Mann Mayal (Episode 1)- Review by Shoby

Mann Mayal (Episode 1)- Review by Shoby

Celebrated TV director Haseeb Hassan is back on the small box with the backing of the strong production team of HUM TV with his new Urdu drama serial titled Mann Mayal. Pakistani TV industry is the best in business when it comes to make dramas and HUM TV has been one of the prime originators of classical dramas for past few years. Mann Mayal is written by supremely talented writer Samira fazal.

Mann Mayal constitutes an ensemble cast including Ek Aur Cinderella fame Maya Ali and heartthrob Hamza Ali Abbasi along with Saba Hameed and others. Its pilot episode was premiered on January 25,m 2016.

As expected first episode was primarily an introductory one with major emphasis given on the character sketches of the main characters. A significant share of screen space was given to Manno/ Manahil (Maya) and Salahuddin (Hamza Ali Abbasi). 

Manno, a next door girl is  a bit dull in studies and plans to visit a shrine so that she can pray for her success in the upcoming result. She first visits her friend's home where at the door almost collides with her brother Salahuddin. Salahuddin, an ambitious young CSS student who is apparently recognized as a serious and well mannered person.

On the request of Manno, Bia (her friend) along with Salahudin takes her to the shrine where she prays but unfortunately she fails in the exam whereas Bia passes it and secures A grade. Mannu's father requests Salahuddin's father to ask Salahuddin to give some tuition classes to Mannu and Salahuddin agrees to teach her. It is evident from Salahuddin's gestures that he has kind of a liking for Mannu whereas Mannu thinks that he is stubborn & a bit more than serious.

On the other hand, Mannu's father invites one of his friends to his home who comes with the wedding proposal for Mannu. Everyone in the house knows about the proposal except Mannu herself. She visits Bia's home to study and the episode concludes with a light moment that occurs between her & Salahuddin.

Overall this episode worked as a teaser by building a strong premise for the main story line. Screenplay for this episode was written with utmost perfection and script had a very relatable feeling. Cinematography & art direction for the episode were perfect considering the fact that makers have not tried anything exaggerated and tried to keep the things simple & straight. First sequence where Manno is shown going from one street to another while visiting Bia's home is fabulously pictured.

Story will surely move ahead in upcoming episodes and we may get to see some nice moments and emotionally blended dialogues in next episodes. On the whole, this episode was a balance approach and clicked quite well to me. Waiting for the next episode so that more could be revealed that goes in the lives of Salahuddin & Mannu.