In a time and society when we need strong female characters on television, we have Pakistani dramas where women are enemies of other women. We have dramas with manipulative propaganda that double as family entertainers in the name of social comedies. We’re referring strongly to ‘Mannat Muraad’ on Geo Entertainment here. A drama, putting across complicated relationship dynamics shared between a mother, her son and his wife. While the drama has failed to represent generational trauma in a nuanced manner it has become increasingly inclined towards comic effect, which we see as problematic, in a society, already struggling with such issues in an average household.
Razia Sultana- A problematic Mother
Razia Sultana, Muraad’s mother’s controlling nature was made evident from the very first episode when she was seen creating a hue and cry over the boy wearing perfume to attract girls. Despite having four daughters, Razia Sultana harbours misogynistic views about every other woman who even dares talk to her son. Muraad seems like a consolation prize to Razia Sultana to whom she clings for the sake of dear life. And with each passing episode, the stronghold that Razia Sultana has on Muraad seems to become a chokehold for him and a noose around his relationship with Mannat. Without a doubt, Razia Sultana is a grim and dark representation of the quintessential toxic mother with a penchant for authority and emotional blackmail.
Muraad- A Confused And Spineless Character
Even though Razia Sultana is a problematic and toxic character, she is at least strong enough to hold her ground. But Muraad… this one is a confused and spineless character. As the man of the house, Muraad needs to be strong as he carries the responsibility of his entire family, alongside a married sister. And yet, this guy is incapable of taking a decision for himself and his wife. He leaves his house because his mother forbids him to visit his in-laws and bring his In the latest episode, when Muraad chooses to escape from his room to avoid Mannat, the guy walks over to his mother’s room, like a baby. That is simply not how men, especially the ones who are married, ought to act.
The Problematic Narrative
We’re in times where woman characters on television need to be strong and supportive of each other. With such a strong star cast, if ‘Mannat Muraad had a stronger and more positive plot, it would have garnered more support from the audience. Right now, the drama comes across not only as toxic but unnecessarily loud and oppressive. Mannat was shown as a progressive woman, one who took a stand against workplace harassment and yet now, she is made to suffer because of the dirty politics of her mother-in-law.
For Mannat and Muraad, the problem is not with the acting of the actors playing certain characters in the drama; it is with the narrative itself. Mannat Muraad has a problematic plot that is laced with horrific, ill-conceived plots. Razia Sultana is outright sadistic, deriving pleasure in showing Mannat down at every chance she gets, and it’s only been three days to the wedding.
