It’s interesting when one returns to a show after many weeks, surprised to see that there has finally been movement – and then, once again, the show takes a circular turn. Madiha Imam, Sami Khan and Ahsan Khan star in this show about marital abuse and a woman finding her way out of her marriage despite her family’s lack of support. Written by Adeel Razzaq and directed by Aabis Raza, “Mujhay Qabool Nahin” has a great team behind it – which leaves us wondering why it has been so slow to progress?
In the exhausting episode 43, Maira (Madiha Imam) refuses to drop the FIR against Salman (Sami Khan), because the police would be unable to provide her with police protection. After Mishal’s (Sidra Niazi) in-laws discover her inability to conceive, Mishal is thrown out of the house. Who is to blame? Maira, of course! Maira is repeatedly pressured to drop the FIR charges, her sister treating her like a criminal, her Daadi (Azra Manzoor) and Nudrat (Saba Faisal) even insinuating that Maira return to Salman. Has everyone in this household absolutely lost their minds? When families are labeled as “toxic,” it’s families like this that truly deserve that label. Meanwhile, Atir (Ahsan Khan) is dancing in the shadows now that Maira could potentially be free and Salman is free, but once again throwing accusations towards Maira of having an affair.
Maira has been married to Salman since episode 1. Maira has been complaining about his abuse since episode 1. Maira has been warning her family of Salman since episode 1. Maira has been unsupported since episode 1. In the last few episodes, it seemed as if Maira’s family finally came around to support her – and once again, in episode 43, Maira is being asked to support Mishal’s marriage. But support it how exactly? Maira has been physically abused and humiliated. Her family found out about it and decided it’s time to support her. But once again, with Mishal crying her crocodile tears, is Maira expected to allow herself to be beaten and abused for Mishal’s “happiness,” the two sisters going back into that oppressive, greedy household? The mere idea is ludicrous and one hopes there’s a character who will knock some senses into them – but is there any point? Is there any way to root for an evil woman like Daadi or a dim woman like Nudrat? These are women who do not care for their own, but think about what the world will say. Mishal is possibly the worst character of them all, not even realizing she’s in an abusive relationship with an absolute coward herself.
“Mujhay Qabool Nahin” is a show that has been a good career move for Madiha Imam after “Chauraha,” another stepping stone towards strong roles with a good message. It has also been a great performance choice for Sami Khan, who is excellent as the good-for-nothing, manipulative and abusive Salman. However, the show’s writing is tedious, taking us on a journey of repetition for 43 episodes and counting. With the exception of Madiha Imam’s character’s strength and Sami Khan’s performance, there’s little to praise about “Mujhay Qabool Nahin,” a show with a good concept, but highly repetitive and circular in execution. Maybe if we tune back in around episode 68, there may be some sort of progress in the narrative?
