Alif - Review time

On recommendation of few friends, watched Alif (19 Episodes) aired till 8 February. Initially, the cast and then writer Umaira Ahmed caught the attention.

Everyone involved in as asuccessful commercial project as 'Alif' deserves credit, but for me its always the writer and his/ her chosen theme.

Among countless mundane topics in the circuit, Umaira Ahmed is bound to outshine everyone for her selection of theme i.e God. God remains central to her writings. This way Umaira Ahmed assumes the status of a missionary. I would rather dub her a modern Sufi Saint. Saints of subcontinent took the route of poetry and music to the hearts of people. Because impact poetry and folk music were the contemporary art forms. Umaira Ahmed has also resorted to popular art of the day i.e. drama serial. Obviously, her target audience is bulk middle of the society which has hopes of reversion or course correction to say the least. 

But there is a problem with approach of improvised religious preachings through popular art forms. The absorbing poetry and music of Sufi Saints have been replaced with practices on their Mazars, in total contrast to their original teachings. Likewise, most young ambitious minds might draw some 'relevant' conclusions from serials like 'Alif' in total contrast to its actual theme. Risk is that the glitz and glamor of showbiz life produced in 'graphic details' may attract them. They may venture out to do right what 'Husn-e-Jahan' did wrong. Pursuance of three ambitious characters of Momin, Momina and Husn-e-Jahan is highly likely rather than drawing any inpiration from insipid Calligraphy of Abu ul Ala.

Apart from sudden emotional departure of Taha from drama scene, there is not much to fish about the plot. Good watch, if we could keep our wits about. Drama is slow , dialogues are flowing from good actors and and symolism in names of main characters is awesome. Speaks of Umaira Ahmed's attempt to create heartfelt religious experience. 

Theme of God is never out of fashion that is why traders of religion (Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sarkari Muftis, political Maulanas, fully Make upped maulivis at religious programs, mazar walay, firqay walay, sab) are also in business. Difference is that Umaira Ahmed sells the same merchandise in different wrappings. In fact, she is a winner. She calls to God through her message. She makes money (we hope so) and others make good money out of a its commercial value. 

This does not mean any disrespect to her and integrity of her work its just un-acceptance of commercial God.

Only Allah knows the whole Truth.