In the Pakistani drama industry, actors are increasingly venturing into diverse roles to showcase their versatility. Farhan Saeed, known for his prowess in music, stepped into the cop universe with his debut in “Jhok Sarkar.” Helmed by renowned figures like writer Hashim Nadeem and director Safie Hassan, the expectations were high for Farhan Saeed to shine in the tailor-made role of Arsalan. However, as the Jhok Sarkar finale unfolded, viewers were left pondering whether Saeed truly did justice to the cop universe.
The first aspect demanding scrutiny is the narrative’s premise. While it commenced with promise, the storyline meandered into mediocrity and predictability as it approached the climax. Farhan Saeed’s sincere portrayal of Arsalan emerged as the sole highlight in an otherwise conventional tale. The dialogues and performances, unfortunately, failed to infuse a sense of freshness into the overall viewing experience. Director Safie Hassan, usually known for her adept storytelling, delivered a shaky performance this time, with the finale’s sequence suffering from weakly choreographed action.
One of the narrative missteps in “Jhok Sarkar” was the introduction of an unnecessary love story. Arsalan’s relationship with Lubna, portrayed by Mahenur Haider, had its roots in class differences, a subplot that could have added depth to the character. However, the insertion of a romantic angle with Sassi, played by Hiba Bukhari, seemed forced and contributed little to the plot’s progression. This diversion into a love story detracted from the main action, diluting the impact of the cop universe.
Numerous unanswered questions lingered throughout the series, leaving loose ends that impacted the overall cohesiveness. Lubna’s return lacked substantial development, and the rationale behind Peeral’s (Asif Raza Mir) marriage to Noorie (Mamya Shajaffar) remained unclear. The sudden transformation of Sardari Begum (Sakina Samo) from a wicked character to a benevolent figure assisting Noorie in seeking justice raised eyebrows. Additionally, the interference of domestic issues among Peeral’s spouses detracted from the overarching theme of the cop universe.
Amidst the series’ drawbacks, Mamya Shajaffar emerged as a shining star in “Jhok Sarkar.” Despite a reduction in screen time in later episodes, Shajaffar captivated audiences with her electrifying presence and exceptional acting skills. Her portrayal of Noorie showcased a perfect embodiment of the village girl’s accent and body language, stealing the spotlight whenever she appeared on screen. With more careful attention to plot development, character arcs, and the overall coherence of the narrative, “Jhok Sarkar” had the ingredients to be a clean hit.
