Mann Mayal Drama Review

Mann Mayal Drama Review: Mann Mayal, translating to “Heart Inclined” in Urdu, graced Pakistani screens as a romantic drama series on Hum TV from January 25, 2016, to September 5, 2016. Following its television run, it found a digital release on platforms like Amazon Prime and Iflix.

The series is a collaborative effort between Momina Duraid of MD Productions and Samina Humayun Saeed of Next Level Entertainment, with Samira Fazal’s writing and Haseeb Hassan’s direction at the forefront. Starring Hamza Ali Abbasi as Salahhudin and Maya Ali as Manahil, the story delves into their love story, hindered by societal disparities. Mann Mayal soared to become the highest-rated drama serial of 2016 in Pakistan.

Story

Manahil (portrayed by Maya Ali) resides in Sukkur with her extended family. Her neighbor, Salahuddin (played by Hamza Ali Abbasi), is a driven and sharp-witted individual. Concerned about Manahil’s academic performance, her father enlists Salahuddin’s help as a tutor. As they spend time together, love blossoms between Manahil and Salahuddin. However, societal disparities and the fear of familial disapproval prevent Salahuddin from pursuing marriage with Manahil.

Despite Salahuddin’s reluctance, Manahil’s parents accept a marriage proposal from Mikaeel (played by Gohar Rasheed), unaware of his troubled past as an alcoholic and gambler. Before Manahil’s wedding, Salahuddin finds himself wrongly accused of attempting to elope with her. Though he clarifies the misunderstanding, he bids farewell to Manahil.

Salahuddin relocates to Karachi, joining his friend Ifti’s (portrayed by Vasay Chaudhry) company. There, he forms a close bond with Ifti’s ailing father, Rehman (played by Talat Hussain), who is mistreated by Ifti’s wife, Cookie (played by Arjumand Rahim), and their housekeeper Jameel (played by Saleem Mairaj).

As Salahuddin tends to Rehman, Manahil marries Mikaeel, whose abusive behavior and gambling addiction strain their relationship. Conflict arises between Salahuddin and Ifti when accusations surface regarding Salahuddin’s intentions towards Rehman’s estate. Despite these challenges, Salahuddin remains devoted to Rehman’s care.

Tragedy strikes when Rehman passes away, leaving Salahuddin devastated. Jameel, now Salahuddin’s ally, reveals Rehman’s generous gift of land to Salahuddin. With newfound success, Salahuddin becomes a prosperous businessman, while Manahil struggles with Mikaeel’s neglect and addiction.

Years later, Salahuddin employs Jeena (portrayed by Ayesha Khan), who harbors unrequited feelings for him. Meanwhile, Manahil faces hardships as Mikaeel abandons her and their children. When Salahuddin encounters a broken Manahil, he realizes the impact of his past actions and strives to make amends, despite Jeena’s interference.

As Salahuddin witnesses Manahil’s suffering, he grapples with guilt and regrets, understanding that time has left irreversible scars on her.

Main Casts

Prodution

Initially conceived by Hum TV’s senior producer Momina Duraid and fashion-stylist Sana Shahnawaz in late July 2015, Mann Mayal was originally titled Tera Ghum Aur Hum. Duraid enlisted Haseeb Hassan, known for directing the channel’s then-running serial Diyar-e-Dil, which concluded in October 2015, to helm the project.

This marked Haseeb’s third consecutive year directing for the channel since his debut project in 2013. The screenplay for Mann Mayal was crafted by Lux Style Award-winning writer Samira Fazal, renowned for her work on critically acclaimed serials like Dastaan, Bari Aapa, Mera Naseeb, and the recent hit Alvida. This collaboration with Haseeb Hassan was a first for the accomplished writer.