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ARY Digital, one of the big three entertainment giants, may be breaking boundaries with its new drama by Big Bang Entertainment.

Director Meesam Naqvi recently uploaded the trailer for his upcoming drama Mayi Ri on Instagram, and from the looks of it, it will be unlike any other. With the concept story and characterisation by Sana Fahad and starring 14-year-old Aina Asif, the trailer depicts a young girl who at first seems to just be exploring and experiencing her youth and knowledge, but around halfway through, things take a dark turn.

She hears a baby’s cries and upon exploring, she enters a dark room vastly different from the large library brimming with knowledge and experiences just a moment ago. Instead, there’s only a spotlight on a young man (played by Samar Jaffri) holding a crying child. From our interpretation, it’s her crying child.

The change in tone as well as the spotlight on the man and child all contrast the earlier scene of the library filled with lamps, opportunities and light, most likely symbolising the dwindling options and choices in the girl’s life. The trailer then fades to the title screen, showing the child dressed like a bride, and confirming that this is a show which will focus on a major social issue in Pakistan — child marriage.

The two actors appearing in the trailer are child actor Aina Asif and Samar Jaffri, a brand new face in the industry. This will be his debut role. The rest of the cast consists of Nauman Ejaz, Haniya Ahmed, Maria Wasti, Rimha Ahmed, Saad Zameer Faridi, Sajida Syed, Paras Masroor, Amna Malik, Diya Mughal, Usman Mazhar, Faham Usman, Sameena Nazir and Bisma Babar, among others. Both Maya Khan and Hiba Ali Khan are making their much anticipated comebacks with the drama.

The Pakistani entertainment industry wields significant influence in addressing social issues, such as child marriage. Through its shows and movies, it could place such problems in the spotlight and spark important conversations. By portraying narratives that illuminate the harmful consequences of early marriages, it can educate and challenge this troubling aspect of our society.

Plus, we are hopeful strong female characters will take centre stage, inspiring young girls and emphasising the significance of education and empowerment. With its broad reach and pervasive impact, the entertainment industry serves as a catalyst for change, having the power to bring awareness and foster a collective effort to combat deep-rooted issues such as child marriage.

We have high hopes for Mayi Ri and are very much looking forward to it!