Written by GEO News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, the new play *Case No 9* has already caused quite a stir, despite only two episodes having aired to date. Boasting a stellar supporting cast and a gripping plot, *Case No 9* promises to raise the bar for future productions.
With accomplished actors like Faysal Qureshi and Saba Qamar and a director like Syed Wajahat Hussain at the helm, it is hard for the play to go wrong.
### Plot Overview
Saba Qamar plays Sehar Moazzam, the head of sales and marketing at KKR, a company owned by Kamran Haider, portrayed by Faysal Qureshi. A star employee, Sehar is invited for dinner by the company’s chief executive officer, Kamran. Upon arrival, she is surprised to find that there is no one else present.
Suspecting something is terribly wrong, she tries to escape but is sexually assaulted by Kamran, who is upset by her consistent rejection of his advances. Meanwhile, his wife Kiran is at her parents’ house and is soon due to have a baby.
Junaid Khan plays Rohit, Kamran’s friend. After receiving a text from Sehar inquiring about him, Rohit becomes suspicious that something is wrong. Following a conversation with Kamran, Rohit rushes over to Kamran’s place but finds Sehar lying on the floor of the powder room in acute distress. It appears she has been assaulted.
Sehar is traumatised and leaves, while Rohit is furious with Kamran but is eventually persuaded to keep quiet.
### The Investigation
After nearly a week, Sehar gathers the courage to file an FIR against Kamran. Mirza Gohar Rasheed features as Shafique, the police inspector assigned to investigate the case under the direction of the SP. Sehar undergoes invasive questioning and is sent for a medical examination.
Kamran, with the assistance of his company lawyer, manages to secure bail before arrest and hires a powerful defense attorney.
### Themes and Social Issues
*Case No 9* highlights several critical social issues. Sehar, a divorcee, is subject to misogynistic attitudes from those around her, who feel entitled to her attention. Kamran’s predatory behavior and subsequent assault emphasize issues of power abuse in the workplace.
The play also explores the societal pressures survivors face when reporting such crimes and the alarming low conviction rate in the country, which stands at a mere 3%. This rate is partly due to delays in reporting and immense pressure on survivors to stay silent.
### Performances
The supporting cast excels in propelling the narrative forward. Faysal Qureshi perfectly embodies the arrogant and supercilious boss, while Junaid Khan’s performance is a remarkable on-screen revelation, showcasing his growth as a fine actor.
However, the standout performance is by Saba Qamar, who is incredibly convincing as a survivor. With every role, she continues to raise the bar and has unquestionably matured into an exceptional actress. Her previous work in plays like *Cheekh* and *Baaghi* cemented her status in the industry, and she has only improved since.
### Production Quality
A big-budget production, *Case No 9* boasts a slick visual style combined with excellent dialogues. With a director par excellence steering the project, the audience is in for a treat. This play is a far cry from the usual fare and offers a fresh perspective on a troubling issue.
### Final Thoughts
Will Sehar get justice? Will Kamran be convicted? Will Rohit protect Kamran or come clean about what he witnessed? *Case No 9* keeps the audience hooked, raising awareness about a crime that happens daily worldwide, yet remains underreported and under-prosecuted.
**Verdict:** A hard-hitting and compelling production, *Case No 9* is definitely one to watch. Tune in to GEO every Wednesday and Thursday to follow the unfolding drama.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346824-a-hard-hitting-thriller
