Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: January 27, 2022 | 
| 中文
The promotional poster of Sang-e-Mah
There is no denying the fact that Pakistan's drama industry stands in a league of its own. Going through the stories, the character realization and the sound dedication of veteran artists, the entertainment landscape has been going through some steady changes over the years, and this has rewarded production houses with solid global viewership. For a country which is grappling with inflation, this serves as a major win despite the fact that television is more so focused on quantity rather than quality now, as dramas seek to gain the highest Television Rating Points (TRPs). This is why it takes a bit of searching through the various titles to determine what is worthy of your screen time. However, that was certainly not the case when Momina Duraid announced the release of her highly anticipated drama 'Sang-e-Mah'.
Anyone who has seen Momina's earlier works, can vouch that there can't be any stronger form of storytelling. Crafting a riveting scenario of epic settings with extremely well-developed characters and powerful dialogues, this one looked pure gold. The cast, consisting of the ever-versatile Nauman Ijaz meant you will be treated to good acting, and he is joined by the talented duo Sania Saeed and Samiya Mumtaz.
Atif Aslam as Hilmand and Noman Ijaz as Marjaan Khan
Having seen the performance of the trio in its predecessor drama serial, Sang-e-Mar Mar, it was the anticipation of its successor, which kept everyone on the edge of their seats. And as it turns out, besides the names and almost the same cast, the similarities between the two-television series ends here. There is a major new element of surprise, as a mysterious character 'Hilmand Khan' is introduced, who is played by none other than the exceptionally brilliant 'Atif Aslam'. This in itself makes this Hum TV presentation a major watch. With a star-studded cast, including notable names of the industry like Kubra Khan, Hania Amir, Zaviyar Ijaz and Omair Rana, the storyline needed to be strong to justify every role. Three episodes in, and it is safe to say Sang-e-Mah is living up to its expectations.
A beautiful and thoroughly researched portrayal of the Pashtun tribes who are devoted to safeguarding their cultural values, Sang-e-Mah hints at family politics, rivalries and forbidden love. It is also important to point out how the artists took it upon themselves to make their Pashto accents fluent, donning culturally appropriate attire (notice how Sania Saeed wears Swabi's traditional shawl 'Chail') and successfully adopting their characters’ role. While it is a serious serial, it is interspersed with humor (specifically when Hania graces the screen), making it a pleasurable viewing for the whole family.
Hania Amir and Zaviyar Ijaz's characters depict the forbidden love
Diversity takes center stage in this production with a significant role given to a Sikh character. Omair Rana is captivating the moment he graces the screen as the Sikh 'Mastaan Singh'. His quiet demeanor and his earnest need to gain redemption is truly captivating. While there is more to be revealed about his character, the role is a breath of fresh air and Omair does justice to it.
Omair Rana winning hearts with his portrayal of a Sikh character Mastaan Singh
The series also shines a light on the taboo custom of 'Gagh' or forced marriages. This is an ancient tribal custom that still exists in tribes based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as regions in Balochistan. The television series is making use of art to depict real-life cultural customs while also depicting family rivalry. We see Sania Saeed as a strong, independent woman 'Zarghuna'; she is headstrong, owns a gun, and rides horses. Truly someone as talented and versatile as Sania could have brought this character to life. Her wits and impeccable dialogue delivery is such a pleasure to watch. She has a major rift with her sister 'Zarsanga', played by the equally charming and delightful 'Samiya Mumtaz'.
Sania Saeed as Zarghuna
However, it is probably the kind of relation Nauman Ijaz's character has with Aijaz's Hilmand that has intrigued us the most. Other-worldly, extremely deep and with layers of mystique, we watch with bated breath whether this ill-fated father-son relationship will turn around or are we about to witness something extremely tragic and revolting. No matter how the drama unfolds, the careful consideration and precision with which all the pieces of a larger-than-life puzzle have been brought together are highly commendable, and we only wish for a defining conclusion to a drama series, which is playing all of its cards right.
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