Mrs & Mr Shameem review: Mega actors Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz have blazed a trail with their roles as AIDS patients

3.5/5

Story:

The story of the series follows two friends, Shameem or Shammo (Nauman Ijaz), as he is teased by everyone for being effeminate, and Ummi (Saba Qamar). Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the two are forced to get married and later, fall in love. They then test HIV positive and become champions of the cause.

Review:

By the title of the series, one may expect a love story or a usual rom-com if one hasn't read about the series earlier. But it surpasses all the expectations and delivers a rather unconventional and unusual love story, in the most unforeseeable manner, while also raising several social issues. The series champions the cause of HIV and creates awareness about the disease, while also addressing issues like toxic masculinity, gender inequality, discrimination against the gay community, child sexual abuse and mental health. 

The series is about an effeminate man, Shameem or Shammo, played by Nauman Ijaz and a bold and strong-headed Ummi, played by Saba Qamar. The two are shown as best of friends who share even their deepest secrets. Ummi too makes fun of Shameem for his effeminate personality and does not even consider him 'a man'. She falls in love with a masculine and bodybuilder, Bilal. She gets pregnant and Bilal refuses to accept or marry her. Shameem helps her and later, marries her so that nobody points a finger at her. Ummi delivers the baby but refuses to even look at him or take care of him as she suffers from postpartum depression. With Shameem's support, she gets over it and realises her love for her son. But soon, Shameem learns that he is HIV positive and leaves the house with Ummi after giving away all the responsibilities to his family members. The two also convince Shameem's sister to adopt their son Ali as they are ostracised by society and treated as untouchables. 

The entire series runs in flashback, with Shameem and Ummi telling their story of their lives on a talk show. In the end, it is revealed that the show is being hosted and the two are being interviewed by Ali himself, which gets predictable by the way he questions and talks about their lives. The series uses montage editing, which is another rare thing to see in Urdu content.  

It is highly applaudable that mainstream actors of the Urdu industry, Nauman Ijaz and Saba Qamar have taken up roles of HIV-positive patients, trying to spread awareness about the disease. Their bold move to take up such a role is praiseworthy. Even in Bollywood, which is the largest entertainment industry in the world, one usually does not find mainstream actors even being part of such a story, let alone act as HIV patients. Another feather in the cap for the series is Nauman's performance as an effeminate, yet bravest and most mature man. The fact that Nauman took up such a role, of an effeminate HIV-positive person, is laudable. Many usually shy away from doing such characters.    

The story is quite well written. Though after a few episodes, it feels like the series is trying to address a lot of social issues in one story, the narrative changes and it makes one realise the issues are quite common in several households and is a part of the regular lives of many. It does not normalise the issues but shows people evolving and becoming more understanding and accepting of reality, while also taking a stand against the wrongdoings. At some points though, it might seem like a drag. The series has 20 episodes, each about 35 to 45 minutes long.  

The arcs of all the characters in the story are well-written. The series shows submissive women realising their strength and standing up against the atrocities inflicted on them by their husbands. It openly mentions rape and the survivor is seen boldly opening up about it when she is visited by prospects for an arranged marriage. The drama also talks about the gay community and the discrimination that they face. Though it refrains from using the word 'gay', it must have at least initiated a conversation in the society.

What's beautiful about the series is that it is not preachy. Though the series is mainly about spreading awareness about AIDS, the way it has been weaved into a love story is quite fascinating. The series presents and talks about the subject only for less than half of its runtime and yet, strikes a chord with the audience and gets one thinking. Another highlight of the show is it promotes that AIDS does not spread with physical touch. Even after the family learns that Shameem and Ummi have tested positive, they are seen hugging each other in solidarity.

The show is slightly long but is worth a watch.

Verdict:

The series champions the cause of AIDS, while also raising several other social issues like toxic masculinity, gender inequality, discrimination against the gay community, child sexual abuse and mental health. 

The series is available to stream on ZEE5.