If one could name the best on-air Pakistani drama thriller (which there are currently several on air), the winner would, hands down, be “Gumn.” Starring Tooba Siddiqui, Feroze Qadri, Furqan Qureshi, Zara Tareen, Srha Asghar, Mohammed Ahmed, Sohail Sameer, Agha Mustafa and many other talented names, “Gumn” has been written by Tooba Siddiqui and Hamza Kazi and directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat. What keeps “Gumn” exciting is that this show does not reveal all of its cards at once, allowing the viewer to get acquainted with the characters as aspects of their lives slowly unravel.
In previous episodes, we were introduced to Maya (Tooba Siddiqui), a successful lawyer who finds herself in a fix when she accidentally hits a young man, Rayaan (Feroze Qadri), while driving. Rayaan winds up with amnesia and cannot remember much about his life, though the audience is given a window into his life through flashbacks. While Rayaan slowly works towards unveiling his past, Rayaan and Maya grow closer, the two developing an attraction. However, when Rayaan’s past is revealed, will this relationship survive? It’s already clear that Maya’s father (Behroze Sabzwari) had a direct link to Rayaan and was involved in his sister’s murder case.
In episode 7, it’s revealed that Maya was in the car with her father when he was shot at point blank – and Shahid (Furqan Qureshi) has been by her side through it all. While Shahid is a mysterious character, not only for the audience, but also for those who work with him, Shahid has a greater purpose. But is his purpose for good or evil? One thing is for sure – he has a connection to Rayaan’s sister. Is he part of the cover-up, the team trying to get rid of Rayaan? Or did he share a personal relationship with Rayaan’s sister? Furqan Qureshi is knocking it out of the park with his performance.
The chemistry between Tooba Siddiqui and Feroze Qadri is excellent as Maya and Rayaan. This relationship comes from a place of need. For Maya, she is lonely and has been trying to fill a void for some time while Rayaan is like a lost child without a home. Maya and Rayaan need each other and their bonding is very sweet to watch. Unfortunately, while out together, they are mugged – and Rayaan reacts in a shocking way, beating the attackers to a pulp. It does appear that Rayaan’s memory is coming back in bits and pieces, but is this a past he really wants to remember?
The way “Gumn” has been presented is fascinating. Each episode introduces a new aspect or side of its characters, from our main characters to supporting characters like Sameer (Agha Mustafa). Each character plays a part in how the story unfolds. The performances are excellent, particularly from Feroze Qadri, Tooba Siddiqui and Furqan Qureshi in this episode. The direction and writing is the strength, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat, waiting for what will happen next. Of course, this is a Sarmat Khoosat show, so we cannot expect any less! “Gumn” has quickly become a fan favorite, the sort of show we wait for with excitement each week.