I can give you many reasons to not watch Manjali. But then again, I can also give you just one reason to watch it.
The heart and core of Manjali, is its actors. The story is not exactly the most original script you would have come across on television but its also, not the worst. That is also quite a relief, considering the kind of dramas we are expected to endure in the name of entertainment. Let me not take names here, considering a current on-going drama on a said channel has the biggest fan-following even though its story has no heads or tails.
My most favorite character of Manjali has been Zareena Begum played the very verstalile and under-rated, Saba Hameed. Not only does she not know what exactly is happening around her but she also tries to mould the situation according to her personal advantage. Be it, ruining her dad’s ”Pakeezah” image in front of Tooba or even telling Ramis about his Khallu’s second wedding.
She knows exactly when the right time is to confront, or remain silent or even disclose a long-hidden secret. Every time someone knocks on her door, she says,” Zara, zor se apna naam leke batao ki kaun hai!” She, even recently, disclosed the reason behind this even though she recognizes every single person’s footsteps, indivually.
Saba is so good here, that I find it difficult to identify her as the selfish mother, in Thakan.
Another character, that is bound to catch your eye is that of Jalal Mirza played by Shehryar Zaidi.
Now, in which other drama will you find the boy’s dad trying to save the girl from his own son. He knows very well that Taimoor is upto no good and is just playing mind-games with Tooba. He then decides, to take matters in his own hands and plants a secretary whose habits are the total opposite to that of Tooba. His plan backfires on Taimoor but, his motivation to expose his evil intentions, doesn’t.
Ali Safina’s track looks quite promising from the OST and has just recently started. I must say that this one is bound to get the eyeballs rolling. How many people have we seen in our daily lives, who are such carbon-copies of Sahir? He knows every single detail about his wife’s ex-lover, not only that he reminds her about it every single day such that, he becomes a never-ending pain for her. He also warns her not to interfere in Taimoor and Tooba’s life as her motives to do so might be a personal one, ensuring that Taimoor never finds happiness after betraying her.
Taimoor is obsessed with Tooba ever since he saw her in his cousin’s engagement. He was immediately, smitten by her enamour beauty and clean character. The fact that she challenged him physically has made him desire her, even more. So much so, that he ended up buying all the rice from Wahab Ahmed before launching a product called, T-rice. This has lead to Wahab Ahmed’s moving out of home to start living with his mistress, Maina in a very decent & posh location.
Tooba and her younger sister are now fully aware of the happenings in their father’s colorful life. Zareena decides to confide in Tooba about Maina and Wahab’s numerous affairs over the years leaving Tooba mentally-exhausted about her sorry state of affairs.
Meanwhile, Taimoor decides to buy the call-centre where Tooba works to get as close to her as possible. Ramis takes advantage of his Khaalu’s absence and asks Zareena for Tooba’s hand in marriage. Tooba refuses but Zareena agrees.
Saba Hameed, Sajid Hasan, Shehryar Zaidi, Mikaal Zulfiqar,Mehwish Hayat, Shamim Hilali, Ali Safina seem to be doing a good job.
The song, Khamoshi sung by Ayesha Omer fits perfectly as the OST for the show. Overall, Manjali seems to be following a good path with complex characters and superb acting from the talented cast.
What remains to be seen, is whether this drama continues to move gradually upwards or starts downward spiralling hence-forth. Manjali continues to remain an ever-continuing mystery that needs to be unravelled. Here’s to waiting till the next installment!
Written By Howzzat
