A review on Pakistani drama TV series, Parizaad Episode 15 (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 – This week’s episode was distinctively divided into two different plot threads; the case of Bubbly and the ongoing saga of Behroze Karim. And once again, the episode was brilliantly executed in bringing in the emotions and drama from our colorful cast of characters. Although Parizaad has and will always take the center stage, the two female leads of Saboor Aly and Nadia Afghan were the undeniable highlight of the show. And I am pleasantly surprised how strong female protagonists are being represented. Both characters in very different scenarios; one struggles through emotional acceptance while the other fights to uphold justice in this world.
Spoilers Alert!! If you would like to avoid it, please skip to the Overall section:
ii – The story arc of Bubbly was immensely satisfying. Although the earlier episodes tried to bring a “comedy” angle into this, the latter brought the much needed drama and emotional investment from the viewers. I suppose it is still not entirely clear how Bubbly/Bilawal will live her/ his life now with her/ his parents but not all questions should be answered and be rightfully left to the viewer’s imagination. Strong performances from Saboor Aly and the parents. Also as a side note: Desi fathers are accurately depicted by the show as stern from exterior but emotional teddy bears from within!
iii – Ever since his introduction, I’ve always loved the “Guru” character from the show. He is a gentle, lost soul who wants to be loved with compassion from society. Troubled past experiences have totally left him dejected from humanity but him getting emotional over Bubbly/ Bilawal’s exit depicts a picture of a thousand tales.
iv – The second (inevitable) confrontation between Inspector Badar Munir and Behroze was intense and impeccably executed. Although the Inspector thought she finally got one over the evasive crime lord, Behroze (predictably) was still two steps ahead of her. Fantastic game of chess and anxious of how all this will affect Parizaad as the collateral damage of the situation.
+ Low Points
i – One drawback from all these intense plot developments is that the writer has completely forgotten about all the subplots of the show! What happened to Parizaad’s brothers? How is his sister coping with her marriage and in-laws? What about the girl he was in love with? Although admittedly, most of these subplots were not interesting enough to sustain every week, they all have been dropped rather abruptly with no explanation whatsoever. I hope all these subplots are resolved by the end of the show.
+ Overall
Another brilliant entry in the ongoing saga of Parizaad. This show gives attention and respect to its characters that they rightfully deserve. On to the next one!
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