Mayi Ri is a 2023 Pakistani television series, created by Sana Fahad and produced by Fahad Mustafa under the Big Bang Entertainment banner. The series stars Aina Asif, who took on her first leading role, as a child bride, at just 14.[1][2] It also features debutant Samar Abbas Jafri, alongside seasoned actors Nauman Ijaz, Maria Wasti, Maya Khan and Sajida Syed in supporting roles.
| Mayi Ri | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Sana Fahad (concept and characters) |
| Directed by | Meesam Naqvi |
| Starring | Aina Asif Samar Abbas Jaffri Nauman Ijaz Maria Wasti |
| Country of origin | Pakistan |
| Original language | Urdu |
| No. of episodes | 66 |
| Production | |
| Producers | Fahad Mustafa Dr. Ali Kazmi |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera setup |
| Running time | approx. 40 minutes |
| Production company | Big Bang Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | ARY Digital |
| Release | 2 August – 7 October 2023 |
Premiering on ARY Digital on 23 July 2023, Mayi Ri shines a spotlight on the issue of child marriage in Pakistan.[3][4][5][6]
Plot
editAinne is a 15-year-old school student. She enjoys her daily routine of school and playing in home. She lives with her mother Ayesha in her uncle Zaheer's house, as her father has passed away. Due to some family problems, Zaheer decides to marry her with his son Fakhir. Being a child bride herself, Zaheer's wife Samina opposes it. Ayesha herself doesn't want to marry her daughter at such a young age. But patriarchal and conservative Zaheer takes the lead when he succeeds to establish their marriage. After the marriage, the children face severe issues, especially Annie, who has problems at school, which affects her study.[7][8]
Cast
edit- Aina Asif as Annie
- Samar Abbas Jafri[9]
- Nauman Ijaz
- Maria Wasti
- Maya Khan
- Sajida Syed
- Amna Malik
- Paras Masroor
- Saad Zameer Faridi
- Diya Mughal
- Hiba Ali Khan
Production
editIn March 2023, DAWN Images reported that the series, then tentatively titled Child Marriage, was about that very topic.[10] 14-year old actress Aina Asif played her first lead role in the series.[11][12] Hiba Ali Khan and Maya Khan made their comeback with the series.[13] Director Meesam Naqvi told Arab News that besides the child bride the production would also depict a boy married at a young age and address several other topics such as educational issues.[14]
Reception
editThe series was praised for addressing child marriage and raising awareness regarding that issue.[15]
A review in Dawn Images criticised the humour and light-hearted jokes that underscores the subject matter.[16] Saman Khalid, in a review for Youlin, praised the intention and the overall production but criticised certain aspects of the plot, stating, "However, the show's thematic essence gradually dissipates as the storyline unfolds. While the vocal dissent of Annie and Fakhir regarding the marriage was conspicuous, their interpersonal dynamic left the viewers confused. Approximately ten episodes in, the youthful protagonists were united in wedlock, apparently for the purpose of scrutinizing the turbulent beginnings of their underage union. Regrettably, this exploration swiftly transitions into a contentious narrative trajectory."[17]
References
edit- ^ "'Mayi Ri' star Aina Asif rings in 15th birthday with friends". ARY NEWS. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ Fatima, Noor (28 September 2023). "Mayi Ri famed Aina Asif turns 15". Daily Pakistan English News. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Mayi Ri Last Episode: A Bittersweet Farewell Leaves Fans Divided". Trending in Social. 7 October 2023.
- ^ "Aina Asif was 'ecstatic' to star in play tackling child marriages". The Express Tribune. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ Qureshi, Summaiyya (6 October 2023). "Aina Asif opens up about coping with criticism surrounding 'Mayi Ri'". Minute Mirror. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "7 Most Loved Pakistani Dramas by Indians | Cross-Border Entertainment". News24. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Mayi Ri | the cruel reality of society". ARY Digital. 2 August 2023.
- ^ "Mayi Ri ending explained – A surprise ending with a harsh mirror to society". OTTPlay. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "'Honoured and blessed': 'Mayi Ri' actor Samar Jafri pens tribute to on-screen father". ARY News. 21 August 2023.
- ^ "Actor Amna Malik's new drama is about child marriage". Images. 22 March 2023.
- ^ "Aina Asif was 'ecstatic' to star in play tackling child marriages". Tribune. 23 August 2023.
- ^ "'Highest form of abuse': Pakistani drama 'Mayi Ri' shines light on child marriage and beyond". Arab News. 2 August 2023.
- ^ "Upcoming drama Mayi Ri breaks free from conventions and targets child marriage". Images. 14 July 2023.
- ^ "'Highest form of abuse': Pakistani drama 'Mayi Ri' shines light on child marriage and beyond". Arab News. 2 August 2023.
- ^ "'Mayi Ri' raises awareness on child marriage and gender inequality". Samaa English. 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Mayi Ri — a heart to heart with Pakistani society". Images. 16 August 2023.
- ^ Khalid, Saman. "Drama Review: Mayi Ri - Saman Khalid - Youlin Magazine". youlinmagazine.com. Retrieved 29 September 2024.