Ayesha and Mustafa's relationship

In the film, the portrayal of relationship between Ayesha and Mustafa is very ‘chaste’. First of all, their relationship is known and accepted by the family of Ayesha. This, kind of, puts a stamp of approval. Since Abba is portrayed as a chauvinist, his acceptability is not really taken into account. This portrayal ignores the circumstances in which the relationships that women get into are not really known, and if known, then not accepted by the family. In fact, the seal of family members gives a certain level of legitimacy to their relationship. So, the film can be seen as sympathetic towards women who choose their partners themselves, but it is again accompanied by knowledge and approval by, if not all then, some members of the family.

In Garam Hawa, it does not seem that the film is trying to pass any character judgement on Amina because of her physical intimacy in her two relationships. In Bol, we see that the relationship of Ayesha does not exhibit any such tendency. They both are shown as window shopping, playing etc. In the portrayal of the relationship in such a manner, I feel, the film, maybe unconsciously, sets a standard for the viewer of a ‘decent’  relationship. In trying to overcome a stigma, I think, the film sets another one of a socially acceptable relationship.