Watching the teasers of “Mayi Ri” sent Pakistani drama audiences into a furor, discussing how heavy of a subject would be replacing the beloved “Baby Baji.” Fortunately, “Mayi Ri” is every bit as interesting as “Baby Baji,” though the subject and feel are entirely different. “Mayi Ri” highlights the practice of child marriage in Pakistani society, a practice which still occurs and has serious ramifications (along with being illegal). Starring Aina Asif, Samar Abbas, Nauman Ejaz, Maria Wasti, Maya Khan, Saad Faridi, Sajida Syed, Amna Malik, Paras Masroor and others in prominent roles, the story has been written by Sana Fahad and directed by Meesam Naqvi.
Annie (Aina Asif) and Faakhir (Samar Abbas) are cousins who live under one roof in a joint family system. While Faakhir is 19, Annie is only 15 and the two share a humorous, yet argumentative relationship. Their mothers, Samina (Maria Wasti) and Ayesha (Maya Khan) are the only voices of reason within this joint family system, the two providing support to one another while surrounded by complicated husbands, a bickering mother-in-law and scheming sisters-in-law. However, after Samina’s husband, Zaheer (Nauman Ejaz) suffers a heart attack, he becomes fixated on the idea of seeing his son married and arranges his marriage to Annie, a marriage he wants to take place immediately.
In episode 4, preparations are in full swing now that Ayesha has come on board after her arm being twisted, leaving Samina to fight this battle all on her own – a battle she is losing. Annie discovers the truth and fights with her mother, tooth and nail, even printing articles to convince her of the dangers of this action. Unfortunately, her words fall on deaf ears. Aina Asif is a star in the making. Watching her in “Baby Baji,” one felt she is an absolute natural, however the character itself posed an ethical dilemma, leaving one wondering why such a young girl was playing an older character. Here, there is no such issue, Aina fitting into the role of Annie perfectly – and possibly feeling her grief as well, her character being the same age. Aina gives a wonderful performance in episode 4, proving that she’s a force in the acting world and is here to stay.
The strength of “Mayi Ri” is in the writing and there’s a wonderful scene that highlights this point. Faakhir’s girlfriend Amna is a young girl in love, behaving accordingly and her mother is…..well, a South Asian mother with a daughter. Amna’s mother snoops through her phone and discovers messages from Faakhir and reacts how most mothers of teenage girls might react. Her reaction is realistic – and so is her conversation with Amna. Rather than screaming, yelling and creating an emotional scene, she sits down with Amna and has a heart to heart. The advice she gives her daughter is solid, coming off as protective while also not pushing her daughter away or nullifying her feelings. This scene is incredibly well-written.
By the end of the episode, Faakhir discovers what the family is planning and attempts to put a stop to it all. Will Faakhir’s words, as the male heir of the family, have any effect on his father, grandmother and Phupos? Or will his opinion, like Annie’s, also be irrelevant in this marriage of force? There’s so much to praise in “Mayi Ri,” particularly the performances. Aina Asif aside, Maria Wasti, Maya Khan, Nauman Ejaz and Saad Faridi are all doing a wonderful job. Paras Masroor hasn’t had much time to shine yet, but makes a strong impact in episode 3 as the voice of reason, a son-in-law bewildered at the thought of child marriage taking place.
If there are criticisms, it’s of the music track played at random moments where it’s simply not necessary – and also inappropriate. In episode 4, Faakhir prepares to have a serious conversation with his father, rejecting the family’s plans of marriage – while a comical, light-hearted music track plays in the background. Sure, while we would love relief from heavy topics, “Mayi Ri” is not heavy enough at present to need that relief – and even if it were, there isn’t anything remotely amusing about this situation.
Overall, “Mayi Ri” is a strong show with great performances, an interesting storyline and a lot of promise. In episodes to come, it’s almost certain that this show will take a toll on the heart with its heavy subject. However, for now, we’re thoroughly enjoying the meaningful storyline with its present, not-to-heavy treatment.