| Producer: | Fahad Mustafa Dr. Ali Kazmi |
| Director: | Meesam Naqvi |
| 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 |
| Num Episodes: | 66 |
| Language: | Urdu |
| Country: | Pakistan |
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.
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]
Ainne 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]
In 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]
The 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]