Written by: Zainab Naseem
Posted on: October 16, 2020 | 
(L to R) Sami Khan as Mikaal and Sumbal Iqbal as Amal
Hum TV dramas have often generated considerable buzz due to their convincing storylines and an ensemble of casts with magnetic chemistry. However, this current year has placed a lot of pressure on writers and directors to produce unique content that will have viewers invested.
However, while the chemistry between the actors may be easy to see, sometimes in an attempt to produce something unique and exciting, dramas may lose the realism that compels people to keep watching.
With an intriguing promotion and three fast-paced episodes, the latest TV serial ‘Dulhan’, instantly piqued the audience’s curiosity. The drama stars Sumbal Iqbal and Sami Khan in the lead roles, with Faizan Khawaja, Mashal Khan, Annie Zaidi, Shaheen Khan, Sheheryar Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Ahmed, Farah Nadir, Hina Shahid, Nida Mumtaz and Laiba Imran as supporting actors. It is directed by Adeel Siddiqui, written by Adeel Raza, and is a Momina Duraid Productions.
The drama revolves around a middle-class family, with Amal (Iqbal) living with her father Mirza Sahab (Ahmad), her step-mother Aasia (Mumtaz) and her step-siblings. Amal and Mirza sahib are responsible for the finances of their family, and Amal studies and works late hours. Aasia wants Amal to stay and manage the household, while Mirza Sahib wants Amal to marry and leave home.
Amal and her father on her wedding night
Mumtaz’s screen presence is captivating, and the portrayal of her character very nuanced. While Aasia’s character may have the potential for redemption later on in the series, we see a fairly typical contrast in characters of Amal and Noshaba. The former is depicted independent, driven and responsible, and the latter as an idle, emotional and sensitive foil to Amal’s ambition and desire for success. However, the drama’s depiction of the complicated family relationships with clashing personalities, is perhaps its biggest strength.
Amal and her step-sister Noshaba in an argument
As the episode progresses, Amal has her first encounter with Mikaal (Khan), a wealthy man who pursues her, despite Amal being dismissive of his advances. His stalker-like behavior escalates in intensity as he follows her around the university, her workplace, and eventually proposes marriage. While Mikaal’s sudden proposal causes a rift between the women in the household, Mirza Sahib is thoroughly convinced of Mikaal’s sincerity and affection for Amal.
Mirza Sahib as Amal's Father and Mikaal
A small, intimate ceremony takes place, but while Amal waits for Mikaal, she is shocked to see Shahmeer (Khawaja) enter. Shahmeer was another boy who vied for Amal’s affection, but was humiliated and is now seeking revenge. As the plot takes a rather absurd turn, the viewer learns that Mikaal duped Amal in a bet to win Shahmeer’s sports car. Attempting to escape, Amal attacks Shahmeer by throwing a vase at him, and returns home devastated. Mirza Sahab gets a heart attack after realizing his terrible mistake, and although Amal arranges the money for his surgery by selling her jewelry, Mirza Sahab dies shortly after.
Shahmeer and Amal
While Amal is mourning her father’s loss, we are introduced to Annie (Khan), whose poorly developed character in the screenplay, prevents her from showing complex emotions.
Mikaal and Annie
So far, the winding plotline and sudden character entrances, leave the viewer somewhat skeptical of how the characters are evolving. One remains unconvinced as to why Amal was put through this ordeal, if not as another ploy for entertainment at the expense of a woman’s suffering. However, now that the drama has left Amal in a difficult position, the audience is curious to see if she will take revenge, or if ‘Dulhan’ will fall into more clichés, leaving the audience more disappointed than enthralled.
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