Could anyone else do justice to Umaina as Saba Qamar does? Who else could nail Shameem’s character the way Naumaan Ijaz has? While I have a bunch of similar questions after completing ‘Mrs. And Mr. Shameem’, I decide to review the series with less words and more emotions flowing in my head.
A Zee5 project produced by Kashif Nisar and Misbah Shafique, this phenomenal web series stars two of the most talented performers of our entertainment industry. However, Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz’s performances are not the only good thing about this show. It also has an ensemble cast including Irfan Khoosat, Gul e Rana, Uzma Hassan, Faiza Gillani, Saqib Sumeer, Haseeb Khan, Hamza Sohail and Agha Mustafa, among others.
Here, I give you 7 reasons why you should binge watch this masterpiece over the weekend.
The Script
Penned down by the maestro Saji Gul of O Rangreza, the story revolves around Shameem, the only man in a household full of women. Shameem has a responsibility of four sisters and a mother whom he’s been handling post his father’s demise. Despite being the “hero” of the plot, Shameem’s simple yet intricate character challenges several societal norms as it redefines masculinity in a beautiful manner.
Shameem is effeminate but he is only bothered about the protection and respect of the women he is surrounded with and not for his unconventional personality which is not accepted by society.
The makers have done marvellous characterizations here, as we see several stories knit beautifully through complex characters that are neither black nor white, but grey in their respective natures. Sensitive portrayal of emotions and the fine commentary on the psychological aspects of each character prove it to be an absolutely well written script.
The Direction
Mrs. And Mr. Shameem is directed by Kashif Nisar, a creator who is already celebrated by television viewers who are inclined towards a certain kind of storytelling. Kashif has several projects to his credit including Raqeeb Se and Dil Na Umeed Tou Nahin most recently. Just like his conventional work which is unlike the usual camera work we see, Kashif Nisar has done a remarkable job here as well.
From the breathtaking visuals of Old Lahore, to all those captivating Dargah sequences, the captain of the ship instantly grabs your attention with his cinematography and direction. To look at the simpler areas, the director nails the set designing as well as very straightforward scenes quite effortlessly.
Crisp direction, sound quality, and camera work is another such reason which makes it an unmissable one!
The Lead Pair
The viewer gets to witness a chemistry hotter than any other seen before and a couple in love with each other more than our conventional on-screen pairs. Umaina and Shameem share a bond that is unbreakable. Their relationship is formed during tough times and has the strongest fundament of respect and mutual understanding.
Despite being two polar opposite individuals, Shameem and Umaina decide to respect each other with their strengths and weaknesses. This partnership redefines love for the viewer and provide a fresh idea of “Ideal” in the most subtle manner.
Naumaan Ijaz and Saba Qamar give a chilling performance in their respective roles which invests the audience in the narrative completely as they start relating to these characters.
Their Delightful Journey
As we delve into the premise of the series, Shameem and Umaina – the star couple of the show take us on a roller-coaster ride of their journey of partnership. Beginning with their younger selves, their trip to being called Mrs.& Mr. is heart warming. Makers create a window to their lives as the elderly couple is shown giving a detailed interview about the ups and downs they have dealt with together in life.
The Supporting Cast
No project can do well without a strong supporting cast and Mrs and Mr Shameem has a stellar one, with some of the most talented artists who give their best in respective roles.
The tragedies the main couple go through are in one way or another related to the characters belonging to them. In fact, in many moments, the viewer feels connected to the side characters equally, if not more than the lead actors. Saqib Sumeer, Uzma Hassan, Gul e Rana and Ahmed Hassan often induce goosebumps with ascendant performances.
The Music
Without good music, it is often hard to digest a good show, but this one certainly has all the ingredients that make it an enjoyable watch. If not for anything else, one should definitely watch it for the way good music has been inculcated in it. The makers added some of the most soulful voices to the show with melodious compositions that only elevate its tendency to arrest the viewer.
While Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tumhein Dillagi’ and ‘Nami Daanam’ create a spiritual enviroment, Sami Khan’s ‘Ishq Bina’ amplifies the magical romance of the entire journey.
Social Issues
Apart from all that it serves, Mrs and Mr Shameem highlights some sensitive social subjects while challenging several social taboos. Male infertility, infidelity, child abuse, and bullying are among such issues that the series talks about.
The most daring attempt that the makers took here is to start conversation about HIV/AIDS. The lead pair of the show is shown to be dealing with this, and all the haplessness it may bring alongside. The show not only shows how this illness is treatable but also manages to highlight the cruelty such patients have to deal with, due to the ruthlessness and unacceptance of society.
Verdict
Mrs. & Mr. Shameem is a commendable effort by the entire team to start conversations over several untouched issues. The direction, production, cinematography and performances make it well worth watching this brilliant show.
