n aerial shot of the Badshahi Masjid in all its glory and two patriarchs on their way to meet a senior member of their clan: this is how the drama opens before the viewers are offered a glimpse into the dispute between the two rival clans.

The screen is ablaze, right from the outset. The opening scene, in which the two men have a face-off, sets the tone for the rest of the play. A long history of bloodshed and violence mars the family history on both sides. The animosity is made worse by the unyielding and stubborn stance of the two clans.

Main Manto Nahi Hoon, directed by Nadeem Baig and written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, promises to be a blockbuster. It features a tightly woven screenplay and a star-studded cast, including the likes of Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly and Asif Raza.

The viewers are abruptly launched into the bitter family feud between two warring families, headed by Asif Raza Mir as Siraj Amritsari and Babar Ali. While Asif Raza Mir’s wife, played by Saba Faisal, is ready to resolve the ongoing feud, his sister, whose two sons have been killed in cold blood by the opposing side, is hungering for revenge. Therefore, the so-called peace talks come to naught and both Mir and Ali return to their families.

Mir has two sons and a daughter, played by the talented Sajal Aly. One of his sons has been murdered by the opposing side; the other one has been shot twice; once in the neck and once in the spine. This injury has rendered him bedridden.

Sajal is extremely close to her paternal aunt, a role enacted by the enormously talented Saima Noor who looks beautiful and acts extremely well. She persuades her brother to send his daughter to university. She is admitted after the dean, played by veteran actor Usman Pirzada, learns that she is the daughter of, Siraj Amritsari whose reputation precedes him.

The screen is ablaze, right from the outset. The opening scene in which the two men have a face-off sets the tone for the rest of the play. A long history of bloodshed and violence mars the family history on both sides.

One of Sajal’s professors, Manto Sahib portrayed by Humayun Saeed, is an extremely shy and self-effacing character. Sanam Saeed, returning to the small screen after a prolonged hiatus, plays another professor in the same university. She not only looks breathtakingly attractive but is also extremely proficient. As usual, she lights up the screen with her presence.

On Manto’s way to university, a dead pigeon lands on the windshield of his automobile as a result of crossfire in the vicinity – an ominous sign. As he weaves his way through the traffic with the injured pigeon clutched in his hands, the first episode ends, leaving the viewer hankering for more.

When Sajal announces who she is and the family she hails from, the news spreads like wildfire throughout the university. When Manto learns who she is and about her family background, he is extremely disturbed.

For a little background, Sajal is not present when Manto enters the class. He learns about her presence through her class fellows who inform him that the front seat is reserved for her. He is also informed that she is smoking at the cafeteria. He is taken aback by her audacity and asks her to leave when she returns from her smoke break.

Later, when Manto learns who her father is, he tries to make amends for his earlier behaviour. This is the beginning of what promises to evolve into an interesting association. How will this relationship unfold? Will the feud be resolved?

The direction, screenplay and dialogues are absolutely brilliant and the acting is outstanding. Saima Noor outshines herself in the role of Sajal’s paternal aunt. For a change, she is a world away from the archetypal phupho seen on the small screen. She shares a great rapport with her niece and is more of a mother and friend to her. The supporting cast is extremely efficient and the presence of big names along with the stellar acting propels the narrative forward and keeps the viewers riveted.

The two episodes aired last week have already garnered a massive fan following on social media. This drama promises to shatter quite a few records and raise the bar for other productions aired in the future.

Verdict: a must watch.

The writer is an educationist. She can be reached at gaiteeara@hotmail.com