Amaanat Episode 8: Urwa Hocane and Imran Abbas’ Show Spirals Downward

“Amaanat” could be called a successful show certainly, amassing one million views on YouTube within ten hours. And yet, as Pakistani drama viewers, we are not “channels” who assess success based on views and numbers, rather we assess success based on content and whether the drama will be memorable ten (or even five) years down the line. In this regard, “Amaanat” is falling into a hole towards being a colossal write-off. Starring Imran Abbas, Urwa Hocane, Saboor Aly, Saba Hamid, Haroon Shahid and many others, Amaanat has been written by Rukhsana Nigar and directed by Shahid Shafaat.

In episode 8, Meher (Urwa Hocane) continues to live within the four walls of her room, closed off from the rest of the family as they shun her, refusing to accept her as Zaraar’s (Imran Abbas) wife. Unknown to the family, Meher and Zaraar are not actually married, as Zaraar is “protecting” Meher (this is ridiculous and an entirely different discussion). Still, now with Zuni (Saboor Aly) married to Zaraar’s brother, Junaid (Haroon Shahid), she has taken it upon herself to make Meher’s life hell by treating her like a maid. And while Zuni and Zaraar’s mother (Saba Hameed) are absolutely mad, Meher is coming across as an equally horrible character.

Regardless of Zuni’s harsh personality, it’s downright comical to hear Meher tell Zuni that she’s not worthy of Zaraar. While Meher may be innocent, at the end of the day, the entire family believes that she is married to Zaraar – and ran away from home for him. If she chose to tell the truth and clear the air, it would be an entirely different situation all together, but as she is continuing on with this lie, why should anyone in that household respect her – most of all, Zuni? Why would any grown woman with an ounce of self-respect hold their tongue for a cheating, deceitful, two-timing man? It’s besides the point that Zaraar never cheated, but is that discussion even relevant? Only Zaraar and Meher believe so, because they are the only ones who know the truth! Also, Meher throws out one-liners about Zuni being the “rejected” one with indignant “self respect,” a taunt that, again, doesn’t make sense, because she isn’t married to Zaraar at all – so Zuni was never “rejected.” Why would she even say such a thing? Meher loses all “good girl” points with her lies and deception, unfortunately, only made worse by pouring salt on Zuni’s wounds.

It’s Samra (Srha Asghar) that viewers feel sorry for – not because her marriage has been unsettled by Zaraar and Meher’s “marriage,” but because she’s married into that absolutely insane family to begin with. Zunaira happily takes Samra’s set and not only does her husband stare on, but her entire family encourages it as if this is normal behavior. The only thing audiences have to root for is for Samra to walk away from this insane family and husband of hers.

“Amaanat” is heading down the same path as “Thora Sa Haq,” which was equally atrocious. “Amaanat” has a fabulous cast, which makes it even more mind-boggling and Imran Abbas’s performance started off strong – until Zaraar began making choices that were purely nonsensical. This show is a mess. It will take a lot for it to redeem itself – if the team believes it needs to be redeemed.