When drama serial Manahil Aur Khalil — Ishq Jo Ab Mamnoo Na Raha aired on Express’ entertainment channel two months back, viewers were instantly drawn in because of its beautiful screenplay, excellent acting and most importantly, its romance-filled story. The drama instantly created a place for itself among other Turkish dramas aired on various TV channels.
The TRPs that Manahil Aur Khalil has been managed to garner substantiate the notion that Turkish dramas are being appreciated by Pakistan audiences — it has become the most popular show on Express’ entertainment channel.
The story revolves around two lovers, Manahil and Khalil, who meet at a bakery in Berlin. They become friends and as the story unfolds, their friendship turns into love. However, their love doesn’t last too long, as Manahil’s father marries her off to Mustafa (the villain) in return of some money.
Manahil never attains matrimonial happiness and the thought of Khalil keeps her estranged. One day, Khalil, who is now engaged to Zainab, elopes with Manahil to Istanbul, in the hope of living his life with his lover again.
Mustafa’s raging vengeance for Manahil and Khalil turns him into a murderer. Despite being wanted by Istanbul’s police, Mustafa abducts Manahil and rapes her. After being violated, Manahil thinks she is not good enough for Khalil and attempts suicide.
The two then start distancing themselves from each other, however, Khalil supports Manahil and consoles her.
Manahil Aur Khalil, which is reaching its climax and is expected to end by the end of March. Viewers will soon know whether or not Khalil will take revenge for Mustafa’s wrongdoings. Will Manahil and Khalil ever be able to love each other the same way?
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2013.
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i like this drama very very much.... i love Manahil Aur Khalil .....
one simple question....is turkey showing pakistani dramas in turkey...???? there will be huge silence....!!!!
@Pea Brain: Sorry to say, I also happen to saw of those episodes of 'Zindage Gulzar Hai'. And, it seemed to close 'Humsafar' again. Same pouts from Fawad Khan. The same old rich-boy-meets-poor-girl thing.
While 'Minahil aur Khalil' is not the best from Turkey, there are places where the male lead has acted with his eyes, portrayed emotions, and given an experience. Check 'Asi' too. It has the same feeling and the dress code is much cleaner to the palette. The story is very cleanly laid out. And if you can handle hard-hitting issue, then check 'Fatmagul'. All of the characters in that drama too are putting their best. Beren Saat, the glamorous Bihter of 'Ishk-e-Memnu', is acting a live of poor girl who is going through a tragic live after getting raped.
No doubt, there is great drama here but sadly, it has also gone to the dogs too.
@ Abid Naseem - Sir, with utmost respect, perhaps you haven't looked hard enough. I am no drama/soap enthusiast. But I accidentally saw one episode of 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' and I can assure you that the quality of acting need not even be compared to what I have witnessed from Turkey so far. The idea is not to dump one for the other. Enjoy both, sir. Let's not jump to excited conclusions and take one case study at a time. Please don't sell actors short - be it from any part of the world. Thank you.
@ The Khan - Influences are influences - there are no David's and Goliath's there. We have lived under a constant 'Al-Saud' influence and exploitation for the better half of our lives. I, for one, wouldn't mind a change in taste until we can find our own lost influence somehow. Till then, Go Turkey!
I watch both pakistani and turkish dramas....without a slightest doubt in my mind, i must say that the Turkish dramas are way better than pakistani dramas.period.The Reasons that i can enact are the following: 1.The actors in turkey dramas are handsome,beautiful.After all,its visual entertainment and physical appearance gives a big reason to be viewed more. 2.The Acting,screenplay,story well executed in a way that it keeps viewers absorbed and not letting them switchover. 3.Pakistani dramas industry has had wonderful actors and still few names very well at par with the international standards BUT the main weakness lies in the story and its execution by the Directors.What i mean is that Directors and story-writers not performing well and hence failing partly pakistani dramas. 4.In this modern day&age its imperative to lift few bans on the DRESS CODE of the actors in the dramas if we want to compete with the Turkish and indian dramas industry.After all, its entertainment,entertainment BUT ,but they must not transcend limits and be VULGAR.
My sincere thoughts on the rise and fall of The Turkish dramas and The pakistani dramas respectively. Dr.abid naseem khan.
Turkish propaganda fulled by the dollars of CIA and the enthusiasm to regain influence in Muslim countries by Erdogan's advisers to lessen the influence of GCC in Pakistan is in full swing. If anyone who doesn't have a clue about what i am writing, please read wiki leaks.