The first two episodes of Dastak give viewers an intriguing glimpse into a sensitive topic: marriage without love. From the onset, the show dives deep into the emotional complexities of a forced marriage and how it impacts everyone involved.

Script and Story:
Sarwat Nazir’s writing shines as she takes on this societal issue with rawness and authenticity. The story is relatable yet difficult to watch, especially for those who’ve experienced the tensions that come with a forced union. The contrast between Moiz’s deep affection for Kiran and Saif’s cold, unwilling attitude toward his wife sets the stage for some emotional drama. The way the show delves into how love and choice affect mental and emotional health is quite impactful.

What I appreciate most is how it touches on the idea of whether or not the past can be let go in order to truly live in the present, especially for Moiz, who can’t seem to move forward due to his unrequited love.
Production and Direction:
Marina Khan’s direction is a big win here. Her ability to take on a tough subject matter and handle it with grace is evident in how she’s brought the story to life. The production by Six Sigma Plus deserves praise too – they’ve kept the visuals and tone fitting to the weight of the story. The show looks polished, but doesn’t feel overproduced, keeping the focus on the characters and their emotions.

Performance:
The performances from the cast are a highlight. Feroze Qadir brings depth to his character, portraying the pain and stubbornness of a man stuck in the past. His emotional turmoil makes you sympathize with his character even when he’s in the wrong. Momina Iqbal is certainly making her mark, bringing nuance to Faryal’s role. Sohail Sameer as Uncle Kabir is the voice of reason in the storm, and his calm presence is a good contrast to the other characters’ turmoil. As for Ali Raza and Sohai Ali, their performances are solid as well, with Ali Raza showing promise as a new face in the industry.

What’s Next:
The love triangle that’s building up is bound to complicate things further. Faryal’s entry is anticipated to bring chaos into Kiran and Moiz’s already fragile dynamic. It’s clear that Kiran will eventually realize the depth of Moiz’s feelings for her, but how this affects their future remains to be seen. The tension between Kiran and Saif also has nowhere to go but downward, so I’m eager to see how it all plays out.

Overall, Dastak seems to be setting the stage for some heavy emotional and psychological drama. It’s definitely a series to keep an eye on, as the unraveling of each character’s journey will be both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.