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    Bismil (Sacrifice): A Tale of Ambition Marred by Flaws

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: September 04, 2024 | | 中文

    Hareem Farooq and Nauman Ijaz in Bismil

    Bismil, the latest drama series penned by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Aehsun Talish, sets out to weave a compelling narrative around the complexities of ambition, love and betrayal. With a cast led by veterans like Nauman Ijaz and Savera Nadeem and Hareem Farooq, the last of whom is making a comeback into dramas. The show aims to take its viewers on a thrilling journey through the highs and lows of a woman determined to reach the pinnacle of success, no matter the cost.

    Hareem Farooq, Shaheen Khan and Asad Siddiqui

    The story centers around Masooma, portrayed by Hareem Farooq, a girl from a lower-class background with dreams that soar far beyond her means. Her cunning and intelligence help her navigate a world, in which success often requires sacrifices that come with heavy consequences. Opposite her, Nauman Ijaz plays T.T., a successful businessman and landlord, who, despite his powerful status, finds his life and that of his family entangled in Masooma’s ambitions. His wife, Reham, played by Savera Nadeem, adds a layer of sophistication and control to the storyline, pushing the drama forward as the family’s dynamics unravel.

    Saad Qureshi, Nauman Ijaz and Savera Nadeem

    While the premise of Bismil is intriguing, drawing the audience into a world where ambition can lead to both triumph and disaster, the execution falters in several critical areas, primarily due to glaring editing flaws and inconsistent production quality.

    Editing Flaws: A Major Letdown:

    The most noticeable flaw in Bismil lies in its editing. Scenes that should build tension and drive the story forward are often cut abruptly, leaving viewers confused and disrupting the flow of the narrative. There are instances where the transition between scenes is so abrupt that it breaks the immersive experience the drama is trying to create. The lack of coherence in some sequences makes it difficult to stay engaged with the plot, which is a significant drawback for a story that hinges on its suspense and emotional twists.

    Behroz Sabzwari, Shaheen Khan and Hareem Farooq

    Moreover, the pacing suffers due to these editing missteps. Moments that should be poignant or thrilling are undermined by either being rushed or dragged out unnecessarily. This inconsistency in pacing detracts from the overall impact of the story, making it hard for the audience to fully invest in the characters’ journeys.

    Production Quality: Falling Short of Grandeur:

    Bismil clearly aims to deliver a visually striking experience, with its settings and costumes designed to reflect the grandeur of the world the characters inhabit. However, the production quality often falls short of this ambition. There are scenes where the set design and lighting fail to match the tone of the story, resulting in a visual experience that feels inconsistent and, at times, amateurish.

    The cinematography, though commendable in certain sequences, lacks the polish needed to elevate the drama to the level it aspires for. This inconsistency is especially apparent in scenes meant to showcase the opulence of T.T.’s world, where the visuals do not always match the narrative’s intention of grandeur and sophistication.

    Asad Siddiqui and Hareem Farooq

    Performances and Storyline: Holding It Together

    Despite these technical shortcomings, the performances by the lead actors manage to keep the drama afloat. Nauman Ijaz delivers a powerful performance as T.T., bringing depth and nuance to his character. He is both a loving husband and a formidable businessman. Hareem Farooq as Masooma, shines in her portrayal of a woman whose ambition knows no bound, capturing both the vulnerability and ruthlessness of her character. Savera Nadeem’s Reham adds a touch of elegance and control, making her a compelling figure in the story.

    Savera Nadeem and Saad Qureshi

    The storyline itself is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience invested. The exploration of how ambition can both elevate and destroy is well-crafted, and the narrative does a good job of portraying the consequences of Masooma’s choices.

    Final Verdict

    Bismil is a drama with a strong premise and a talented cast, but it is ultimately let down by significant editing flaws and inconsistent production quality. While the story of Masooma’s rise and fall is compelling, the execution leaves much to be desired. For viewers who can overlook these technical issues, Bismil offers an intriguing narrative about ambition and its consequences. However, for those who value polished production and seamless storytelling, this drama may prove to be a frustrating watch.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

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    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021