“Radd” is a show which went through its share of hype, cast changes, delays and discussion. However, since hitting our screens weeks ago, “Radd” has quickly become a fan favorite. While there are several aspects of “Radd” which fit into the stereotypical ARY potboiler with melodrama, manipulation and miscommunication, the characters in this story have been well-etched and well-written. We understand our lead characters – they each have their weaknesses and strengths and not a single one is perfect and yet, they are all lovable. Starring Hiba Bukhari, Sheheryar Munawar and Arsalan Naseer in lead roles, the story has been written by Sanam Mehdi Zaryab and directed by Ahmed Bhatti.
In episode 14, Iman (Hiba Bukhari) and Salaar (Sheheryar Munawar) take the plunge to get married after Iman proposes to Salaar. This is an interesting twist, though we can’t really understand it. Iman has just experienced heartbreak and is being pushed away by her father, so why would she immediately think marriage to Salaar is the solution? And yet, while it all seems very sudden, it’s a refreshing change to see the woman proposing and both individuals making a consensual decision. There is a warmth that Salaar and Iman share, particularly in the last scene of the episode, and they already seem to be working towards building that romantic relationship, one of trust and mutual respect. We are rooting for them! Yet at the same time, we see Zain (Arsalan Naseer) mourning the loss of his relationship with Iman and what he believes to be betrayal, blaming her for his mother’s death as well. We could choose to be angry with Zain, but unfortunately the way his mother set the entire scenario up, he does not realize his mother was the true villain in his story. Could Arsalan Naseer have played his role with a softer tone at this point? Yes. The anger is actually over-the-top and feels like he’s gone from 20 to 100 all too quick. Still, he has our sympathy. How will this relationship play out once he discovers the truth?
Quite honestly, it’s Mohammad Ahmed’s character, Aalim, who is most exhausting in this narrative. He is a man who raised his youngest daughter to be strong, confident and independent – and then, when the time came for her to make her own intelligent decisions, he has begun giving her the cold shoulder. It was a beautiful moment to see Iman apologize to her father and see the two share a tearful moment after her marriage – but it simply leaves us with the question that…..what is Iman apologizing for? Why did Aalim go from being a supportive father to a stereotypical drama dad in the span of a few episodes? We can do better and Mohammad Ahmed deserves better as an actor.
Sheheryar Munawar is the heart and soul of “Radd” as Salaar, a complicated young man with many layers and a mysterious past. Hiba Bukhari is equally as enjoyable to watch as the headstrong Iman. It’s exhausting watching Salaar being mistreated by his family and we are just waiting for Laik (Nauman Ejaz) to step in and realize the truth. But with Iman now entering the fold, it won’t be long before Salaar’s family dynamics begin to change.
