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    Drama Review: Jafaa (Oppression, Mistreatment)

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: July 12, 2024 | | 中文

    Poster of Jaffa

    In the sea of contemporary Pakistani dramas, Jafaa emerges as a refreshing beacon of narrative brilliance and emotional depth. With its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and high production quality, this drama, written by Samira Fazal and directed by Danish Nawaz, stands out as a remarkable addition to the genre.

    Mawra Hocane is convincing as a gynecologist

    At the heart of Jafaa lies a well-crafted narrative that masterfully balances various familial and romantic relationships without becoming overbearing. The drama introduces us to Andaleeb (Sehar Khan), whose relationship with her father is a central pillar of the story. Her father’s dual role of keeping her secrets while making crucial decisions on her behalf showcases a nurturing and protective dynamic that resonates deeply with the viewers. This portrayal of a supportive yet authoritative parent adds a layer of realism and warmth to the story.

    Dr. Zara (Mawra Hocane), another pivotal character, maintains a balanced relationship with her family. Her efforts to keep the peace while uncovering the mysteries surrounding her husband Hassan (Mohib Mirza), add a captivating element of suspense and intrigue. The enigmatic Dr. Numair (Usman Mukhtar) also intrigues viewers, with his aversion to marriage and women, hinting at deeper, unexplored psychological layers.

    (L to R) Usman Mukhtar, Mohib Mirza, Mawra Hocane and Sehar Khan

    Samira Fazal’s writing in Jafaa exhibits a maturity that enhances the drama’s appeal. Her ability to weave complex relationships and emotional nuances into the storyline is commendable. The dialogue is sharp and poignant, adding depth to the characters and their interactions. Fazal’s storytelling is complemented by Danish Nawaz’s direction, which brings the script to life with precision and sensitivity. Nawaz, a seasoned director, ensures that the pacing is brisk, maintaining viewer engagement through unexpected twists and well-timed revelations.

    The production quality of Jafaa is notably high, reflecting the commitment of Momina Duraid Productions to delivering top-tier content. The cinematography is polished, capturing the emotional intensity and the scenic beauty of the settings. The sound design and music score further enhance the viewing experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws viewers into the world of the characters.

    Zarrar Khan and Sehar Khan

    The characters in Jafaa are multi-dimensional and portrayed with finesse by a talented ensemble cast. Sehar Khan as Andaleeb, delivers a standout performance, embodying her character’s youthful exuberance and emotional struggles with authenticity. Mawra Hocane’s portrayal of Dr. Zoya is equally compelling, balancing strength and vulnerability in her performance.

    Mohib Mirza’s Hassan is shrouded in mystery, and his portrayal keeps viewers guessing about his true intentions. Usman Mukhtar’s Dr. Numair is a fascinating character whose layers are slowly peeled back, revealing a complex individual with a troubled past. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding to the drama’s overall appeal.

    The portrayal of young love between Moiz and Deebu is endearing and relatable. Their relationship, marked by mutual support and encouragement, transcends class differences, adding a hopeful and heartwarming element to the drama. Moiz’s lack of inferiority complex despite his financial struggles, is a refreshing deviation from typical tropes, highlighting his resilience and sincerity.

    Mohib Mirza and Mawra Hocane

    The interactions between Zara and Numair provide a realistic glimpse into a doctor’s life, enriched by their strong friendship. The mehndi dance scene, featuring Zara and Deebu, is executed with grace and nostalgia, evoking memories of traditional dholki dances with cousins. One of Jafaa’s strengths lies in its ability to weave suspense into the storyline. Hassan’s character, with his enigmatic behavior, keeps viewers on edge, hinting at sinister undertones that are yet to be fully revealed. This element of mystery adds a layer of intrigue, compelling viewers to stay tuned for future episodes.

    Usman Mukhtar looks good as a doctor

    Jafaa also navigates cultural sensitivities with care. The drama addresses themes of family loyalty, societal expectations and personal aspirations, resonating with a wide audience. While some scenes have sparked debate, such as the portrayal of teenage love and discussions around marriage, these elements are handled with a level of maturity that prompts reflection and conversation.

    Jafaa is a triumph in the realm of Pakistani dramas, offering a rich tapestry of emotions, relationships and suspense. Samira Fazal’s mature writing, combined with Danish Nawaz’s adept direction, creates a drama that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The high production quality and stellar performances by the cast further elevate the show, making it a must-watch for drama enthusiasts.

    As Jafaa continues to unfold, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the unraveling of its mysteries and the evolution of its characters. With its engaging storyline, nuanced character development, and emotional depth, Jafaa sets a new standard for contemporary drama, proving that quality storytelling can indeed captivate and inspire.


    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.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    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