'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

 

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.

Drama serial Dobara started off on SUCH a beautiful note - but now using a false allegation of sexual assault as a means to turn the story around is a big no for me. Especially in a society where victims are ALREADY questioned, silenced and accused of lying.

— Kanwal Ahmed (@kanwalful) March 31, 2022

First time disappointed with mehru ,although Mahir isn't also trustworthy but today felt bad for him #dobara

— ~Nikkian_Tanika~ (@TCFA5) March 30, 2022

Another Paki drama, another portrayal of a false allegation by a woman.

Yeh acha hai. So-called progressive stance lia 'Dobara' ne aur phir apni auqaat dikha di.

Keep slipping in this narrative. Bcz THAT is the bigger problem and not what actually happens to women. Fuckers.

— فاطمہ (@fatimah_withanH) March 30, 2022

Oh no I was afraid of this arc in Dobara oh no.

— a. (@achaplease) March 30, 2022

#dobara will it also become a lost opportunity with half baked plots within the main story? Mahir, a character that could have been so well crafted, has now become super confusing. Bai aapki neeyat waqai saaf hai ya nahin? Mehroo is disappointing with no maturity in decisions.

— Rabia Mughni (@rabiamughni) March 30, 2022

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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