Is Laapata Wooing Younger Audiences To Watch?
So the first two episodes of much awaited HUM TV drama, Laapata aired this week and we dare say it managed to seize the moment and grasp our interest from the very first episode. The first two episodes were refreshing to watch, providing us with light hearted entertainment, just what we need to unwind after a long hectic day!
The first two episodes introduce the 3 cousins’ dynamics; Gaiti played by Ayeza Khan (a TikTok star with 100k followers), Falak characterized by Sarah Khan (a responsible and practical individual who plays badminton and wants to pursue a government job) and lastly, Shams portrayed by Ali Rehman Khan (an ambitious or better described as an irresponsible yet madly in love youth who would not shy away from adopting ‘short cuts’ to attain his dreams). Falak and Shams live in one household and have feelings for one another while Gaiti lives with her mother and also has designs on Shams.
Out of the box characters that resonate with the youth
A Tik Tok star with a 100k followers or an ambitious career oriented woman who plays badminton? Doesn’t sound too farfetched right? Well, now finally this narrative has found its way into our Pakistani drama scripts as well! Laapata offered us a refreshingly youth-oriented story line where the characters are a far cry from the becharee mazloom aurtein to the ones that can take a stand for themselves and vouch for being independent, speaking their minds and following their own heart. This gives our Netflix addicted youth a reason to watch the Pakistani dramas with which they can relate to at some levels.
Healthy joint family system
Instead of showing the routine plotting and scheming in a household, the makers of Laapata tried to follow the unconventional route where the joint family system is reflected positively. In the first two episodes, we witnessed the bond shared between the two brothers who don’t shy away from asking for each other’s help and a sister, played by Asma Abbas, who dotes on her brothers. Meanwhile, the wives of both the brothers share a sisterly bond (surprise, surprise, yes, this is a Pakistani drama), supporting one another in the household rather than always competing and conspiring against each other.
Overall, it was a great depiction of a joint family household. Let’s just hope that they don’t turn against one another after the drop scene of the second episode (nope we are not spoiling it for you! Tune in to find out)
Light-hearted Entertainment with superlative writing and direction
The story for now seems to deliver a grounded base and is backed by good comic timing. The three lead characters add uniqueness to the plot and are carrying the story well upon their very wide shoulders. Applause for writer-director Khizer Idrees, who also gave us Manto & Verna. The swift transitions, subtly changed appearances (Ali Rehman sporting a tan), near natural and (un)made up look, eg. Sara Khan playing badminton in proper attire and pulled back hair, looked real & added to the overall quality of the production. So, well done there!
The chemistry between Shams and Falak lights up the screen instantly. All their interactions add spark on television and made us cheer for them from the first seen. On the other hand, Gaiti, who for now seems to be the third wheel in Shams and Falak’s plot, shared great screen presence with both Falak and Shams together and individually. The scene in the second episode where Falak confronts Gaiti and warns her to stay away from Shams was superbly executed. Both Ayeza and Sara stole the show!
The three Khans rulling the screen!
The three Khans of Laapata; Ayeza Khan, Sara Khan and Ali Rehman Khan have left a lasting mark in merely the first two episodes. Each of them have slipped into character instantly.
Ayeza Khan added life to Gaiti’s character making her seem convincing. Ayeza’s wardrobe and her swiftly transitioning looks added the fun factor, uplifting the frame just that bit! While Sara Khan as Falak is shown to be an ambitious and fearless girl who aims to become a CSS officer. Though Sara’s look hasn’t changed much from the previous dramas, yet her body language is convincing enough. Her character is also very different in personality traits from her past projects, which is why her fans are doubly excited, and rightly so!. And finally coming to Shams who is played by Ali Rehman Khan, head over heels in love with Falak but aiming high. Ali Rehman added life to his character with subtle expressions, tangible chemistry with Sara Khan & a tan that’s probably making his fans go wow!
But…a point to note for future episodes
Many felt that one of the initial scenes where Gaiti uses her fan following to excuse herself from paying for the groceries by framing the shopkeeper was not needed, especially in times like now where we cannot afford to trivialize the pain felt by women who are genuinely embroiled in such a situation. Also, the scene took away from many young Tik Tokers who are struggling to post quality content on the social media app in Pakistan. It undermines their efforts as they fight against a very negative Tik Tok image in society.
On the other hand, another scene that I personally found a tad absurd was, how carefree Gaiti’s character is. Even if she decided to run away from home, how was she so unaffected when her plan fell through? And if she wasn’t serious why was she willing to take the trouble of running away from her house especially when she is the only daughter? In addition, how did Gaiti even manage to take and then bring back a suitcase of clothes without her mother getting suspicious or neighbours noticing a lone girl walking a suitcase on the streets. Well, we have to admit that although the minor details ignored might have taken away a little bit from the story, perhaps the makers are attempting to show a surreal character and letting us live the dream with her, rather than boring us (and Gaiti) with trivial details?
As of know we can deduce that the central plot will be based on how greed and internal desire of a man can lead to his decline. We are excited to follow the stories of the three protagonists and how they will sail or stumble through their journeys.
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