The first thing that will strike you about ‘Mai Manto Nahi Hoon’ is the cinematography. Director Nadeem Baig hits it right out of the park in the very first episode and, in the very first few scenes, you realise that this isn't your regular Pakistani drama. And how could it be?

 

The drama is packed with superstars like Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly, Sanam Saeed and Hajra Yamin, as well as a villain entry by Azaan Sami Khan. The storyline, while like the ones we see routinely about feuding families (you will really feel the connection if you're watching Danish Taimoor’s drama Sher right now) and how it exploits the lives of the younger generation, is nuanced and not in your face. It’s a drama that unfolds very, very slowly, which is the main criticism of the three episodes that have been released so far, and while one can really appreciate the development of characters and the easing into the story, it sometimes gets dull and the dialogues get heavy.

 

 

 

While writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar is rightfully criticised for the outlandish and misogynistic remarks that he makes, it must begrudgingly be accepted that the man is a great writer and develops characters very well. Although his dialogues can seem steeped in deeper meanings and references, they are interesting as they unfold. Dialogues like Mehmal (Sajal Aly)’s Phuppo Suraiyya (Saima Noor) telling Mehmal that she became Suraiyya after she lost family, really strike you as central to the character’s role in the whole drama.

 

 

Before the drama was released, there was criticism that Sajal Aly’s character is paired with Humayun Saeed, and the age gap between the two was highlighted as being an issue. But it isn’t so in the drama itself. It is made very clear that Mr Manto (Humayun Saeed), an eccentric and single professor, is much older than Mehmal and one can see the chemistry developing between him and Miss Maria (Sanam Saeed), including a crush developing between Mehmal and the hero professor, as Mehmal enters the forbidden land of university life. 

 

While all characters are heavy and really well set in their roles, it is Saima Noor who, from the very beginning, has taken the whole drama by storm. She is absolutely superb as Suraiyya and owns the fact that she is the main reason that reconciliation between the feuding families cannot take place. She takes over the screen and anyone else who is with her, absolutely terrifying in her quiet presence and every scene with her is one to watch. 

 

                                                                        

It’s also important to note why the drama is called ‘Mai Manto Nahi Hoon’, and you understand that as soon as you meet Mr Manto in his classroom. Saadat Hasan Manto was one of Pakistan’s most provocative writers – someone who did not care what anyone thought of what he said or believed. He wrote about sex workers, and other taboo subjects in his time, and made readers uncomfortable with his views on romanticism and human psychology. Most of his works remain relatable for society till date.

 

Humayun Saeed, in his role as a strong hero with superhero style, clearly shows that he is not Manto in playing his character. Mr Manto almost feels like an oxymoron, something that Qamar intentionally put in to develop his lead role. Mr Manto will make us uncomfortable because while one expects him to live up to his character’s namesake (and to Humayun’s ultra-male persona in other dramas), it is clear that he might not be the hero we want, but still hope he will be.

 

                                                                           

While the drama might not be everyone’s cup of mirch masala tea, as seen by the faltering YouTube views (6.1 million on the first and a low 2.7 million on the second), it is going to be the biggest drama to watch as one expects many twists that will emerge slowly and steadily. There are inklings of it already and keeps the viewer on their toes. It is, however, not a drama you can watch with limited concentration, so sit back and watch it play out.

 

The episodes air on ARY Digital on Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and are uploaded to YouTube the same night.