Drama Flashback: Maseeha (2012)

There are some dramas that you love instantly.  You can't wait to watch each episode.  You are amazed at the complex characters or the realistic characters.  You can relate to this drama completely OR you can't relate to it at all (which makes it more fun).  There are three aspects that are most important to a successful drama:  the writer, the actors and the director.  The job of the screenplay writer is to build characters that are lovable OR detestable, give them a solid background so the audience understands them and to put these characters in situations that intrigue the viewer.  The job of the actors is to put forth their best effort, playing their characters to the best of their ability.  And the job of a director is to mold the screenplay and the characters into one concise package that is well presented and entertaining.

When only one of these aspects has done their job to the best of their ability, the drama falls flat on its face.  That's what has happened with Maseeha.  The actors, namely Ayesha Khan, Affan Waheed and Nauman Masood, have put forth their best effort, drawing the viewer to their characters.  But how far can they take a show when their characters no longer make sense?  If I, as a viewer, suddenly find myself saying "WHAT?  Why did that just happen?" then what is the point of watching a show?  Despite the shortcomings, I continued watching this drama due to my love for Affan Waheed.  What a mistake.  This show was a brain-screw in all aspects.

The direction was all over the place.  At times, I felt like I was watching the same episode over and over again.  The character of "Basit" could have been a really powerful one with a strong impact, but instead, he tethered on the line of "scary" and "moron."  His actions, at times, made absolutely no sense (especially in the later episodes).  Most of the characters in this drama did complete 180s in relation to their characters.  A brat one second - the next, the perfect daughter in law.  A sincere young man with morals - the next, a skeezy man with no morals.  What on EARTH?

With that, let's come to performances.  Nauman Masood did an amazing job with his nonsensical character.  Regardless of all the flaws in the script, he gave it his all.  Ayesha Khan was good in her role - you felt for her and related to her.  That said, the weird flip-flop in her character after 3 episodes made no sense.  What happened to being a brat?  Affan Waheed was great in the first half.  He's obviously one of my favorites.  But once his character disappears (and also does a 180), we not only don't see him much, we don't get ANY justification for his actions.  It didn't make any sense.

I also would like to say that the title of this drama "Maseeha"......it doesn't work.  Why?  Because the way the story has been shot just doesn't bring out that kind of a vibe.  We don't even find out WHO the Maseeha is for......FOREVER?  The "Maseeha" is revealed literally in the last two episodes.  And he doesn't even make sense in the story.  Absolutely RIDICULOUS.

Anyways.  This drama had potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat on its face.