Does Gentleman pack enough of a punch?

When you hear about an action-packed Pakistani drama featuring two of the country’s top stars in the lead roles. it makes you sit up, perk your ears, adjust your specs, and take a look at what all the excitement is all about. Green Entertainment’s latest project Gentleman, rode high on this wave of excitement, basking in pre-release glory. Then, of course, it decided to make a memorable entrance, marking several firsts. With the country’s top actors and a grand, larger-than-life feel, Gentleman was deemed fit for a theatrical release, becoming the first Pakistani drama to debut its first two episodes in cinemas.

I, for one, experienced the premiere of Gentleman from the comfort of my home. As I delved into the first episode, it became immediately clear why this drama merited a big-screen debut. Produced by the acclaimed Samina Humayun Saeed and Sana Shahnawaz under the Next Level Entertainment banner, Gentleman features Yumna Zaidi and Humayun Saeed taking centre stage.

The series aspires to depict the raw realities of inner-city life in Karachi and explore the intricacies of gang warfare. The direction, combined with powerful portrayals by Zaidi and Saeed, renders these scenes larger than life, engrossing us from the very beginning.

Exploring Korangi’s underworld

Directed by Haissam Hussain and penned by Khalilur Rehman Qamar, Gentleman immerses viewers in Korangi’s gritty underworld, where local gangsters rule divided territories. Saeed portrays Iqbal Munna with magnetic intensity, manoeuvring to consolidate power under the influential Rehmati Bhai, played by Adnan Siddiqui. Ahmad Ali Butt brings life to Munna’s steadfast lieutenant, Dilbar. Their on-screen dynamic echoes the beloved duo of Munna Bhai and Circuit from Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, injecting humour and camaraderie into the story.

On the other side of Korangi is the resolute journalist Zarnab, played by Zaidi. Her demeanour and signature red lips have become an instant hit. Zahid Ahmed plays Faris, an assistant commissioner navigating bureaucratic challenges while grappling with moral dilemmas.

Sohai Ali Abro returns to acting after a hiatus as Mifra, the entitled daughter of a commissioner. Possessive about Faris, Mifra becomes a central obstacle in his relationship with Zarnab.

How did Gentleman stand out

As the show explores the world of gangster dons who roam the streets, it also sheds light on the equally corrupt side of the bureaucracy and government, which empowers these goons and allows them to thrive under a ‘parallel government’ operating behind the scenes. There is an evident struggle between the forces of good and evil, with corruption taking root from various quarters, weakening the system. Apart from moments of Zarnab’s and Iqbal Munna’s sermonising monologues, the show prompts viewers to think intelligently and evaluate the distinction between good and evil through their own moral compass.

This battle keeps us oscillating between justifying and resenting characters. For instance, Faris elicits sympathy as he strives to escape corruption, yet also incites anger for deceiving Zarnab and his quest for power. On the other hand, Iqbal Munna, with his deeply ingrained sins, shows an impressive transformation into a soft-hearted goon, willing to abandon his old life for Zarnab, aspiring to transition from ‘Munna Bhai’ to just ‘Munna.’

The integration of consent into the narrative was refreshing to see and executed impeccably well. As Rehmati and Iqbal Munna go to literal war to win Zarnab, the obvious question looms whether Zarnab is oblivious to the entire situation. This concern is voiced in a conversation between Iqbal Munna and Dilbar, where the former points out that they haven’t even asked her or considered Zarnab’s wishes.

And we need to appreciate Munna’s selflessness. He has no expectations of Zarnab returning his one-sided love and, after being literally exiled, he remains just to protect her. This remarkable character depth and sensitivity truly elevate the narrative.

Where is the action?

Truth be told, when I first learned that Gentleman was going to be about a gangster war, I was expecting some high-octane action and intense drama. As a self-declared aficionado of gangster series and a die-hard fan of Peaky Blinders and Vincenzo, I naturally drew an instant comparison — while understanding it wouldn’t match the same level of excellence — hoping for a desi attempt at a full-on gangster action series that would satisfy my craving for a gripping, action-packed Pakistani drama. But alas, after watching one episode after another, that wish did not come true.

Don’t get me wrong, Gentleman is packed with suspense that keeps you eagerly anticipating what’s going to happen next. It’s just that if you’re looking for a non-stop action-packed drama, you might want to calibrate your expectations before tuning in.

From the opening credits, done in a tasteful manner, to the instances showcasing the wardrobe and styling of the goons, you do feel transported into their world. But yes, the intense action is missing. Perhaps this complaint might be resolved as we anticipate a gang war breaking loose when Iqbal Munna and Rehmati come face to face after all hell breaks loose when Munna confesses his love for Zarnab in front of Rehmati Bhai, who is also infatuated with her.

The story also unapologetically leads with romance. It takes some time to count who is in love with whom in one breath, with three men having fallen for Zarnab and the clear and evident battle between Zarnab and Mifra for Faris. In these moments, the dialogues scream Khalilur Rehman Qamar’s writing. Even if you have watched just one or two of his dramas, you would quickly identify his style. Even in this new genre he has ventured into, the pain and romance in his dialogues remain undiluted, with dubious parallels drawn here and there.

Not to complain, of course, as Zaidi and Saeed are giving us palpable on-screen chemistry that makes everything else forgivable. Despite their handful of scenes together, they have managed to create an instant connection with the audience.

Another aspect that doesn’t sit right with me is the conflict between two women over a man. You might wonder why I didn’t voice similar concerns about the three men vying for Zarnab’s affection. The distinction, for me, lies in Zarnab’s sincerity compared to Faris, who manipulates the situation knowing the emotions at play. The rivalry between the two women seems regressive to me, overlooking clear red signs and resorting to mind games to test his loyalty. With Gentleman’s unexpected plot twists, I am manifesting Zarnab and Mifra uniting forces, eventually leaving Faris and confronting him for his actions.

The drama’s supporting cast includes Ahmed Ali, Khaled Anam, Usman Peerzada, Saqib Sameer, Qaiser Nizamani, Shakeel Khan, Usman Zia, Muhammad Ahsan, Tanveer Syed, Fahima Awan, Areej Chaudary, Rehan Saeed, Faizan Chawla, and Rukaiya.

Final verdict

If you are looking for a mildly action-packed drama with a dash of suspense and a generous sprinkle of romance, then strap in and tune in to Gentleman. It’s worth the ride.

Gentleman airs every Saturday and Sunday on Green Entertainment.