Written by: Saman Khalid
Posted on: November 21, 2023 | 
| 中文
Imran Ashraf as Mureed and Sarah Khan as Asma Begum
Deep into the dark night, a man sings himself a Happy Birthday song. The lights are dimmed and he is on his own, about to cut his birthday cake. Right before the knife touches the frosting, he violently sweeps the tablecloth off and sends the cake flying. If this opening scene doesn't sound compelling, nothing will.
"Namak Haram" (ungrateful or unreliable), a power-packed show starring the incredibly talented Imran Ashraf and directed by Shaqielle Khan, has been making rounds on the internet. The show's initial release was accompanied by a buzz, since netizens were eagerly anticipating the on-screen pairing of Imran Ashraf and Sara Khan after Raqs-e-Bismil (Dance of the Wounded). With only 3 episodes out as of now, Namak Haram has already set up a groundbreaking premise and has fully engaged its viewers. The first episode alone garnered a massive viewership of more than 9M. Here are the aspects that make this drama shine and stand out from the rest.
While most Pakistani dramas are based on hackneyed love stories and family politics, Namak Haram brings a completely different ball game into the market. The story follows Mureed (Imran Ashraf), a seemingly dutiful servant who has been loyal to an affluent family for years as a link in the chain of generational service. However, his past is haunted by visions of a terrible incident inflicted on his family by the masters of the mansion he serves. This drives Mureed to the relentless pursuit of the perfect revenge.
Imran Ashraf with Babar Ali in Namak Haram
It is self-evident that the central idea of the show is commendable. It propels the viewers to evaluate their own standards of morality, and also stick around to witness the inevitable unravelling of this family. Servants and body-guards are often cardboard characters that melt into the shadows. For the first time, a show has decided to focus solely on a conventionally insignificant character. This bold move makes for a highly refreshing storyline that has hooked the viewers from the start.
The reason as to why Namak Haram has managed to retain the audiences' interest is none other than it's breakneck pace. Over the span of merely three episodes, several major twists have already been set into motion. The show wastes no time in filler sequences and sentimental slow-motion scenes. Instead, it takes a nimble approach, revealing fresh details and nuances periodically. To add to it, every episodes ends on a cliff hanger, inviting the spectators to tune into the next episode so as to find out what happens next. Namak Haram boasts a high intrigue factor that perpetually keeps people on their toes.
Babar Ali and Sunita Marshal
While the plot of Namak Haram and the fanbase of the lead actors is what draws the viewers to the show, the intricate characterization definitely contributed to the engagement rate. Every character exudes an aura of mystique and leaves the viewers wanting to find out more about them. The protagonist, Mureed, is a uniquely disturbed main character. On the surface, he appears as a vigilant right-hand man. But on the inside, he grapples with the anguish of having lost his family to the cruel family that he is forced to protect. This divide makes his character insanely alluring. However, he has so many elaborate layers that it is almost impossible to predict actions. This isn't frustrating in the least, because even though he is hard to figure out, he has everything under control at all times. Every moves be makes is calculated and measured, speaking to the years he has dedicated to concocting his vengeance.
Sarah Khan and Anika Zulfikar
The side characters each have their own story to tell. Asma Begum, the female lead for the show played by Sarah Khan, is another key player in the narrative. She seems like the golden child of the family, but the patrons can't help but sense that something darker is simmering beneath the surface. The same can be said about almost all the members of the main cast. This knotted dynamic gives rise to a macabre atmosphere that further complements Mureed's anti-hero tendencies.
Sarah Khan at her on-screen wedding
Imran Ashraf is one of the few actors of this generation who has perfected the craft of acting. Beholding his spell-binding performance feels like an exclusive honour. The way he portrays the subtleties of Mureed's character is nothing short of exceptional. How he is able to change his expression from a humble servant to a Machiavellian schemer in the matter of a few seconds, is a mystery to his fans. Needless to say, Ashraf depicts all the shades of Mureed's personality effortlessly. In some scenes, he plays the part of an intimidating body-guard with a soft heart; in others, he laughs maniacally thinking about his plans. Likewise, the show presents many thematic challenges to the actor, but Imran Ashraf passes them all with undeniable finesse and talent.
Imran Ashraf and Babar Ali
The ribbon that finally wraps up this super bowl is the raw writing. With weighty dialogues peppered throughout the episodes, the impact of each scene is elevated beyond expectation. Especially, the concept of Namak and its metaphorical relevance to the story has been highlighted multiple times through articulate expression. Polished prose shines through in all the dialogues, making the viewing experience surreal.
Overall, Namak Haram is an immaculate blend of top-notch acting, persuasive writing and multi-dimensional characters. It provides a much-needed respite from the usual humdrum of mediocre dramas. If you are a television show junkie, it is high time to start watching Namak Haram!
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