Review: 'Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum' and the magic of slow burn

Drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has driven its audience to a riotous appreciation that reaches far beyond the nation's borders. Amassing millions of views on each episode uploaded on YouTube, the series takes us through the unsteady domestic lives of Sharjeena and Mustafa, who navigate the difficulties of love and honour in tandem after an eleventh-hour marital compromise.

The narrative explores the bearing of financial and familial burdens on unprepared married couples, as well as the consequences of denouncing tradition to rescue dignity. Fans have praised the drama for its poised portrayal of an ordinary love story. Here's a thorough breakdown of why the series has acquired international love.

A headstrong girl

Eldest daughters unite! As in the case with many Pakistani female leads, we are introduced to this bubbly, gem of a protagonist with all the light that the drama serial has to offer. The audience is led astray with the impression that Sharjeena is the perfect role model until we are shown the contrary.

Hania Aamir's subtlety dazzles in the independent force that is Sharjeena—a character who is prone to suppressing her own feelings due to an enormous, misguided regard for the feelings of others. While an argument can be made that not much substance is given to this character, which might prompt a debate over whether or not the show passes the Bechdel test, it is also reasonable to investigate the intent behind this.

Often, the first daughter pushes her interests aside to prioritise what is necessary. With respect to that, Sharjeena has an ingrained sense of responsibility that is frequently at odds with her identity. She is a bibliophile, but we only see that in the brief moments when she's truly relaxing. Any sibling-raiser, third-parent girl can relate. The plight is real.

Is it the quelling of her tears that makes her a beloved character? Of course not. It is instead the fact that she does cry. She's not your typical girlboss; she is a soulful being like all the rest of us. She's human, and she does steal moments to expel grief, though privately. Like all else in her life, her emotions too are systematic, reserved only for the right occasions. That is until she is tied to a life partner who shows her flavours of life never seen before.

A carefree boy

Does an assembly of "youngest boys" exist out there? If not, then it's time for them to rise under the banner of the puckish Mustafa. Raised under an umbrella of affection, the co-protagonist is a reflection of how boys are generally doted on in our society and how they learn to take that for granted.

But worry not, for Mustafa has an abundance of redemptive qualities to offer. Despite brazenly evading responsibilities in the beginning, he does not run out of heart. Before financial burdens come into the picture, the sociable hero shoulders the comic relief of the story with an ease that is credited largely to the masterful portrayal of Fahad Mustafa.

The character is also an avid gamer—a craft-driven genius, who unknowingly puts his skills to profitable use. Mustafa is brimming with unscraped potential from the moment viewers set eyes on him. Being the heart of the show, he draws the audience in through his endless antics.

It could be argued that the reason he's so full of mischief is because they've never taken him seriously, so he indulges them out of the fondness that he evidently has for his family. He's recognised for his shenanigans, hence he embraces them. This is the first indication that Mustafa is a man of principle, someone who's true to himself despite the flaws that stain his image.

Being the heart of the show, he brings about a refreshing clumsiness that keeps the spirits up whether or not the narrative has taken a dramatic turn. It is this soft discomfiture that sets him apart from the usual macho male leads; he may not be the best at vulnerable gestures, but at least he tries.

After Adeel calls it quits with Sharjeena, Mustafa—who at this point adores his brother—is the first one to extend the comfort of a friend. Whenever his family insults his flippant nature, Mustafa responds with a quick jest and a wide smile. It is his joy that keeps the show alive, and that is why the decline hits hard when it arrives.

Two cautious flames

A union forged by reluctance doesn't exactly indicate the best start, yet we are all suckers for the "marriage of convenience" trope. A few minutes of chemistry in a simple car ride rules the case in favour of Sharjeena and Mustafa even as tragic circumstances befall them.

Where Mustafa offers the string of friendship, Sharjeena insists on a knot of faith. We expect it to work out, even the non-diegetic music ships them, yet we are given a punch to the gut instead. But it makes sense in the way any good angsty narrative does. They're off to a rocky start in their last-minute marriage.

Thankfully, abusive territories are never breached, which is a pleasant shift from the usual portrayal of marital "ups and downs". Sharjeena emphatically voices her frustrations as any unsupported, labouring wife would; Mustafa responds with grace as any self-aware, down-to-earth husband should. And the surprising conclusion? They both change each other.

With the presence of Sharjeena in his life, Mustafa has his talents spelled out for him enough to invest in a promising career. And with Mustafa's lighthearted remarks and responsive nature, Sharjeena frees herself of pent-up emotions. They are never completely rid of difficulties, but they look for solutions hand-in-hand.

It is clear from Mustafa's involvement in her life that Adeel was never the ideal choice for Sharjeena. His imposing attitude would've trapped her in a stubborn shell for life. Mustafa, on the other hand, brings out an eager side to her, one that seeks out little specks of joy in the world despite the despair.

Similarly, with Sharjeena's guidance, Mustafa begins to assess his worth and take life more seriously. He builds his career from the ground up, even when the only source of support he has is his wife. She proves to him that she's with him through and thin. She brings out the best in him as he does with her.

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum delves into intimacy like no other serial. Its much-needed fostering of love in a pool of domestic abuse plotlines is a refreshing take. Let's hope that its efforts can pave the way for a greater preference of love over spousal violence in television.

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