Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: January 08, 2021 | 
(L to R) Bilal Abbas Khan, Badar Mehmood, Fahad Mustafa and Sana Javed
A critic’s job is hard. In Pakistan, it is harder because conversation can very quickly turn sour and controversial. ‘Dunk’ is a drama that is difficult to critique in the same manner as any other drama, because of the discussion that has taken place around it, especially on social media. In the current social climate, it is important to mention that the following review is about the drama ‘Dunk’ and not about the conversation that surrounds it.
Sana Javed as Amal
‘Dunk’ is directed by Badar Mehmood (of “Balaa” and “Cheekh” fame), and stars Bilal Abbas Khan, Sana Javed and Naumaan Ejaz, Yasra Rizvi, Shahood Alvi, Fahad Shaikh, Laila Wasti, Salma Hassan, Saifee Hassan and Tara Mahmood. It premiered on ARY Digital three weeks ago, and remains engaging after the third episode, even though its topic is one that is quite sensitive.
The story is built around the turmoil that unfolds when Professor Humayun (Ejaz) from a well-established university is accused of sexual harassment by a female student, Amal (Javed). Amal’s fiancée and cousin Haider (Abbas) is shown to be a hot-headed young man who not only fully believes the woman he loves, but is also ready to stand by her and asks her seek justice for the alleged misdemeanor. Protests ensue all over the campus and the media get involved, prompting the professor’s swift dismissal.
Bilal Abbas as Haider
What sets the drama apart is the treatment of the plot. In every episode up to now, viewers have been kept on edge by being shown both sides of the story. Repeatedly we are shown that the professor is innocent, only to be convinced moments later that the opposite is true and the accuser is telling the truth.
The confusion that ensues in an aftermath of such an incident, in which one but the parties involved knows the actual truth has been captured with great tact here. I use the word tact because the tension and confusion that the whole scenario has created are actually relatable. The viewer goes through the same range of emotions as the characters witnessing the incident, without knowing what actually happened.
The Committee Hearing Amal's Case
Acting in the drama surpasses anything we have witnessed in the past couple of years. Even though Javed and Abbas have both been criticized for choosing roles very similar to the ones they played in “Ruswai” and “Cheekh” respectively. However, since the drama showcases the story from two different angles, it will be interesting to see the way the two actors will explore the range of their talents.
Ejaz, as usual, is nothing short of brilliant in his role. The turmoil he is going through in his professional and private life because of the allegation, is powerfully conveyed through his expressions, and little conversation is needed to express his angst. Yasra Rizvi has been well cast as a gullible companion with full faith in the integrity of her husband. Another person worth mentioning here is the child star playing Professor Humayun’s daughter. Her name could not be found anywhere on the internet, but the raw talent she has shown, has left many awestruck.
Nauman Ejaz as Professor Humayun with His Daughter
The supporting cast in this drama has also done a splendid job, be it Alvi and Wasti as Haider’s parents, or Salma and Saifee Hassan as Amal’s parents. Fahad Shaikh has also settled into his role of Haider’s brother as well. Overall, the drama has been well written and executed up to this point as a drama full of suspense. There is hope that as it unfolds, it will do justice to the story.
Yasra Rizvi and Nauman Ejaz
All that said, it would have been better if the actors and producers had all remained silent regarding the drama’s plot instead of revealing it. The content is engaging and has kept the viewers hooked by presenting the story in a realistic and exciting manner. However, in the attempt of generating publicity, the show runners diverted attention from the content of the plot from compelling to controversy.
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