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TV drama Mann Mayal has hit a new low, so why is Pakistan still watching it?

TV drama Mann Mayal has hit a new low, so why is Pakistan still watching it?

We wonder — could our love for the 'mazloom aurat' trope be to blame?
17 Aug, 2016

When Mann Mayal began, it had all the hallmarks of an old fashioned love story: two simple, small-town protagonists torn apart by wealth, misunderstandings and the usual arrows of cruel fate.

At the outset we know that although Mannu (Maya Ali) loves Salahuddin (Hamza Ali Abbasi), he cannot muster the courage to ask for her hand because he is from a poor family. At her parents' request, Salahuddin persuades her into a disastrous marriage to mean-spirited gambler Mikaal (Gohar Rasheed).

After 30 episodes of what had supposedly been a 24-episode serial , Mannu is divorced and living at the now wealthy Salahuddin’s Karachi home while she endures a tug of war over her two children with her abusive ex-husband.

Adding even more confusion to this mix is Salahuddin’s obsessive, lovelorn assistant and all around villain Jeena (Aisha Khan) who will stop at nothing to make Salahuddin her own.

The bad news

Despite a star couple in the spotlight, Mann Mayal has proved to be a very weak drama
Despite a star couple in the spotlight, Mann Mayal has proved to be a very weak drama

Mann Mayal has seen a steady decline in quality over the last handful of episodes. A weak storyline and an even more deficient script has turned what were initially well-drawn characters into strange, erratic creatures that jump from one stance to the next without rhyme or reason.

The ad hoc addition of a new twist every other episode to keep this story limping along may confuse faithful viewers but it makes perfect sense to team Mann Mayal, for whom this serial has been the ultimate cash cow.

The villainous Mikaal has undergone no less than three transformations so far. He started out as a normal young man happy to marry Mannu. He then morphed to a party-loving, drug addicted gambler who couldn’t care less if his children or his parents died. Next, we saw him as a loving father who wants to keep his children. His (hopefully) final avatar will be a repentant sinner conveniently dying of a mystery illness.

Similarly, Mannu was once the typical bholi larki so beloved of TV audiences, making silly jokes, bumping into flour sacks and visiting the now requisite mazaar to pass her exams. Then, she was a heartbroken lover before a sudden switch to a good mashriki wife who abandons her dupatta and prayers to keep up with her “bad boy”, partying husband. Some six years of an abusive marriage, two children and a divorce have not matured her; instead she has come full circle, back to bholi larki mode, unable to cross a road or travel to her parents’ house without an accompanying adult.

The latest episode offers no hope for change

We saw bizarre twists in the relationship of Mikaal and Mannu in the episode 30
We saw bizarre twists in the relationship of Mikaal and Mannu in the episode 30

Episode 30 was yet another example of some really choppy editing and director Haseeb Hassan’s lack of grip on the storyline.

In last week’s supposed cliffhanger, Mikaal had kidnapped Mannu’s children (at Jeena’s instigation). He then declared Mannu could never see them unless she came back to him even if it was just as the children’s nanny.

Despite their divorce, and the existence of lawyers and courts in Pakistan, Mannu agrees, but Mikaal suddenly changes his mind and slams the door in her face. Mikaal has a habit of slamming doors in Mannu’s face but for some strange reason he never slams the door in Salahuddin’s face. He even turns up with the children for a meeting with Salahuddin straight after refusing Mannu.

Stranger still, he just as suddenly refuses Salahuddin’s offer of financial support and his own right to keep his children, giving them up to Mannu in the space of two minutes and leaving with a blank check he won’t cash.

Instead of celebrating her children’s return, Mannu simply hugs them before sending them away and getting into a nonsensical fight with Salahuddin, wherein she accuses him of “buying” her children and “pushing" her husband out of the way because Salahuddin knew he needed money as part of a grand scheme to make her his slave.

Also read: Gohar Rasheed was nearly slapped by a stranger for his wicked Mann Mayal role

Mannu and Salahuddin’s fights are increasingly tiresome and represent a sad, last ditch attempt to create some sort of chemistry between a lead couple that could not muster a single spark in this tortuously long on-screen relationship.

This isn't the first contradiction in a relationship that defies a lot of conventional values.

Mannu may be a good mashriki larki but whenever she needs help, her ex-lover Salahuddin or his servant Jamil are always on hand to help. When Mikaal throws Mannu out, in a logic-defying move she actually takes Salahuddin to help her patch things up, an action which inevitably leads to divorce.

After her divorce, Mannu is supposedly in Iddat which traditionally allows a woman a time of seclusion after a divorce but she is forced to spend it in her ex-boyfriend Salahuddin’s house. Far from taking time out to think or contemplate on her situation, Mannu is constantly in Salahuddin’s company.

There has even been an episode in which Salahuddin orders his servant Jamil and then fiancé Jeena out of the house so he can spend some alone-time with the freshly divorced Mannu, surprising her and her children with breakfast in bed in a breach of privacy and courtesy which would be shocking in real life.

Read more: Why do Mann Mayal's characters love to make themselves miserable?

Even more curious is the way Mannu’s parents won’t help their daughter in any way. In fact, her entire family ignores her completely, treating her like a pariah and shutting her out after her father’s heart attack in case she causes him a relapse, reinforcing the regressive notion that divorce somehow degrades a woman’s status.

One assumes all of these forced situations are geared towards giving the lead couple Salahuddin and Mannu maximum screen time and upping the romance quotient, except that there is little romance to be found in the endless misery this story involves.

The actors disappoint too

Even a talented actor like Aisha Khan was let down by her character's shallowness
Even a talented actor like Aisha Khan was let down by her character's shallowness

Previously, Maya Ali had been the saving grace of this serial, putting in a steady performance for the majority of episodes but recently even her portrayal has sunk to the same level of lackluster mediocrity as Aisha Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi.

Similarly Gohar Rasheed has given a patchy performance but with enough highs in his limited screen time to just about cancel out the lows. For quite a few episodes, his Mikaal was the only character in this serial whose motivations could be understood but that was not to last long.

Even more disappointing; a talented actress like Aisha Khan has not been able to breathe life into a caricature like Jeena, whose obsession and complete lack of self-respect have reached levels of notoriety that would make Sara from Humsafar blush.

While Hamza Ali Abbasi is most definitely the “star attraction” of this serial, his portrayal has been very uneven and failed to fulfill the promise of his controlled performance in the beginning of this serial.

Salahuddin is typical of writer Samira Fazal’s heroes: looking back at Hassan of Dastan, Mujtaba of Kuch Pyar Ka Pagalpan, Salman of Vasl, Shaam of Shukk, Aazer of Chup Raho, they are all likable and caring but, essentially weak, indecisive men bordering on unfaithful – always ready to get engaged or married to the next best option.

Like all the actors playing these characters, Abbasi has indeed made Salahuddin a lot more palatable but he has not given him the depth to make this character’s troubles relatable, leaving the impression of a concerned older brother rather than a lover silenced by circumstance.

Beneath the mess of contradictions there is a deep vein of guilt that motivates Salahuddin’s character, something that Abbasi to his credit has tried to show but the director has failed to focus on.

Why are people still watching Mann Mayal?

Next week’s promos show Jeena poisoning Salahuddin, which has set Twitter ablaze with speculation as Abbasi’s army of fans pray he doesn’t 'die' like he did in Pyarey Afzal. These teasers and the resulting social media circus may explain why this serial hits the top of the ratings every week despite all its flaws and inconsistencies.

Read on: 14 times Mann Mayal fans were scarily on point about this TV drama

Apart from Hamza Ali Abbasi’s star power, people also tend to watch a drama till the bitter end even if it's underperforming simply because they've invested a lot of time following it when it wasn't so terrible. The last but perhaps the most likely reason is that a Pakistani audience simply loves a mazloom aurat story, with lots of good looking people making disappointed, majboor faces at the camera.

While it’s easy enough for critics like me to dissect a drama’s bad points to pieces, the silent majority are happy to turn up in front of their TV screens at the appointed times and make team Mann Mayal lots of advertising revenue.

So, while Mann Mayal is an undeniable runaway commercial success, it will not have the repeat value or iconic status that Humsafar, Diyar-e-Dil, Pyarey Afzal, Dastan, AunZara or other great iconic serials have.

It will go down as just another pot boiler that made a lot of money, which is shame because this serial started off with a spark of brilliance.

Comments

khan Aug 17, 2016 01:10pm
useless drama after episode 12, just for the sake of earning more they destroyed the whole drama, it should have been finished in 20 episodes.
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PakPower Aug 17, 2016 01:11pm
Absolutely rubbish drama. I stopped watching it at around the 7th episode. Udaari is way better than this complete mess.
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Shahid Aug 17, 2016 01:12pm
100% agreed
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Dija Aug 17, 2016 01:21pm
Completely hopeless drama but still surprised to see the number of commercials it has been able to attract...simply surprising!
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Indigo Aug 17, 2016 01:25pm
Spot on !
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Indigo Aug 17, 2016 01:25pm
Spot on !
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a Aug 17, 2016 01:29pm
First of all , please stop calling them 'dramas' !! Its so so 1975 ! Why can't you just call them TV series ?
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BREERAH Aug 17, 2016 01:43pm
I AM NOT WATCHING IT, I STOPPED WATCHING AGES AGO
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GS Aug 17, 2016 02:12pm
When will this jokers stop ?
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Mir Aug 17, 2016 02:21pm
So, while Mann Mayal is an undeniable runaway commercial success, it will not have the repeat value or iconic status that Humsafar, Diyar-e-Dil, Pyarey Afzal, Dastan, AunZara or other great iconic serials have....EXACTLY!! ..and only reason i'm glued to it - I've invested a lot of time following it when it wasn't so terrible!!
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mahjbeen khan Aug 17, 2016 02:27pm
I see this play because of two protagonist are good looking and good actors. There good looks are still worth seeing in this play but acting is faded. I am just passing time like the producer .just waiting for last episode-your question is very valid who will be the cash cow of Mann Mayaal. One million question !
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rakhshanda Aug 17, 2016 02:34pm
Mann Mayal producers seem to have learnt from Indian TV dramas where actors have many incarnations in the course of the drama that drags for years and years. Pakistani dramas seem to be losing the sheen with such bad story and even weaker performances.
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N. Hassan Aug 17, 2016 02:36pm
I had to read 28 paragraphs to finally get an answer to the headline in 3. Seriously? Long form articles are appreciated but please try to make the point earlier instead of beating around the bush, repeating the same things over and over again or then choose a different headline.
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Uzma Aug 17, 2016 02:38pm
What you say is true.We are going to make ourselves miserable till the bitter end.How much dumber can it get? That remains to be seen.
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Fudayl Aug 17, 2016 02:55pm
I agree with the author. The drama began well, with excellent dialogues and cast, but somehow now i feel that a story appropriate for a mini serial is being dragged on and on and on. Even Deewana is fast becoming boring. Another Hum TV serial Pakeeza has crossed all limits of stupidity. TV Channels must consider teaming two or more top writers to write a drama that suits 25 episodes and no more, no less.
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Arif Zaki Aug 17, 2016 03:02pm
Mann Mayal began as an interesting drama with popular cast but lost direction on the way when, due to financial reasons, Salahuddin handed her over to Mikael, as if she was some bag! For Pakistanis living abroad, with limited entertainment, the drama has been laughable, to say the least! The script writer and Director must carry out appraisal!
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hammad Aug 17, 2016 03:11pm
I have not watched many episodes but a few of them have been good, especially the 30 episode was kind a emotional.
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Aug 17, 2016 03:31pm
Weaknesses in the script I agree but performances are very good specially from Hamza Abbasi and Maya Ali.
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Libra11 Aug 17, 2016 03:42pm
Haha Its because of Humza A.A since their fans love him so much after his tragic death in Pyare Afzal and people want more screen time that fascinates them and above all for the Channel that gave many block busters earlier.
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Saman Aug 17, 2016 03:55pm
The only reason why people still watch it is Hamza Ali abbasi, absolutely pathetic and what's more disturbing is the precedent it has set
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Abdulla Hussain Aug 17, 2016 03:55pm
This clueless drama has stuck like a thorn in the throat neither going in nor out. I for one don't watch this drama anymore.
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saqib mughal Aug 17, 2016 03:57pm
People hate it yet we still watch it, just in case there is some saving grace, but it's getting more bizarre each week. The high point of this drama was salahuddin staying at his friends house and allowing his friends ailing father to salvage his eroding dignity and the chemistry and companionship they struck up was so intensly emotional. Feels like a completely different drama. I couldn't care less about maya Ali's character. It should have always been focused on salahuddin.
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Syed Waqar Ali Aug 17, 2016 03:58pm
There is no logical movement in the story. After her divorce why Mannu is living with namehram person Salahuddin and why she wants to go back to her ex-husband so as to live with her children. After divorce the best option is to go back to her parents. The parents are themselves not bothered about Mannu. Why Jeena is living in Salah uddin's home. In the next episode we see the return of Jameel. How Jameel came to know that Jeena had put poison in the juice when he was not present at that time. Ab initio, the story needed extensive editing . The drama is a waste of resources and above all has spoiled the image of those involved in it. We, as the viewers, should avoid wasting our time in viewing thid drama.
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Stargazer Aug 17, 2016 03:58pm
A drama with great start and cast destroyed by unnecessary prolonging the story. Even great actors like Maya Ali and Hamza Abbasi seems clueless what to do with their character. Maya seems unable to cry anymore. What is left now is dragging story, poor direction and clueless acting
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kash Aug 17, 2016 04:12pm
I am in UK and this serial has gone to the pits. Same as indian serials now (long winded and boring). Udaari is much, much better.
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Kamran Aug 17, 2016 04:15pm
Unfortunately the moment these drama makers see the ratings go on top, they increase the episode count and prolong things for no reason - just to make more money. They never get enough of money. Same is the fate with most other dramas. These drama makers should learn from classics like Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
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Jamal Aug 17, 2016 04:20pm
Three male characters, Salahuddin, Mikaal and Jamil are made to dance at the tunes of of Jeenaa. The drama's director and storywriter are off the track after 24/25 episodes.
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Najeeb Aug 17, 2016 04:23pm
The start was promising but recent episodes have forced me to stop watching. A failed series that has turned into a combination of a weak story with ridiculous twists, poor direction and hopeless acting. A classic example of how greed destroys creativity.
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salma Aug 17, 2016 04:28pm
Im watching it only for Hamza Ali Abbassi. Loved the review
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Muhammad Jamil Aug 17, 2016 04:37pm
I've stopped watching this useless drama long ago, and I'm happy on my decision. Among current bunch of dramas, Udaari and ARY's Dil Lagi are top two for me. Love the acting and dialogues of Dil Lagi drama.
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Najeeb ullah Aug 17, 2016 04:43pm
@Libra11 . i like this drama and most importantly when i watch this brilliant story drama which somehow very close to my heart, i watch this drama in solitude the only reason is when i am crying no one can see my tears appearing from my eyes.
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habib Aug 17, 2016 05:40pm
The recent episode was disaster. Putting poisen in a orange juice to kill same story that we saw in "bhegi pull ein".
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Syed Aug 17, 2016 05:57pm
The author is wright that the story is meaningless but I can't help to stop watching it , maybe the character of Maya Ali & her innocenct role.
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H. Khan Aug 17, 2016 06:50pm
Maya Ali always acting mean in every drama. It doesn't suit her a bit. Seems like Pakistani people only like dramas that have crying women in it. Very bad state of affairs.
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mina Aug 17, 2016 07:18pm
The drama is bad, but the writer of this article is also rambling on and on. Your editor and Mann mayals director really need to improve.
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IB Aug 17, 2016 07:32pm
the only reason people still watch it is to find out how it ends.. so the sooner it ends the better!
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tariq mehmood hassan Aug 17, 2016 07:35pm
the drama does not offer any real life story. There are a lot of loopholes in the story which the Images staffer has rightly pointed out. I think the producer should declare the 31st episode as the last one.
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Alex Aug 17, 2016 08:39pm
@Syed Waqar Ali Very valid observations, indeed! Quantity dilutes the Quality!
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Naqi Aug 17, 2016 08:42pm
@N. Hassan Keep simple and short!
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Saeed Aug 17, 2016 09:56pm
horrible cast!
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Sam Aug 17, 2016 10:45pm
When was the last time Aisha Khan did a decent drama? Shows the variety of actors available in the industry.
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N K Aug 17, 2016 11:30pm
This is probably the sixth review of this silly serial, which has no redeeming value, except that people watch it because earlier it promised to be a good one. But what surprises me is that Dawn has reviewed this so many times, while a good serial like 'Zara Yaad Kar' has not been reviewed even once.
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Dystopian Aug 17, 2016 11:31pm
Spot on analysis. Yes, the main attraction of the drama is without doubt Hamza Ali Abbasi.
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Vinod Narang Aug 18, 2016 12:04am
I watch Pakistani dramas on you tube. I have seen some of the best ones that you want to see again and again. I lost my interest in Mann Mayal after the arrival of Jina. Although she is a talented actress but her role did not let her do justice with it. I think the best role is performed by the butler Jameel. You can see his loyalty towards his both employers. Jina looked croocked to start with and Mannu needs to stop being a victim. Mr. Abbasi proved to be a gutless man. Total waste of time
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mrahul Aug 18, 2016 02:22am
Guys I will suggest you to watch Ek duje ke vaaste" on Sony entertainment television on Monday to Friday @10 pm. Its very interesting love story.
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Akil Akhtar Aug 18, 2016 05:13am
WHo cares...its just a drama
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Imran Khan Aug 18, 2016 05:53am
I agreem that we watch it because we invested a lot time already,i would prefer Udari million times more and repeat watch
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miristan Aug 18, 2016 10:50am
Two weeks ago I stopped watching this drama. Pakistani make good drama,starts well, in the middle they drag drag and in the end never ends. What a way to loose a winging drama ?
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Farhan Aug 18, 2016 11:12am
First seven episodes were good, serial became worse when they shifted to Karachi. Karachi is a big city not easy to digest.
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lubnakhan Aug 19, 2016 12:46am
its a good drama...and characters behave as writer wants them to behave..
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UTW Aug 20, 2016 10:49am
Thanks to the greed of the writer, producer and the director the serial has been transformed into a fishy event!
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Fahad Aug 20, 2016 08:24pm
Spot on! Mann Mayal is an example of how revenue, and not quality drives production. There's a reason all classic TV series' plots are limited to 15-20 hours of screen time. Mann Mayal defies all logic and reason. Very sad, since I thought it started off as a really good plot.
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