Mayi Ri
{{Short description|Pakistani television series}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox television
| native_name =
| image = Mayi Ri.jpg
| caption = Title screen
| genre =
| producer = Fahad Mustafa
Dr. Ali Kazmi
| director = Meesam Naqvi
| writer = Sana Fahad (concept and characters)
| network = ARY Digital
| company = Big Bang Entertainment
| starring = Aina Asif
Samar Abbas Jaffri
Nauman Ijaz
Maria Wasti
| runtime = approx. 40 minutes
| camera = Multi-camera setup
| open_theme =
| cinematography =
| location =
| num_episodes = 66
| num_seasons =
| language = Urdu
| country = Pakistan
| first_aired = {{Start date|2023|08|02|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2023|10|07|df=yes}}
| related =
}}
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.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-09-28 |title='Mayi Ri' star Aina Asif rings in 15th birthday with friends |url=https://arynews.tv/aina-asif-mayi-ri-rings-in-15th-birthday/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fatima |first=Noor |date=2023-09-28 |title=Mayi Ri famed Aina Asif turns 15 |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/28-Sep-2023/mayi-ri-famed-aina-asif-turns-15 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Daily Pakistan English News |language=en-US}} It also features debutant Samar Abbas Jafri, alongside seasoned actors Nauman Ijaz, Maria Wasti, Maya Khan and Sajida Syed in supporting roles.
Premiering on ARY Digital on 23 July 2023, Mayi Ri shines a spotlight on the issue of child marriage in Pakistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.trendinginsocial.com/mayi-ri-last-episode|title=Mayi Ri Last Episode: A Bittersweet Farewell Leaves Fans Divided|website=Trending in Social|date=7 October 2023}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-08-23 |title=Aina Asif was 'ecstatic' to star in play tackling child marriages |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2432169/aina-asif-was-ecstatic-to-star-in-drama-tackling-child-marriages-in-pakistan |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Qureshi |first=Summaiyya |date=2023-10-06 |title=Aina Asif opens up about coping with criticism surrounding 'Mayi Ri' |url=https://minutemirror.com.pk/aina-asif-opens-up-about-coping-with-criticism-surrounding-mayi-ri-134832/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Minute Mirror |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=7 Most Loved Pakistani Dramas by Indians {{!}} Cross-Border Entertainment |url=https://news24online.com/entertainment/7-most-loved-pakistani-dramas-by-indians/246132/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=News24 |language=en}}
Plot
Aini is a 15-year-old high schooler being raised by her single mother Ayesha, as her father doesn't have much to do with her life.She enjoys her studies and is very ambitious. She lives with her joint family, in her uncle Zaheer's house. Zaheer decides to get his son Fakhir, who himself is a minor, married to Aini as he's dying soon.
Ayesha and Samina protest against it, but they eventually had to give in and the kids get married.
The show revolves around the young couple and how they struggle to navigate the decisions made by their elders. The situation worsens as Aini gets pregnant and gives birth to a daughter and is unable to manage studies along with being a mother. Meanwhile, Fakhir wishes to go abroad to study and work and most likely wants to get settled there.
The family opposes this but Aini asks for a divorce instead as she doesn't want to be bridled by the obligations of being his wife and a daughter in law anymore. She doesn't think its fair to both of them as well as their daughter. Fakhir agrees and they get divorced.
He soon departs, and with a heavy heart they say goodbye knowing its for the good.
A few years later, Aini is seen to be graduating and giving a speech about her child marriage and her mother's tough relationship with her father with Fakhir watching her on facetime.
For now Aini is raising their daughter along with Ayesha and Samina with Fakhir being present in their lives too.
The show ends with Fakhir face timing their daughter and Aini dropping her to school.
{{cite web | url=https://arydigital.tv/mayi-ri-drama-plot/ | title=Mayi Ri | the cruel reality of society |website=ARY Digital |date=2 August 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Mayi Ri ending explained – A surprise ending with a harsh mirror to society |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mayi-ri-ending-explained-a-surprise-ending-with-a-harsh-mirror-to-society/d516823cfa907 |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}
Cast
- Samar Abbas Jafri as Fakhir Zaheer{{cite web | url=https://arynews.tv/mayi-ri-samar-jafri-tribute-to-naumaan-ijaz/ | title='Honoured and blessed': 'Mayi Ri' actor Samar Jafri pens tribute to on-screen father|website =ARY News| date=21 August 2023 }}
- Nauman Ijaz as Zaheer
- Maria Wasti as Samina
- Sajida Syed as Amma
- Paras Masroor as Faraz
- Maya Khan as Ayesha
- Aina Asif as Qurutulain aka Annie
- Rimha Ahmed as Amma
- Amna Malik as Saika
- Faham Usman as Jamshed
- Diya Mughal as fehmi
Production
In March 2023, DAWN Images reported that the series, then tentatively titled Child Marriage, was about that very topic.{{cite web | url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1191634 | title=Actor Amna Malik's new drama is about child marriage|website=Images | date=22 March 2023 }} 14-year old actress Aina Asif played her first lead role in the series.{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2432169/aina-asif-was-ecstatic-to-star-in-drama-tackling-child-marriages-in-pakistan? | title=Aina Asif was 'ecstatic' to star in play tackling child marriages |website=Tribune| date=23 August 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2348276/pakistan | title='Highest form of abuse': Pakistani drama 'Mayi Ri' shines light on child marriage and beyond|website=Arab News | date=2 August 2023 }} Hiba Ali Khan and Maya Khan made their comeback with the series.{{cite web | url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1191925 | title=Upcoming drama Mayi Ri breaks free from conventions and targets child marriage |website=Images| date=14 July 2023 }} 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2348276/pakistan | title='Highest form of abuse': Pakistani drama 'Mayi Ri' shines light on child marriage and beyond|website=Arab News | date=2 August 2023 }}
Reception
The series was praised for addressing child marriage and raising awareness regarding that issue.{{cite web | url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40046014 | title='Mayi Ri' raises awareness on child marriage and gender inequality|website=Samaa English| date=20 August 2023 }}
A review in Dawn Images criticised the humour and light-hearted jokes that underscores the subject matter.{{cite web | url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1191989 | title=Mayi Ri — a heart to heart with Pakistani society|website=Images | date=16 August 2023 }} 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."{{Cite web |last=Khalid |first=Saman |title=Drama Review: Mayi Ri - Saman Khalid - Youlin Magazine |url=https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/drama-review-mayi-ri/MjYyNg== |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=youlinmagazine.com |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title|28641821}}
- [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2436159/annie-and-fakhir-are-both-victims-here-mayi-ri-director-defends-drama-serial Interview with Meesum Naqvi about the series]
{{ARY Digital Programs}}
Category:Pakistani drama television series
Category:Child marriage in Pakistan
Category:2023 Pakistani television series endings