These two episodes reconfirmed my belief that Mann Mayal as a story is going absolutely nowhere! To see Salahuddin play Godfather was barely tolerable but then it got to the point where Jamil got Mannu hooked to the idea of communicating with his “guru“- a buzurg who seemed to have everything figured out. I really question the credentials of Jamil- this guy is a total pro at everything. I’d love to take a peak at his resume since he juggles Salahuddin’s home and now Mannu’s home as well as Salahuddin’s office work with pizzazz. In between his double duty, he also finds the time to give unbiased advice to Salahuddin and is further tasked with the responsibility (being a bara bhai) to find a suitable girl for Salahuddin! What a mad world we live in!
The extremes between the good vs evil is taking me back to the days when I watched “The Power Puff Girls” with my daughter. Come to think of it, Mikael would make a fine Mojo Jojo… There’s not a single scene where Mikael appears even remotely normal. This guy is a total waste of space. His parents have failed miserably and Mannu has given up on him yet she continues bearing his children and busying herself to the extent that she’s cut off from her family. It would’ve been better if Mannu was shown to be an orphan- we could maybe relate to her misery but seeing her houseful of relatives who not too long ago were thinking about her divorce and now they’re completely oblivious to her presence. Mannu has given up on herself and has reverted to being the good old dupatta clad Punjab di kudi. Only this time a very unhappy one…
This drama is just not working for me and the little hope I had of Jeena reviving it went down the drain. Her character is so poorly written and so shamelessly desperate, I feel sorry for her. If she’s not getting the type of roles that she can sink her teeth into, maybe she should just take a break. Taking up random roles isn’t helping her one bit. Certainly not ones whereby she’s got little potential except obsess over her boss. To make matters even more awkward, Salahuddin’s mom casually asks for her photo after speaking to her for a mere few minutes!
Salahuddin is so preoccupied he didn’t come to know that he became a Mamoo. Bia broke the news to him after he called her up. In this day and age when technology has made communication effortless, no one thought of sending the dude a text? Whatsapp message? Facebook message? Skype? Viber? Imo?
Despite being told to play it safe, Jamil, being the devoted sidekick, was up to his neck in paperwork scattered all over his residence since he’s essentially the man running Salahuddin’s mysterious business. Mannu walks in and finds out how she’s been played and goes to confront Salahuddin. Both throw empty threats at each other of suicide and kidnapping… Sigh. Kya yehi pyaar hai???
Even Jamil realizes the extent of Salahuddin’s unhealthy obsession and cautions him only to be shot down. And then we have Jeena- a female Salahuddin who is a living, breathing obsessive freak with no self respect whatsoever. She’s willing and eager to take on the added responsibility of housekeeping since she has no one in her life?!? Can’t we see a balanced character who has ambitions yet maintains his/her sanity?
Salahuddin’s desire to see Mannu happy is a recipe for disaster. Knowing Mikael, it wouldn’t surprise me if he pimps his wife especially since he’s aware of his Salahuddin’s feelings for her. Also, the added knowledge that he was the one who paid her bills… I cringed when he questioned the paternity of his children but sadly our dramas are hitting an all- time low and our channels have no qualms showcasing such rubbish. Another eight weeks before this nonsense ends…
Kanwal Murtaza
