Iqra Aziz and Ahmed Ali Butt's upcoming drama serial Jhooti seems to have garnered tremendous criticism since its teaser came out. In a possible attempt to give context to the first look of the serial and do some damage control, the trailer was also released soon after. However, when something goes viral on social media, no one can control it.
The first look of Jhooti showed Aziz in wounds emerging from an apparent case of domestic abuse. She goes on to deliver a monologue revealing petty reasons for being mistreated and then ends up crying as she looks at herself in the mirror - only to end up laughing at how brilliant of an actor she is.
The acting itself, is undoubtedly commendable, as she shifts from a victimised, vulnerable individual to an over-the-top, villainous perpetrator. However, the problem lies in the storyline, according to the viewers, who believe such a concept is bound to trivialise domestic abuse.
Users deemed the idea belittles the struggles of women who already find it difficult to explain how its not their fault they were abused, in a society deeming any kind of abuse to be the woman's fault.
Journalist and author Laaleen Sukhera responded directly under the tweet saying, “How could you trivialise real pain that women endure and barely/rarely survive? Extremely irresponsible & dangerous depiction. Domestic violence is real and a crime and a social cancer. It is not a joke. Trauma survivors are heroes.”
The only motivation behind Aziz's character to lie about abuse seems to be a forced marriage according to its trailer. However, the fact that the character is shown to be aware (read: rebellious) of her right to marry whoever and whenever she wants, seems to take a jibe at women altogether.
Here are what other users had to say:
Just saw the trailer of #Jhooti which depicts #iqraaziz as a lying woman who fakes her domestic abuse injuries. Seriously concerning. What kind of message are we giving to society? Women are genuinely abused in Pakistan. The trailer is an insult to victims of abuse.
— Mawish Moulvi (@mawish_m) January 5, 2020
utterly disgusting!!!š¤¬ a new low for Pak drama industry. Instead of motivating women to speak up against domestic violence, labeling them ājhootiā in an already distributed society will have catastrophic effect. #Jhooti pic.twitter.com/siDi11akA7
— Taha (@ledrhouse) January 5, 2020 ">utterly disgusting!!!š¤¬ a new low for Pak drama industry. Instead of motivating women to speak up against domestic violence, labeling them “jhooti” in an already distributed society will have catastrophic effect. #Jhooti pic.twitter.com/siDi11akA7
— JP (@ledrhouse) January 5, 2020
I believe teasers are meant to tease but this #Jhooti teaser is too problematic. Unless itās a story of a girl who fakes bruises because no one would believe how abusive her husband/susral is otherwise or is a revenge story bringing abusers to justice, I donāt see any redemption.
— Humeiraā¦ļøŲŁ ŪŲ±Ų§Ų” (@humeiraajaz) January 5, 2020 ">I believe teasers are meant to tease but this #Jhooti teaser is too problematic. Unless it’s a story of a girl who fakes bruises because no one would believe how abusive her husband/susral is otherwise or is a revenge story bringing abusers to justice, I don’t see any redemption.
— Humeira - ŲŁ ŪŲ±Ų§Ų” (@humeiraajaz) January 5, 2020
There is a huge difference between #YeDilMera teasers and this one. YDM was a mix match of many scenes and dialogues, meant to tease or promote the pair. But in #Jhooti, they are actually describing the character of the girl and how she is faking her bruises.
— SabahatMS (@SabahatMS) January 6, 2020 ">There is a huge difference between #YeDilMera teasers and this one. YDM was a mix match of many scenes and dialogues, meant to tease or promote the pair. But in #Jhooti, they are actually describing the character of the girl and how she is faking her bruises.
— SabahatMS (@SabahatMS) January 6, 2020
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