'Dobara' disappoints fans with false sexual harassment allegations storyline

The show was lauded for its well-thought-out plot. However, its latest episode has caused a ruckus on social media


Entertainment Desk April 01, 2022

 

Hadiqa Kiani and Bilal Abbas Khan's Dobara became popular among the audience for its fresh storyline. The drama serial, unlike many others, broke the stereotypical trope of the very overtly narrated tale of saas-bahu squabbles - something we had seen a bit too much of when it came to local projects.

Kiani's Mehru was on a mission to find herself after the demise of her husband (Naumaan Ijaz) and went on to follow her heart. She married Abbas' character, Mahir, a man half her age and dangerously close to her intellect. The Danish Nawaz directorial had garnered praise for its well-thought-out plot and a male lead that put others to shame.

However, Dobara's latest episode has caused quite a ruckus on social media.

In episode 23 of Dobara, we see Mehrunnisa's sister-in-law, Durdana (Sakina Samo) hatching a plot against Mahir, in order to break Mehru's trust in him. For this to happen, she suggests Sehar (Sabeena Syed), Mehru's daughter-in-law, put false allegations of sexual harassment on Mahir.

And as expected, Mehru refuses to believe Mahir and goes on to accuse him of the same. Social media users went on to call out the writer and director for reducing Dobara's stellar plot to a rather troublesome one.

Here's why it's problematic.

The plight of sexual harassment victims is seen scarcely in the dramas. Women have recently started sharing their ordeals publicly when it comes to the traumas of being sexually harassed. When a drama showcases cases of false sexual harassment allegations, it diverts the attention from actual victims who are courageous enough to speak out.

Last year, in an interview with The Express Tribune, award-winning writer Bee Gul shared why the timing of telling stories such as these are worrisome. Last year, social media was abuzz when Sana Javed and Abbas' drama serial, Dunk, highlighted a false case of #MeToo. Gul shared the story was needed to be told but the timing wasn’t right. "Shows like Dunk might show the real incidents, but the timing of it isn't right," she had told the publication.

"The women have just started sharing horrific stories of rape, sexual harassment, abuse and violence. Our society isn't mature for a show like Dunk because, at this hour, it isn't needed. When you talk about the importance of #MeToo in Pakistan and give screen space to shows like Dunk at the same time then you are dividing the audience. And for now, women need all the support they can get,” added Gul

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