‘O Rungreza’ started out fabulously, and I loved the sturdy first few episodes so much I was certain it was out to gather all storm and implode a magnitude of awe-inspiring acting coupled with a fabulous tale. However, the story quickly fell flat, and what I ended up relishing was Irsa Ghazal, Noman Ijaz, Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan as the coalescing saving grace of what turned out to be a massive disappointment. I still watch the show, and it’s only because it pleases me aesthetically.
Director Kashif Nisar is phenomenal, carefully crafting each scene entirely suited to the character at hand. While I’m no expert in cinematography, Nisar does a pretty great job of manufacturing each frame with careful thought (despite a really disappointing plot).
Sonia Jahan is the starlet who oozes glamor – she’s often frolicked around and teased with a blinding light to almost elevate her godliness
She’s softly captured in supple moments as she dances around Khayam Sani
Qasim’s dreams are spectacularly done, where he constructs something entirely out of his most precious worldly things; his dupattas and Sassi
He’s built a safe space where he whispers sweet nothings into Sassi’s ears
Sassi’s scenes are emulated as Sonia Jahan’s when she essentially gives her ‘debut’ as an actress
After Sassi is not allowed to pursue her dream, we see a more menacing side to her, and its visible in the obvious transition of frames
Qasim is often slotted into more precarious positions around the haveli, compounding him entirely – it’s his safe space, being entirely hidden
The more abstract shots of the haveli are also brilliantly done
Another visual theme is that of ‘reflection,’ with mirrors forming as the premise for both monologue…
Dialogue…
And contemplation
Are you a fan of ‘O Rungreza’? What are your thoughts on how the drama is progressing?