Ishq E Laa ep 2 turned out be very encapsulating episode as we learnt more about every character, from their strong and weak points to their personality traits. I love how the producers have set a stage for each role as they open up within their comfort zone without treading into each others space. But what I appreciated about this episode were the religious connotations (that are extremely comforting to hear) as they blend with the story line to how the leading ladies, Sajal Aly and Yumna Zaidi have taken center stage with their performances and share a strong bond with their mothers. So for me, the ladies are a force to reckon with as they talk about societal pressures, spiritual beliefs and freedom!
Over all, Ishq E Laa ep 2 is heading in the right direction with its visual appeal, performances & characterization and plot!
Ps. Here’s a review of Ishq E Laa ep 1 in case you missed it.
CHARACTERIZATION
SHANAYA & AZLAN PERSONALITIES
Ishq E Laa ep 2 very clearly highlighted the stark differences between Shanaya and Azlan’s personality. While Shanaya has a softer side, who feels for people, is compassionate and has a very clear approach towards what she wants, one that’s carved around a framework of life, Azlan on the other hand has come off arrogant, stubborn and over-bearing and bossy. His need to have the last word and turn things around might somehow bring out Shanaya and Azlan’s personality differences, which shows they are polar apart from their teachings, thoughts and values. Shanaya fights for people and their rights with her strong faith in Allah and Azlan is all about material things in life.
So, from the minute these two meet till the time they have lunch together, I loved how Sajal was able to express her confusion over Azlan’s pov towards everything. Between these two friends, it’s one-sided love, where Shanaya is head over heels whereas Azlan considers her as her best friend.
While we know what the theme of the drama is (that revolves around real vs spiritual love), it kind of reminded me of Alif, where Hamza Ali Abbasi’s character transitions from an ostentatious man who surrenders to Allah’s will due to the circumstances in life. So I’m kind of looking forward to how Azaln’s character will “unlearn” his doings and reveal what’s destined for him through Allah’s will.
AZKA IS A HEAD STRONG GIRL
Yumna Zaidi is a class apart and from ep 1 we’ve seen that she doesn’t take things as come and is definitely not afraid to stand up for herself. And in ep 2, Azka further expressed her concern over the class difference that Azlan highlighted through his condescending tone and manners towards Azka. Through that entire scene I felt terrible for Azlan’s mother who was the mediator and tried to neutralize the situation through kindness and compassion towards Azka and Azlan.
However, my favourite scenes with Azka were where she was talking to Aliha about Allah’s love for us and when she decides to release the pigeons is beautiful symbolism for what she feels her life should be like, free!
THE BHABI WITH ALL THE “RED FLAGS”
Kanwal fulfills all the empty spaces of toxicity even though she is a woman herself, however her constant desire to latch a person like Abid with Azka is ignorant and inhumane. And Uzma Hassan emulates this role perfectly.
OUR VERDICT
Shanaya, Azka and Azlan are on very different tangents of life with very different hopes and approaches which is why Ishq E Laa has intrigued us so much. And we’re looking forward to how each character will touch upon the other aiding to their personal growth as “Allah’s special people”.
