ARY Digital, has a complex storyline centering on tangled family dynamics, long-standing grievances, and the repercussions of generational mistakes. Despite some impressive elements, Ghair has garnered mixed reviews due to its overtly literal approach, which overshadows the story's depth and makes the audience feel as though the narrative is being spoon-fed to them.
The show follows Wafa (Ushna Shah), who, after being caught in a web of misunderstandings and deceit, ends up married to Saalis (Usama Khan), her estranged cousin. The marriage results from a situation where Haya (played by Fahima Awan), Farjaad’s sister, lies to defend herself, claiming that Wafa pushed her into an outing with Saalis, when it was, in fact, the reverse. This deception leads to outrage within the family, and Wafa is hastily married off to Saalis and expelled from her biological father’s household. Now adjusting to her new life, Wafa finds herself living with her husband Saalis and his mother, her biological phuppo (father’s sister), while Haya, tormented by jealousy, schemes to ruin their newfound relationship. What is happening to Wafa has happened to her mother earlier and unresolved family issues have led to another chaotic situation in the family.
Usama Khan and Ushna Shah
The story highlights the cyclical nature of family mistakes, particularly in how the older generation’s unresolved issues echo in the lives of their children. Themes of betrayal, jealousy and societal expectations are woven into the plot, but with less nuance than viewers have come to expect from the writer's recent work.
The concept of Ghair has potential, however, the execution suffers due to overly literal storytelling. Viewers are guided through each plot point with excessive exposition, diminishing the impact of what could have been powerful moments. For instance, characters frequently verbalize their thoughts and intentions, which undermines the drama’s suspense and subtlety, making the narrative feel overly simplified.
Ushna Shah and Fahima Awan
In contrast, Ghair might have benefitted from a subtler approach that allows viewers to interpret character motives and conflicts independently. This lack of subtlety results in a disconnect, particularly for audiences who expect a layered, thought-provoking drama. This choice is especially surprising considering Yasir Nawaz’s directorial history, with dramas like Chup Raho and Thori Si Wafa, where he effectively balanced complexity with nuance.
The cast of Ghair includes a blend of established actors such as Adeel Hussain, Ushna Shah, Saba Hameed, Aijaz Aslam and Waseem Abbas. However, some casting choices have raised questions, especially regarding age discrepancies. For example, Farhan Ally Agha, who plays Adeel Hussain’s father, is only slightly older, and similar issues exist with other characters. These decisions have sparked discussion among viewers, who find it challenging to connect with the characters due to these noticeable age gaps.
Waseem Abbas and Saba Hamid
Performance-wise, while the actors are experienced, some of the portrayals feel exaggerated, with a tendency towards melodrama that detracts from the story’s emotional depth. Ushna Shah, as the protagonist Wafa, brings intensity to her role, but there are moments where the emotions seem forced rather than organic. This over-the-top delivery is a noticeable departure from the grounded performances audiences expect from Pakistani dramas of this caliber.
The drama also includes flashbacks to events from two decades ago, which are essential to understanding the underlying tensions between the characters. However, the lack of effort in distinguishing the characters’ appearances from past to present disrupts the storytelling. The older generation looks virtually the same in these flashbacks, which not only affects the realism but also indicates a lack of attention to detail in production. Younger actors or slight changes in makeup, could have created a more immersive experience.
The family gathering scene
Zanjabeel Asim Shah, known for her previous blockbuster Noor Jehan, brings her signature themes of family and interpersonal drama to Ghair. However, the script here feels underwhelming compared to her previous work. Shah has a reputation for either delivering standout hits or missing the mark, and Ghair appears to lean more toward the latter. The predictability of some plot twists, such as Haya’s jealousy and eventual attempts to disrupt Wafa and Saalis’s relationship, adds little surprise for viewers, and the excessive narration makes the storyline feel stagnant at times.
The show’s exploration of whether an adoptive father has responsibility toward his stepdaughter following her mother’s death, as well as Wafa’s complicated ties to her estranged family, could have opened rich thematic avenues. Unfortunately, these potential highlights are overshadowed by the show’s literal execution that leaves little for viewers to interpret.
Ushna Shah, Munawar Saeed and Sajida Syed
On a positive note, Ghair does well in terms of grandeur and setting, providing a visually appealing experience with well-designed interiors and a strong color palette that reflects the traditional values underlying the story. The ambiance and visuals complement the family-oriented nature of the show, adding a layer of elegance that aligns with the story's themes of legacy and familial duty. However, these production values, while enhancing the show’s aesthetics, cannot fully compensate for the issues with plot and characterization.
Ghair presents an interesting storyline filled with generational conflicts, moral dilemmas and family drama. It has the foundation of an engaging series, especially with the quality of its cast and experienced direction. Yet, its potential is hampered by the overly literal writing and heavy-handed storytelling. The plot feels constrained by its insistence on spelling out every detail, resulting in a less engaging experience for viewers looking for a nuanced and thought-provoking content.
As the show progresses, there remains hope that Ghair will refine its narrative approach, allowing characters and story arcs to develop organically rather than relying on exposition. There is room for the show to grow into a more engaging and a layered story, if it can strike a balance between clarity and subtlety. As of now, however, Ghair falls short of the high expectations set by its creators and cast, delivering an experience that is more surface-level than the immersive family saga it could have been.
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