By Arooj Ayesha - Published in Daily Times on 3 January 2013
As of late, switching channels on TV only seems to lead from conniving plotting of evil mother-in-laws to convoluted love triangles projecting crisis and negative drama in Pakistani TV serials. A refreshing break from the stereotypes that dictate the Pakistani drama industry is a unique story that encapsulates the Pakistani youth today, called 'Coke Kahani'; a joint venture between Coca-Cola, Pakistan and renowned director Mehreen Jabbar.
The TV series details the life of a young woman (Zoya) who is trying to resolve tensions between her father (Asfand) who runs a restaurant in city of Karachi called Alfonso, and mother (Maya) an artist residing in Florida. With the help of friends, she takes on the task of saving her family restaurant from going into ruins, and her family from breaking into pieces. The seamless, simple story of genuine human emotions of belonging, compassion, and love has deeper undercurrents that flow throughout the story, shedding light on various social realities pertaining to the South Asian region: identity politics, patriotism and the evolution of a hybrid culture of modernity and traditionalism.
'Coke Kahani' provides a nexus between culture and society in a light-hearted manner by exploring the transition of youth to adulthood via life and career choices, contesting notions of being Pakistani, while holding true to the roots that really breathe life into us: our families.
Meanwhile a parallel plot revolves around a middle-aged couple and their son (Nusrat, Mutmain and Rayyan). In this narrative of coming together, Jabbar seamlessly captures the endearing exchange and heart-warming moments between the family. The effervescent Shamim Hilaly impeccably maintains her role of a caring mother, which is illustrated by her spurts of maternal instincts when her son, Rayyan, begins to come into conflict with his father at the brink of moving from adolescence to adulthood. Unlike today's young generation who foster an escapist attitude, one can see how Rayyan, like Nusrat and Mutmain, believes in the power of open communication to resolve issues. Scenes with these three characters offer moments of wisdom and reflection for the audience. Rayyan's suggestion to Zoya about how she needs to change herself to rebuild her relationship with her father resonates with today's situation between the youth of Pakistan and their relationships with their parents.
The TV series beautifully builds upon the asymmetrical, indirect connections, which knit families, friends and communities together through its witty writing by the notable Syed Muhammad Ahmed. Through his playwriting capabilities, Ahmed fruitfully engages the audience emotionally with characters; but more importantly, his emphasis on subtext (i.e. silent conversations) throughout the TV series sets him apart from other play writers. Woven within the storyline is the message of open communication, values of happiness and joy, togetherness, inclusiveness, emotional well-being and most importantly, connecting with family and friends over the dinner table.
Another distinctive feature of the TV series is its aesthetic reconfiguration by Farhan Alam, which makes the TV series a visual treat. The sophisticated cinematography, colours, framing and lighting has a picturesque quality, which bursts with energy. Further complementing the cinematography is the upbeat and catchy music by Taimoor Salahuddin, which allows viewers to emotionally connect with the actors onscreen. The unique standpoint of Coke Kahani's music is its title theme, which provides a one-of-its-kind immersive experience for its listeners by illustrating the purity of various harmonies and tones through 'a capella' style.
What makes 'Coke Kahani' unique is the fact that this is one kahani that anyone can relate to. Throughout the show one can see how gender, ethnic and class identities are negotiated, reproduced and indexed within 'Coke Kahani'. It is not the story of landlords and big business tycoons, nor does it focus on glamorous lifestyles; it is an everyday tale of ordinary people tackling ordinary issues. The kahani revolves around the lives and dreams of characters from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds – reflecting the multicultural metro that is Karachi.
Adding further weight to the TV series is the stellar cast of 'Coke Kahani', which includes leading actors like Faisal Rehman, Sonia Rehman, Syra Yusuf, Shameem Hilaly and others. With such dynamic actors, Adeel Farhan at the helm as producer, and the poignant direction by Mehreen Jabbar, which focuses on cultural attribution and expressive and symbolic dimensions of society at large, 'Coke Kahani' is one series that goes highly recommended.
As of late, switching channels on TV only seems to lead from conniving plotting of evil mother-in-laws to convoluted love triangles projecting crisis and negative drama in Pakistani TV serials. A refreshing break from the stereotypes that dictate the Pakistani drama industry is a unique story that encapsulates the Pakistani youth today, called 'Coke Kahani'; a joint venture between Coca-Cola, Pakistan and renowned director Mehreen Jabbar.
The TV series details the life of a young woman (Zoya) who is trying to resolve tensions between her father (Asfand) who runs a restaurant in city of Karachi called Alfonso, and mother (Maya) an artist residing in Florida. With the help of friends, she takes on the task of saving her family restaurant from going into ruins, and her family from breaking into pieces. The seamless, simple story of genuine human emotions of belonging, compassion, and love has deeper undercurrents that flow throughout the story, shedding light on various social realities pertaining to the South Asian region: identity politics, patriotism and the evolution of a hybrid culture of modernity and traditionalism.
'Coke Kahani' provides a nexus between culture and society in a light-hearted manner by exploring the transition of youth to adulthood via life and career choices, contesting notions of being Pakistani, while holding true to the roots that really breathe life into us: our families.
Meanwhile a parallel plot revolves around a middle-aged couple and their son (Nusrat, Mutmain and Rayyan). In this narrative of coming together, Jabbar seamlessly captures the endearing exchange and heart-warming moments between the family. The effervescent Shamim Hilaly impeccably maintains her role of a caring mother, which is illustrated by her spurts of maternal instincts when her son, Rayyan, begins to come into conflict with his father at the brink of moving from adolescence to adulthood. Unlike today's young generation who foster an escapist attitude, one can see how Rayyan, like Nusrat and Mutmain, believes in the power of open communication to resolve issues. Scenes with these three characters offer moments of wisdom and reflection for the audience. Rayyan's suggestion to Zoya about how she needs to change herself to rebuild her relationship with her father resonates with today's situation between the youth of Pakistan and their relationships with their parents.
The TV series beautifully builds upon the asymmetrical, indirect connections, which knit families, friends and communities together through its witty writing by the notable Syed Muhammad Ahmed. Through his playwriting capabilities, Ahmed fruitfully engages the audience emotionally with characters; but more importantly, his emphasis on subtext (i.e. silent conversations) throughout the TV series sets him apart from other play writers. Woven within the storyline is the message of open communication, values of happiness and joy, togetherness, inclusiveness, emotional well-being and most importantly, connecting with family and friends over the dinner table.
Another distinctive feature of the TV series is its aesthetic reconfiguration by Farhan Alam, which makes the TV series a visual treat. The sophisticated cinematography, colours, framing and lighting has a picturesque quality, which bursts with energy. Further complementing the cinematography is the upbeat and catchy music by Taimoor Salahuddin, which allows viewers to emotionally connect with the actors onscreen. The unique standpoint of Coke Kahani's music is its title theme, which provides a one-of-its-kind immersive experience for its listeners by illustrating the purity of various harmonies and tones through 'a capella' style.
What makes 'Coke Kahani' unique is the fact that this is one kahani that anyone can relate to. Throughout the show one can see how gender, ethnic and class identities are negotiated, reproduced and indexed within 'Coke Kahani'. It is not the story of landlords and big business tycoons, nor does it focus on glamorous lifestyles; it is an everyday tale of ordinary people tackling ordinary issues. The kahani revolves around the lives and dreams of characters from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds – reflecting the multicultural metro that is Karachi.
Adding further weight to the TV series is the stellar cast of 'Coke Kahani', which includes leading actors like Faisal Rehman, Sonia Rehman, Syra Yusuf, Shameem Hilaly and others. With such dynamic actors, Adeel Farhan at the helm as producer, and the poignant direction by Mehreen Jabbar, which focuses on cultural attribution and expressive and symbolic dimensions of society at large, 'Coke Kahani' is one series that goes highly recommended.
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