“Sukoon” isn’t a show which claims to be intelligent, a show clearly created for entertainment purposes with well-known names and high production values. Airing twice a week, “Sukoon” stars Sana Javed, Ahsan Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz, Qudsia Ali, Sidra Niazi, Usman Peerzada, Adnan Samad Khan, Ahsan Talish, Laila Wasti and others in prominent roles while the story has been written by Misbah Nausheen and directed by Siraj Ul Haq. The story focuses on a young girl who falls in love with a high-class boy – but will her life be turned upside down when her father finds out?
In episode 5, Aina’s mother has finally seen the reality of Usman (Adnan Samad Khan), recognizing that he’s not only ill-mannered, but also unnecessarily cruel and heartless towards her daughter. Up until now, it’s been illogical that Aina’s family would not recognize the tell-tale signs of his abuse. When a child grows up before one’s eyes, they are well-aware of their personality, flaws and character traits and for Aina’s parents to be unaware is simply laughable. Still, it’s a refreshing change to see Aina’s mother take notice and attempt to stand up for her daughter. Unfortunately for her, despite the agreement of Aina, Aima (Qudsia Ali) and their mother, it appears that their father will be the greatest hindrance moving forward, particularly because he refuses to hear anything negative about his sister or nephew.
Coming to Raza (Khaqan Shahnawaz), he has gone full force after Aina, ready to marry her. But is he really? His sincerity is doubtful. Is she simply the new flavor of the season for him? Considering the lengths Aina’s mother is going through for Aina and Raza, will the outcome of this situation be detrimental to Aina’s reputation and future? Khaqan Shahnawaz is doing a good job of playing this role, leaving us as viewers confused regarding his intentions. His words to Hamdan and his words to Aina seem to be indicating different things. What is the truth? Sana Javed is beautiful as Aina, though the story hasn’t given her much scope to really perform at this point, playing the “good girl” once again. We’ll have to see how her character develops along with the story.
Hamdan (Ahsan Khan), on the other hand, is busy dealing with Guriya’s (Sidra Niazi) advances. The narrative claims that Hamdan does not have any feelings for Guriya, but the way he treats her is not the way a sibling or friend would behave – until his very weak attempt at a rejection. Guriya still has her hopes pinned on a future with Hamdan at the end of their conversation with Hamdan only stating he’s never seen her in that way. Ahsan Khan initially felt a bit out of place in this role, but he’s falling into character nicely.
At this point, we must ask for justice for Adnan Samad Khan. It’s unfathomable how such a talented, strong actor manages to constantly find himself roped in to play the jilted, overbearing, abusive fiancé who the girl is trying to rid herself of. In recent years, only “Wehshi” has been a role worthy of his talent. The Pakistani drama industry can do better for a good actor, let’s not reduce him to a caricature. Likewise for Sidra Niazi, who is a pretty girl who is certainly more capable of an actress (as we’ve seen in “Zakhm”) than being reduced to only playing the pathetic, so-called independent woman who has nothing better to do with her time but chase after a hero who has zero interest in her. Even the dialogues she is given, praising, loving and fawning over a random restaurant, are mildly embarrassing.
Overall, is there anything particularly novel about “Sukoon”? No, there is not. This is a story we’ve seen on screen before, on both television and in films. However, there’s something enjoyable and addictive about the way “Sukoon” is being presented and the story that promises to unfold.
