Ramazan entertainers are all about compelling viewers on a light-hearted and fun note. The benchmark set by the well-crafted Suno Chanda and Chupke Chupke is so high that only great shows can work, with mediocrity biting the dust. Where does HUM TV’s Paristan lie on this spectrum? Let’s dissect and analyze.
About The Show
Paristan has been written by Samra Bukhari and directed by Ali Hassan. It stars Arsalan Naseer, Aymen Saleem, Navin Waqar, Asad Siddiqui, Merub Ali, Junaid Jamshaid Niazi, Ali Safina, Javeria Saud, Safie Hasan, and Azra Mansoor. The show had all the elements that could have made it a huge success: romance, friendship, and wholesome entertainment.
The Analysis
The initial episodes of Paristan surely grabbed eyeballs, but the problem was that ‘logic’ was somehow kept on the back burner. It seemed as though writers struggled to maintain momentum, especially after fifteen episodes.
The Performances
While the show suffered from certain downsides, there were positive elements to Paristan as well. The performances kept the viewers hooked throughout. Arsalan Naseer and Aymen Saleem must be applauded for creating an engaging chemistry between Pari and Arsam, which became the USP of the play. Arsalan Naseer shows incredible maturity as an actor, and Aymen Saleem is highly likable as the girl-next-door.
Junaid Jamshaid Niazi and Merub Ali brought forth a refreshing aspect and performed very well throughout. Navin Waqar’s track was written well, too, but there was definitely room for furthering the role in a meatier way. Ali Safina committed fully to his character, and his energy and sincerity to the enterprise is commendable.
The Star Performers
Mooroo aka Amanullah and Mira Sethi aka Zubaida emerge as the star performers of the show. They fully commit to their accents, postures, and gestures, and highlight that abundance of welcome innocence that comedy requires. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them the modern-day Sona Chandi. A separate show can be designed to keep these characters as the protagonists.
Final Word
Summing it up, Paristan was an engaging watch for many good with some memorable moments. It leaves room for improvement in many ways, and had those changes been incorporated, Paristan would have, undoubtedly, been on another level. Nonetheless, the love shown to this play is evident, and it kept many entertained throughout Ramazan.
