Who Am I To Say No

I always share and recommend binge worthy dramas, serials and movies which I have watched. But today it’s a bit different. I will share those which, according to me, are supremely avoidable. But take it with a pinch of salt as even I don’t know when I will make a U turn.

As you all know I am an ardent Pakistani drama watcher. As the controversial serial Main Manto Nahin Hoon (I Am Not Manto) was announced alongwith teasers I was all set to watch it. Moreover, a mention of Manto raises expectations. Saadat Hasan Manto was a celebrated Pakistani writer known for his powerful, stark , unflinching short stories. He is a greatly admired writer in Indian as well as Pakistani literary circle. The serial started with spectacular cinematography, uncommon to serials, and an ensemble of a stellar star cast. But the context was depressing. Family feud. Reference to gang wars. One family swearing to avenge the wrong done by the other. Death counts. And a pledge to kill to ensure the debit credit balance – if two sons of one family have been gunned down then the other family has to repay by allowing two of theirs to be killed. Against this bloody backdrop is Professor Manto, seemingly innocent, upfront and soft hearted,  pitted against the daughter of one of the dons who wants to continue with her University studies. Interesting till Manto misspells hierarchy and Maslow’s on the whiteboard. I lose all hope 😭. But then yesterday I happened to watch Humayun Saeed’s (enacting the role of Professor Manto) interview in Fuchsia Magazine. Since I like his dead pan face I am having second thoughts.

Currently I am watching Big Bang Production’s Biryani. Its about two students of two diametrically opposite milieu coming together in college. The girl is blackmailed by her Professor to tutor the scion of a powerful and rich feudal lord whose family has donated the land on which the college building stands. I find that novel. The chemistry of the lead pair, Ramsha and Khushaal, is an added attraction. Flipside Khushaal does not look like a college student at all.

Searching for more of their serials, I landed with Duniyapur. The maiden episode felt as though I was watching the 70’s super duper blockbuster Sholay (a dacoit movie ) once again. Noman Ejaz can sleepwalk through the role of a ruthless-turned-Robin Hood kind of overlord. His gun toting hot headed elder son Ali Raza – quite a surprise after the gentle and understanding lover of Dastak – does not see eye to eye with him. And  Khushaal Khan, the youngest son hates the blood and gore. Reminds me of Godfather. Again vengeance. Two warring families. Violence. Bloodbaths. A lot of war commotions. Everybody shouting at everybody and nobody knows who is saying what, I have not gone beyond the first episode.

When Metro Inn Dinon was in news I perked up. It was said to be a “spiritual sequel” to the sensitively made movie Life In A Metro dealing with emotional complexities and relational issues in urban life. Its USP was its super melodious songs. But the sequel is a bloomer. Five couples whose personal lives are intertwined scrambling through extra marital affairs, boredom in marriage, personal space crisis, sexual harrassment in office, choosing the Mr. Right, wrong choice of career and freedom from familial burden. Its over the top. Nonsensical. And a big let down. And who gave this idea to the Director to make a musical with scores that make you rush to the loo (sorry, bad example) as soon as the characters open their mouth to croon with a constipated expression when you expect a serious exchange of meaningful dialogue instead? I dozed through the film since I did not have much to do.

Two Graves again seemed exciting. Young and beautiful Veronica and her friend Marta go missing. A few days later Marta’s dead body is found underwater. Its a violent death with confirmation of sexual abuse. Veronica is still missing. When the police closes down the investigation due to lack of evidence Veronica’s grandmother decides to find answers to some disturbing questions on her own. Everything is going in the right track with me feeling sympathetic and understanding towards the poor, old lady when she suddenly becomes murderous in a fit of rage. Now how will you react when an old lady starts hammering her student (she teaches piano) who has  purportedly seen her granddaughter last before her disappearance and has not disclosed the same to the police? Do you think that is something logical and sane ? Its a three episoded serial but I am hesitant to continue further.

Well I did watch some good ones too but that will come in a detailed post later. I have come to believe very strongly that one becomes what one consumes. With that view I am very circumspect about what I watch and read. But lack of excitement in life is a big bane which may lead you to immerse into narratives which are completely antithetical to your mundane existence. Keeping that in mind I may revert to Two Graves or Duniyapur just for the heck of it. You never know.