One late afternoon, discussing Saadat Hasan Manto’s Khol Do, Screenwriter Anjum Rajabali reflects on the story’s chilling revelation. Sakina, who was presumed to have been rescued, was, in fact, violated by those claiming to save her. This brutal twist highlights a fundamental contradiction in human behaviour: how extreme circumstances can unleash darkness even in ordinary people. 

Rajabali draws our attention to the unattractive reality that moral boundaries blur when society descends into chaos, and even the best among us might act in ways we’d never imagine in normal circumstances. The celebrated screenwriter known for his powerful storytelling and nuanced exploration of socio-political themes delves into the psychology behind such actions, explaining that each person carries a spectrum of emotions, including envy, insecurity, and rage. “While most suppress these darker impulses, intense situations can bring them to the surface. As a storyteller, the challenge lies in peeling back the layers of defence people build around these emotions and confronting the raw, uncomfortable truths that define human nature. The process requires empathy — stepping into the shoes of even the most morally conflicted characters to understand their motivations,” says Rajabali.