Is Ishq Murshid HUM TV’s Trojan Horse?
For all of its rom-com trappings, Ishq Murshid is probably doing what no other Pakistani drama has attempted: It is providing real-time political commentary during election season and in the wake of the election results controversy. I say season because the polling may be over but discussions around the Pakistani election is certainly not.
In fact, what is happening at this moment is unprecedented in Pakistan’s history, which is headlined by a massive turnout for the Pakistani elections, the controversy around the election results, and machinations and maneuverings of the election commission of Pakistan, and political parties.
Surprisingly, the only drama capturing the mood of the time – widespread discontent – is Ishq Murshid, which is often written off as over-hyped fluff. But there is more to it than meets the eye.
Drama serial Ishq Murshid is akin to a Trojan horse. But instead of Greek soldiers hiding inside, it conceals discontent, resignation, and questions that all of us, or almost all of us have asked ourselves at some point.
Ishq Murshid not coming slow
We see Shibra (Durefishan Saleem) and her father (Noor-ul-Hasan,) cast shade on politicians and political dynasties, and disgust at their actions. But at the same time, it stoically acknowledges facts: that the distribution of power in Pakistan is grossly skewed towards the one percent of society that makes up the ruling elite in Pakistan; that the scales of justice tip unapologetically in favor of these selected few.
This is especially pertinent with the timing of the elections in Pakistan. Kudos to the team for not letting this opportunity go to waste. They expressed an opinion, and social and political commentary that resonates with a large swathe of Ishq Murshid’s viewers, all the while delivering a whimsical and funny romance – the Trojan Horse – if you will.
A romance so farfetched that no rational person could take it seriously. Yet, the drama serial boasts one of the highest current TRPs and eight-figure online views. To think that a scion of a political dynasty built on the scraps (roti), rags (kapra), and mud houses (makan) of the poor that it champions would all for a girl from a middle-income household is not beyond reason. But to hope that said scion would champion reform and actually serve the people who vote for it is unfathomable; we Pakistanis are a disillusioned lot. Hope can be a dangerous thing, after all.
The parallels between Shameer and a real-life heir of a political dynasty, hailing from Sindh, and based in Karachi, are hard to miss.
Recapping episode 18 of drama serial Ishq Murshid
After prolonging Fazal Baksh’s (Bilal Abbas Khan) suffering and Shibra’s affected indifference, love is finally in the air. The trouble is that Shibra is in love with Fazal Baksh, not Shameer. Of course, this works in favor of the drama, creating tension that will be resolved at the climax.
But that’s only one problem. Our protagonist (Bilal Abbas) also has to contend with his father’s reaction. Then there is Mehreen (Hira Tareen), who is not only obsessed with possessing Shameer, but political funding and a powerful alliance are also tied to their marriage.
Mehreen’s obsession manifests in her kidnapping Shameer’s best friend, Faraz, and interrogating him under duress. Faraz spills Shameer’s secret, and tells her about the parallel life he is leading, in hopes of wooing Shibra. This certainly will not bode well for Shibra or Shameer in the coming episodes.
Our verdict: While there is no denying that the drama has been stretched, the plot still has some gas in the tank, and should keep its audience engaged for some time at least.
Our rating: 3.5/5
Watch the full episode here:
Quick summary
- Shibra and Fazal Baksh find love
- Mehreen learns Shameer’s secret
