A review on Pakistani drama TV series, Sang-e-Mah Episode 23 (2022). The new TV series is directed by Saife Hassan and written by Mustafa Afridi. Sang-e-Mah is the spiritual continuation of the saga introduced in the Hum TV drama Sang-e-Mar Mar (2016). Sang-e-Mah is the acting debut of the famous Pakistani pop star Atif Aslam and the drama is a Momina Duraid Production.
+ Crew
- Directed by Saife Hassan
- Written by Mustafa Afridi
- Produced by Momina Duraid Productions
+ Note
The drama Sang-e-Mah serves as a spiritual sequel to the show Sang-e-Mar Mar (2016) with Noman Ejaz, Sania Saeed and many others returning to the same cast and crew. The drama deals with life in the Pakhtoon region of Pakistan and explores such hard hitting topics like forced marriages and integral family relationships. According to the director, Sang-e-Mah serves under similar themes as its predecessor, in a three part trilogy, ending it with the next planned show, Sang-e-Siyah.
+ Main Cast
- Atif Aslam as Hilmand Khan
- Nauman Ijaz as Haji Marjaan Khan
- Kubra Khan as Sheherzaad
- Hania Amir as Gul Meena
- Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz as Hikmat Khan
- Sania Saeed as Zarghuna
- Samiya Mumtaz as Zarsanga
- Omair Rana as Mastaan Singh
- Najiba Faiz as Harshaali Kaur
- Hassan Noman as Badam Gul
+ Plot
Sang-e-Mah is a story of a dysfunctional Pakhtoon family in the tribal regions of Pakistan where pride and honour mostly triumphs over empathy and forgiveness. The show deals with issues such as young love and opposing families who are engaged in a tribal battle with one another.
+ High Points
i – A great opening for the episode. A BIG revelation that undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the show. And it was all executed with certain precision by the writer Mustafa Afridi. We got to see some great performances by Samiya Mumtaz and Nauman Ijaz who share such a special bond and are arguably the best thing about the show. All-around, a good episode.
SPOILERS AHEAD! If you would like to avoid it, please skip to the Overall section below:
ii – There were many heartfelt moments throughout episode 23; namely the Marjaan/ Zarsanga and the touching moment between the two sisters; Zarsanga and Zarghuna. The dialogue was great, especially the part where Zarsanga asks if she still stands by her even after she admitted to murdering her previous husband. To which Zarghuna replies that she would not even be next to her if she didn’t. This back and forth between the two sisters spoke volumes about their relationship without overwhelming their audience with too many exposition scenes. Great moment in the episode.
iii – This episode most probably concluded Mastaan Singh’s story arc. In one of the most unusual ways, Mastaan found a chance to redeem himself from his past evils, marry the love of his life and finally move on. Although there are still some glaring question marks left on how his actions were handled by the show, I am at least certain that the character suffered enough to finally reach the destination that he most likely deserves.
+ Low Points
i – Episode 23 was good but it did have its share of problems. Why in the world is murder or attempted murder not taken seriously in this show!? Zarsanga walked in the Jirga and openly admitted to murdering her previous husband. And…. nothing happens. It’s utterly ridiculous. This makes the audience feel like there are in fact, no consequences to anyone’s actions. Regardless that the crime took place 30 odd years ago, it was still murder. The elders of the village are the most useless, spineless characters that I have ever come across. But I guess nothing matters anymore. Just attempt to kill whoever crossed your path and you won’t even get a slap on the wrist. I sincerely hope that I am proven wrong in the next episodes where Zarsanga is placed under arrest or something because this is all just ludicrous.
ii – This episode was supposed to be the big pivotal point (earth shattering if you will) in Hilmand’s life and unfortunately, Atif Aslam’s performance was not up to the mark. The only default emotion he can display is scroun and wallowing into his self pity.
iii – So the big climatic scene has happened. And I am now a bit perplexed where the show will go from here. I guess Hilmand can finally make up with his step dad but the end of the episode indicated that there is somehow more to come. And honestly, this might be the opportunity that Sang-e-Mah should end on a high note and not drag on its already concluded storyline.
+ Overall
Episode 23 had some good emotional moments but certain storyline inconsistencies bring this episode down a notch or two.
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