Ms Marvel is taking over the internet for numerous reasons, with a polarizing discourse storming the digital sphere. However, it is imperative to note how the propulsion of a Pakistani hero is a massive milestone for the nation, given that representation does, and always will, matter.
Ms Marvel: The World Of Kamala Khan
First and foremost, the show has been excellently cast. Iman Vellani is as adorable as she is impactful, and her struggles as a Pakistani teen living abroad hit close to home. Whether it’s her curfew, or the fact that her parents want to keep her cultural values intact, every aspect of Kamala’s world just makes sense. Nostalgia and a sense of belonging wash over one while watching the show, and as each episode passes, the way Pakistani and Muslim culture has been represented becomes more heartening.
The Music
The fact that a ton of the music is desi just feels right. Hearing Peechay Hutt, or even other desi songs that we have grown to love, in a Marvel project feels like a major feather in our cap. The music choice is as apt as it is heartwarming, and it takes a while to fully digest the overwhelming fact that Pakistan has found a home at Marvel, one of the biggest Hollywood projects.
The Actors
While Iman is the perfect Kamala, the fact that we have Samina Ahmed, Nimra Bucha, and Mehwish Hayat making an appearance in the series is mind-boggling. Our very own stars are attending Hollywood premiers, and we get to see familiar faces – faces with whom we have an intimate connection – making it bigger than ever.
The Ms Marvel Discourse
There is a lot of conversation around Ms Marvel being negatively review-bombed by a predominantly racist, Islamophobic audience. While this is true, this makes desi support for the venture all the more pertinent. In a world that is actively trying to silence our stories, we have the ability to stand firm and resilient, adamant that our narrative is just as important, and our tales – worth telling.
Ms Marvel: Verdict So Far
Even though Ms Marvel is in the process of rolling out episodes, it is a must-watch for local audiences. This isn’t just because there is emotional leverage – there is. However it is also because the show is legitimately well-made, and is trying to stay as honest as possible to an experience we are intimately familiar with. Kamala Khan as Ms Marvel is OUR hero, and we must take pride in the fact that with her story, we have arrived, and are intent on staying.
