Post the success of Ishq Zahe Naseeb followed by critical acclaim of Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida, Zahid Ahmed and Sonya Hussyn have rightfully earned the tag of a successful on-screen pair. The duo’s latest offering, Mor Maharan, which premiered last night on TV One comes with the baggage of huge expectations. Will Zahid and Sonya’s magic mesmerize viewers again?
The Makers & Supporting Cast
Mor Maharan is written by Moen Ali, directed by Owais Khan and produced by Babar Qayyum. Seema Tahir Khan is the executive producer. Apart from Zahid and Sonya, the supporting cast includes Babar Ali, Samiya Mumtaz, Adnan Jaffar, and Firdous Jamal, among others.
The Premise
Mor Moharan is set in Bahawalpur. At first, viewers get an overview of the city, highlighting its significance, local arts and craft, souks and the scarcity of water in the Cholistan desert.
We are introduced to Malook Shah (Firdous Jamal) expressing his happiness that his daughter, Rohi (Sonya Hussyn) is going to Punjab University Lahore for higher studies. His wife Heer (Salma Zafar) isn’t happy about her daughter leaving the house for a couple of years. Rohi is introduced in quite a filmy manner with a proper song. She comes across as an innocent, sweet girl who is friendly with the people around her and aims to help the women of Cholistan in particular.
A parallel track features Almas (Samiya Mumtaz) a rich woman living in Dilshad Mahal. Her married life seems a bit troubled. She is worried about her son Sikandar (Mustafa Changazi) who lives abroad. Sher Alam (Babar Ali) is Almas’ employee and adviser. As the episode progresses Almas’ son, Sikandar, returns to Pakistan.
On the other hand, Rohi completes her education and returns to Bahawalpur. Malook Shah is a happy father and is all set to welcome his daughter. In another filmy sequence, Rohi and Sikandar cross paths with each other. The episode concludes with Ahmed Khan Gurdezi (Zahid Ahmed) making a grand entry.
A Lukewarm Start
The first episode of Mor Moharan didn’t open with the anticipated bang. The execution was slow-paced and the direction seemed all over the place. The narrative flip-flops between flashbacks without giving justifications, leaving viewers clueless about the proceedings.
The Loopholes
A couple of sequences seemed flawed. Rohi completes four years of her university life and returns home within no time. Indigestible! What was the purpose of the sequence between Rohi flashing her veil over Sikandar’s head at the railway platform? It might not be her intention but the sequence appeared to be hugely inspired by Bollywood.
The Performances
Sonya Hussyn chooses yet another character that is different and difficult to perform. As Rohi she is likable and emotes very well. Firdous Jamal is first-rate as a proud father. Samia Mumtaz handles a complex role with conviction. There are layers to her character that will unfold in the upcoming episodes. Babar Ali looks composed. Zahid Ahmed makes a dashing entry and looks convincing as the rich and powerful guy.
Verdict So Far
Mor Moharan serves up an almost half-hearted first episode and fails to impress viewers (as of now), although the performances have been the saving grace. However, the promo of the upcoming episode will surely get viewers more invested.
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