“Jaan E Jahan” has been a throwback to old-school Pakistani dramas, those with well-written stories, beautifully executed romances and wonderful chemistry between the lead pair. A slow-burn Pakistani drama, “Jaan E Jahan” has been creating magic for its audience while also inducing groans from fans eagerly awaiting a reunion between the show’s lead pair. After weeks of agony and a tragically beautiful angst-track, Shehram and Mahnoor fans finally breath a sigh of relief with episode 38. Starring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ayeza Khan, Savera Nadeem, Haaris Waheed, Raza Talish, Nawal Saeed, Srha Asghar and others, the story has been written by Rida Bilal and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed.
Episode 38 is one of exceptional joy and positivity. Taimoor (Emmad Irfani) and his mother visit Mahnoor (Ayeza Khan). It’s in this moment that we wonder why more women on-screen are not like Taimoor’s mother? She speaks to Mahnoor in private and, in a beautiful scene, releases Mahnoor from the burden of her relationship with Taimoor. Ayeza Khan’s performance here is wonderful as we can physically see a burden being lifted off Mahnoor’s shoulders, all the stress of the past months immediately diminished. Taimoor’s mother has been a key player in this entire show, a beautifully written woman of strength and integrity without judgement or manipulation. Such characters need to be written more often.
We also discuss Shehram being a green flag and he absolutely is, the peak version of a green flag. However, we must take a moment to discuss Emmad Irfani’s Taimoor. Taimoor not only understands Mahnoor’s predicament, he takes her to meet Shehram and respectfully bows out of the picture, reuniting the lovebirds. Taimoor is a stand-up guy with excellent manners and a great heart – and Emmad Irfani’s performance has been excellent, winning our hearts.
Of course, the reunion between Shehram (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and Mahnoor is the moment the entire show has been leading up to – and it was well worth the wait. Just like that, all the bitterness, the grief, the angst and the distance between Shehram and Mahnoor has slipped away, both visibly relieved that they no longer have to hide their emotions and can express their feelings freely. Their subtle flirtation comes back immediately as they express their love for one another. It has been a ridiculously long time since Pakistani television has seen a love story this pure. This is one for the ages. Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ayeza Khan are simply excellent in their roles, the goodness of their characters reflecting in their expressions and body language – and of course, they share excellent chemistry.
As an episode, this one is full of happiness as Shehram and Mahnoor get engaged and happily plan for their lives together. We cannot, by any means, brush over the moment between Shehram and Kishwar (Savera Nadeem). Shehram has always looked for his mother’s approval, but now that he’s aware of her intentions and thoughts for him, he no longer cares to include her in his life events. The way Shehram announces his engagement to Mahnoor and feeds her mittai is hilarious payback to Kishwar’s actions when Mahnoor’s engagement to Taimoor was announced – and we are loving it. Savera Nadeem and Hamza Ali Abbasi genuinely share such riveting chemistry as stepmother and stepson, their scenes spellbinding as they share banter. Savera Nadeem is always excellent and now that Kishwar is losing control, we have to wonder how her arc will wrap up.
The episode, as a whole, leaves us absolutely enthralled. Abdul (Raza Talish) and Aaliyah’s (Srha Asghar) love story has been unnecessarily slow to pick up and we almost feel robbed of a genuine love story for them, but it does seem there will be movement there in the next couple of (last?) episodes. Overall, Rida Bilal deserves a round of applause for her heartfelt writing, the cast deserves a round of applause for their performances and Qasim Ali Mureed has done a fabulous job with direction. With Gulzeb (Nawal Saeed) now on to Tabraiz (Haaris Waheed) and aware of his hand in Aamir’s murder, what turn will the story take now? With so much emphasis on Shehram’s protection, will the story take a surprise turn with a death? We will have to wait and watch. All eyes are on “Jaan E Jahan” next week!