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KARACHI: Last year, we got insight into what a strong pairing Sheheryar Munawar and Mahira Khan can be with Munawar’s directorial debut Prince Charming. To the delight of many, the actor-director duo is back to working together with the latest installment of the Mashion Project, Mashaadi, and they did not disappoint!
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Mashaadi 2022 is a tale of the heartbreaking realization of a love that has gone wrong. But it is also the tale of strength and family support. Written and directed by Sheheryar Munawar, the short film focuses on telling a story without showing too much. The opening sequence is harrowing as we hear more than see the tragedy of abuse women often have to endure in their relationships. A broken glass, a fallen rose all set against the sounds of a fight and whimpering, are symbolic of what is to come in the doomed relationship. But just like Mahira Khan’s character does not have the time to grasp what has happened to her, the audience does not get that chance either as the scene shifts to the shaadi ka ghar. Bright lights, delicious food, happy children all set against the visibly shaken Mahira Khan as she comes to terms with her trauma. The contrasts are stark.
Sheheryar Munawar plays on symbolism when it comes to Mahira Khan and her character’s struggles. With the festivities continuing on the outside as the groom played by Sikandar Rizvi enters the scene, the bride struggles with her internal emotions. Donned in her gorgeous bridal dress and jewelry and trying to keep a smile on her face, she struggles with revealing the truth. And when she does, while her sister expresses shock and tells her to call off the marriage, her mother played by Huma Nawab reminds her and audiences of why women stay in bad marriages, “What will people say?”
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However, Mashaadi is a story of strength and courage and that is exactly what the father of the bride (Behroze Subzwari) instills in his daughter as he hears her story. He does not make the decision for her but lets her fight her own battle and promises to stand by her regardless of what her decision may be.
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Mashaadi does justice to the message they want to bring to the screen. One scene in particular stands out when Mahira Khan confronts Sikandar Rizvi about his actions. His response reminds us that abuse is hardly a one time thing. If a man raises his hand once, no matter how much love he showers on you after and no matter how many promises he may make, chances are the abuse will be a repeated offence.
While Mahira Khan continues to tell stories of women braving through tough times, Sheheryar Munawar brings the magic of storytelling to our screens once again!
