Rape is one of the most sensitive and brutal crimes that human society continues to grapple with and its portrayal on television has always been a fine line to walk. It demands honesty without sensationalism, empathy without exploitation. ‘Case No. 9’, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain the visionary behind ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3’, ‘Khaie’, ‘Do Bol’ and ‘Faraar’ takes up this daunting challenge head-on.
Backed by 7th Sky Entertainment and producers Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, the show unravels a story that’s disturbingly real yet emotionally stirring. With stellar performers like Saba Qamar, Faysal Quraishi, and Aamina Sheikh on board, expectations were bound to soar. The teasers hinted at a dark, powerful narrative and now that the drama has hit the prime time, let’s dive deep into what ‘Case No. 9’ truly offers?
Inside the Case…
‘Case No. 9’ follows the harrowing journey of Sehar Moazzam (Saba Qamar), a confident professional whose life takes a devastating turn when her boss Kamran (Faysal Quraishi) lures her to his house under false pretenses. Sensing danger, his business partner Mohit (Junaid Khan) rushes to help. By the time he arrives, the unthinkable has already happened. He manages to rescue a traumatized Sehar, but what follows is an even greater nightmare.
Bound by family pressure and societal stigma, Sehar is initially stopped from undergoing medical examination; a detail that speaks volumes about the systemic silencing of victims. When she finally gathers the courage to file an FIR a week later, she encounters Inspector Shafeeq (Mirza Gohar Rasheed), a corrupt officer who sides with Kamran after being bribed. The system that should protect her, turns into her greatest opponent.
Mohit’s wife, Manisha (Naveen Waqar), a passionate lawyer, steps in as Sehar’s strongest ally. As the case unfolds in court, what begins as a personal tragedy transforms into a scathing commentary on societal hypocrisy, where the victim’s dignity is dissected more than the crime itself. Beenish Ali (Aamina Sheikh) enters the frame as Sehar’s prosecutor, a woman who will stop at nothing to help Sehar claim justice.
Portraying Truth Without Exploitation
The script, penned by journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in his debut writing venture, is nothing short of remarkable so far. His journalistic background shines through in the way he handles the narrative every scene feels rooted in reality, each dialogue crackles with authenticity. The non-linear storytelling, moving back and forth in time, builds suspense while slowly exposing the grim truth of Sehar’s ordeal. It’s a tightly woven screenplay that wastes no moment and never loses its emotional grip.
Director Syed Wajahat Hussain scores full marks in handling a sensitive subject in hand. His approach is restrained yet impactful, focusing on the human aspect rather than mere dramatization. The opening sequence, where the incident occurs, is shot with subtlety it doesn’t exploit, it disturbs, as it should. Wajahat uses silences, shadows, and close-ups to communicate trauma more powerfully than words ever could.
Special mention must be made of the haunting background score that elevates every tense moment, and the crisp camera work that captures both the chaos and quiet of Sehar’s world. The use of dimly lit frames and courtroom intensity lend the enterprise a gripping realism.
Master Class of Acting
Saba Qamar is the soul of ‘Case No. 9’. She doesn’t just play Sehar Moazzam; she lives her. She embodies the pain, resilience, and quiet fury of a woman betrayed by both men and the system. Every tear, every silence, every stare carries weight. It’s easily one of her most powerful performances in recent years.
Faysal Quraishi, as Kamran, is terrifyingly convincing. He brings a disturbing calmness to his character a reminder that monsters often wear respectable faces. His dialogue, “It’s a shortcut to accuse a rich man of rape and get rich” sums up a mindset that still plagues our society.
Junaid Khan surprises with his nuanced portrayal of Mohit; supportive yet conflicted. Naveen Waqar shines as the fierce advocate who stands by truth, while Aamina Sheikh, making her comeback after seven years, is phenomenal in her courtroom sequences. Gohar Rasheed nails the part of the greedy officer, bringing unsettling realism to his role. Hina Bayat, Shahnawaz Zaidi, Ahmed Randhawa, Kamran Gilani and Faiza Gillani add strength to the ensemble, ensuring every character leaves an impression.
A Case That Demands Attention
‘Case No. 9’ is not an easy watch and that’s exactly why it’s an important one. With its sharp writing, stellar direction, and powerhouse performances, ‘Case No. 9’ stands as an intense and thought-provoking watch. If the initial six episodes are any indication, this is a series that promises drama in abundance. Here’s hoping the makers maintain the same pace throughout, avoiding unnecessary drag for ratings. Some stories are best told with precision and this is certainly one of them.
