Atiqa Odho Questions Narrative Style of 'Aik Aur Pakeezah' Drama

Veteran Pakistani television and film personality, Atiqa Odho, has recently voiced significant reservations regarding the storytelling methodology employed in the drama seriesAik Aur Pakeezah. Known for her compelling performances in iconic projects likeHumsafarand currently appearing in Hum TV'sNeeli Kothi, Odho's insights carry considerable weight within the industry. Her candid critique emerged during a recent episode of the review showKya Drama Hai, where she serves as a co-host and panelist.

Disappointment with Lack of Freshness and Novelty

During the discussion, Atiqa Odho expressed her profound disappointment with the overall impact ofAik Aur Pakeezah. She articulated a feeling that the drama lacked genuine freshness and failed to deliver the sense of novelty she typically anticipates from a production under the direction of Kashif Nisar. This particular sentiment highlights a broader expectation for innovation within local content, making her observations about the drama's narrative style particularly noteworthy.

Critique on Excessive Flashbacks and Disrupted Flow

A central point of Atiqa Odho's critique focused on the drama's structural choices. She specifically pointed out that the frequent reliance on flashbacks and constant transitions between past and present timelines made the viewing experience more arduous than engaging. According to Odho, this repetitive back-and-forth significantly disrupted the story's natural progression, diminishing its appeal to audiences over time. The challenging narrative style ofAik Aur Pakeezahbecame a key area of concern for the veteran actress, hindering immersive storytelling.

Lowered Expectations and International Comparisons

Odho further revealed that her expectations from director Kashif Nisar have somewhat receded. She is now actively looking for projects that truly distinguish themselves and leave a lasting impression. Drawing a comparison with global content, she noted that after consuming well-produced international series, such asThe Newsreader, local dramas likeAik Aur Pakeezahoften feel less compelling. This observation underscores the increasing need for Pakistani content to compete effectively on a global stage, pushing for elevated production and narrative standards.

Addressing 'Old PTV-Style' Narratives in Modern Era

Elaborating on her perspective, Atiqa Odho observed that a significant portion of Kashif Nisar’s recent body of work carries a tone reminiscent of older PTV-era narratives, which she described as 'raw and heavy'. While acknowledging the inherent quality of such traditional storytelling, she emphasized that contemporary television dramas must also prioritize entertaining modern audiences who are regularly exposed to a diverse range of global content. In her view, Nisar's earlier project,Case No. 9, stood out precisely because of its more modern treatment and accessible viewing experience, offering a positive contrast to the current narrative style ofAik Aur Pakeezah.

The Call for Evolving Storytelling

Atiqa Odho's discerning comments serve as a valuable call for introspection within Pakistan's drama industry. As audiences increasingly seek innovative and engaging narratives, the feedback from seasoned professionals like Odho is crucial for fostering an evolution in local storytelling. Her insights highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between traditional themes and modern narrative techniques. What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of Pakistani dramas?

Atiqa Odho Questions Narrative Style of 'Aik Aur Pakeezah' Drama