A review on Pakistani drama TV series, Parizaad Episode 9 (2021). The new TV series is directed by Shehzad Kashmiri and written by Hashim Nadeem. Parizaad is a Momina Duraid Production.
(Note: If you’ve already read the review of the previous episode, you can skip directly ahead to the High points section).
+ Crew
- Directed by Shehzad Kashmiri
- Written by Hashim Nadeem
- Produced by Momina Duraid Productions
+ Note
Parizaad is based on a novel by Hashim Nadeem and is a case study of a protagonist who cannot seem to find his place in a world where illicit behaviour and exploitation is rewarded over truth and kindness. The show explores the lower middle class societal problems of Pakistan and how a wallflower like Parizaad is never appreciated by our society.
The director of the show Shehzad Kashmiri is a well respected cinematographer who then moved towards directing TV shows. He also directed a feature length film Bin Roye in 2015 which earned him a nomination for Best Film Director at 15th Lux Style Awards.
+ Main Cast
- Noman Ejaz
- Ahmed Ali Akbar
- Syed Muhammad Ahmed
- Urwa Hussain
- Ushna Shah
- Yumna Zaidi
- Saboor Ali
- Mashal Khan
- Tipu Shah
- Kiran Tabeer
+ Plot
Born in a world of neglect and hurt, Parizaad is an innocent soul that differs from everyone. He is kind, thoughtful and a gentle soul who due to his nature and appearance, does not fit the societal norms of Pakistani culture. Will the devious modern society engulf Parizaad into its darkness or will he remain a beacon of hope and all that is good in Life?
+ High Points
i – Episode 9 was fantastic. A lot of memorable scenes occurred that could become staple of the quality that Parizaad produces. We now get to see a new step in Life unfold as Parizaad moves to Karachi in search of a substantial source of income. The episode presents some new, interesting characters and finally, the introduction of Noman Ejaz into the show. This week’s proves once again why Parizaad is one of the best shows on Pakistani television at the moment.
ii – Shah Jahan “Jannu” is a great addition to the supporting cast of the show. He’s street savvy but sincere, and serves perfectly as a guidance for Parizaad through the depths of insanity we call humanity.
The famous Karachi ‘Daal Chawal’
iii – One of the essential reasons why I admire this show is that it is perhaps the complete antithesis of what Pakistani TV channels consider “marketable content”. Unlike other Pak shows airing on television at the moment, Parizaad is not afraid to depict reality on screen. As a viewer, we get to see our protagonist meet characters from all circles of Pakistani society; from the high class snobs to the low life hustlers. The show could serve well as the diverse groups of people that live, work and survive in our society. Episode 9 depicted some of the most rundown, crumbling apartments of Karachi and I cannot stress enough how refreshing it was to see that on our television screens! Whether we admit it or not, there is a massive capital disparity in our country that we should never shy away from.
iv – The dream sequence of Parizaad and Naheed was sweet but tragic at the same time. Since its first few episodes, Parizaad has constantly met people from all facets of society but the lingering love that embellished deep in Parizaad’s heart for Naheed could never be extinguished. The scene rightfully had a starry night, “magical realism” quality to it and it just goes to show how much talent is in front but also behind the camera.
Beautifully lit and visually mesmerizing dream sequence
v – Speaking of creative camera work, the massive, single shot of Parizaad and Jannu climbing the stairs to his apartment was marvellous. Taking a single shot for two minutes straight through a flight of stairs is no easy task but it’s admirable to see the commitment of the creative team and director who insisted upon it. The lack of a cut in between the shot was important because it gave the viewer an overwhelming feeling of the surroundings that they have to live in but at the same time, their banter was so interesting that they almost did not mind the massive flight of stairs that they had to take just to get to their door! This is the effort of filmmaking that I greatly admire in Parizaad and undoubtedly sets itself apart from other shows on TV.
A 2 min single shot through the massive flight of stairs!
vi – And once again, the performances by Ahmed Ali Akbar and the supporting cast is nothing short of excellent. It’s great to see that every actor is giving their best in bringing the authentic representation of a Pakistani society on screen.
+ Low Points
i – A minor criticism can be made of the story and it has largely to do with its pacing. It would have been great if we had a couple of episodes where Parizaad just attended College and perhaps a few struggling as a car mechanic. A lot has occurred in the last few episodes and it is beneficial for the show if it slows its pacing down a bit for us (as viewers) to take in every twist and turn in Parizaad’s life.
+ Overall
Episode 9 has once again set the bar quite high when it comes to quality television and Parizaad is arguably the best show on Pakistani television at the moment.
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