The current drama industry is a cluster of redundant stories based on love, betrayal, and loss. The majority of the narratives entailing women submerge their identity in infatuations and marriage with men. It appears their sole purpose in life is to please, cater to, and sustain energy revolving around their other halves. Unfortunately, the recent premiere of ‘Agar’ cement into the same category, though holds an impeccable cast to deliver its story to people.
While the teaser suggested the drama would contain an intricate message for young women, the first episode introduced three sisters, Hooriya, Annie, and Chandni as mere secondary characters in their own story. All of their destinies tie around men; a rather tragic reality for women in Pakistan’s society.
Hum Tv is known for creating commendable productions, therefore there is still hope for the plot to build up and upgrade the drama. The show stars Hina Altaf, Junaid Khan, Juggan Kazim, Hira Soomro, Ali Abbas, Hina Bayat, Behroz Sabzwari, Ahmed Randhawa, Maheen Siddiqui, Ismat Zaidi and Sehrish. It is written by ‘Dil Awaiz”s writer Madiha Shahid, directed by Ilyas Kashmiri and produced By Momina Duraid Productions.
Plot
As per the details given out to viewers, ‘Agar’’s story is primarily based around Hooriya, played by Hina, who fancies luxury and dreams of a life full of leisure, beauty and grace. Being a conventionally attractive woman, she is certain that her fate is tied to a great partner. However, the realities of life hit her and force her to make adjustments to her desires.
Quite interestingly, the first episode does not put the spotlight on Hooriya. Instead, her repetitive personality is a sight one can view in various dramas; it makes her less attractive and removes the gripping aspect of her role.
In contrast, Annie (Juggan Kazim) delivers more justice to the narrative through her intriguing role as an elder of the family who holds significant responsibilities. To put it short, her character gives more juice to the story through her burdened duties.
It is definitely too early to pull the strings and give a final verdict, therefore viewers should wait for a few more episodes to see if the story holds more ground, or just feels like another tale that’s been told multiple times already.
Juggan’s Notable Comeback
After a decade-long break from acting, Juggan has come back to vow her fans through her praiseworthy performance. The woman can act, and the premier of ‘Agar’ is an ode to her talent. From the first scene to the last, Annie holds the storyline together with the addition of her romance with Shawaiz (Junaid Khan).
Annie’s inclusion in the plot elevates it from a basic account of a young girl infatuated with a man to save her day to a more interesting one by discussing the struggles of working women, and households which are led by females. In a sense, Hooriya is actually a deviant in the plot, opposing the liberty of women, and desiring a life where she does not have to work endlessly to make ends meet.
Her view on lifestyle is juxtaposed with Annie and Chandni, which makes her the lone wolf in her delusional desire to grasp luxury, without making any effort in the process, except for preying on a man to do the job for her.
A Slow, But An Appreciable Introduction
‘Agar’’s first episode had a strong introduction of characters, each getting a significant amount of screen time to portray their pasts and struggles to the audience. Although a bit dragged, the plot still contained a good balance of each women’s story.
The initial scenes of the episode showed Hooriya doing chores, and lamenting a life full of work. Then, the camera moved to Annie showing her as the man of the house, catering to everyone’s needs while her brother enjoys his freedom mingling with his partner. Later the storyline also reveals the love interests of the characters, each having their own problems as well.
Lastly, the episode leaves a gloomy mark, revealing the insecurities of all the women in the house; Chadni’s inferiority complex, Juggan’s desire for a partner, and Hooriya’s rigid beliefs about luxury. It’s definitely not a shocking or mind-boggling end, but it subtly hints at an array of conflicts to unfold in future episodes.
Conclusion
‘Agar’ is the type of drama that sows its seeds slowly and then builds up the plotline to its optimal potential. While its premiere was not satisfying, there is much left to be shown in the forthcoming episodes. There is a high possibility that the characters may become more complex, and hold more engaging stories to tell spectators.
It can turn out to be the classic case of not judging a book by its cover.
