Veteran actress and critic Atiqa Odho has voiced her disappointment with the drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon, saying the storyline has taken a turn that she finds unrealistic and frustrating.
Odho, who has been sharing her candid opinions on television projects, explained that while she initially had high hopes for the drama, she now feels it is losing its impact. Known for her straightforward commentary, she did not hold back in her latest review.
“Main Manto Nahi Hoon is becoming foolish now,” Odho remarked. “Why are they showing perfectly capable teachers going gaga over Mehmal? Every teacher keeps asking if Mehmal has come and what she is doing. There is no way teachers are this interested in their students’ lives.”
According to her, the character of Mehmal is portrayed as an ordinary girl, which makes the exaggerated attention she receives from teachers seem unnecessary. “Mehmal is a very normal girl who is casually existing. Why are her teachers obsessed with her?” she added.
Odho acknowledged that the first two episodes of the drama left her impressed, particularly with the performances of Azaan Sami Khan, Asif Raza Mir, and Babar Ali. However, she said the story’s progression has undermined that strong start.
“I was very much excited about Main Manto Nahi Hoon in the first 2 episodes, but I am not happy anymore,” she said. “I was just impressed with Azaan Sami Khan, Asif Raza Mir, and Babar Ali’s performances. I cannot understand how teachers can become so casual with their students and so invested in their problems.”
While she initially praised the drama’s cinematic feel, Odho admitted that the direction the story has taken makes it difficult for her to continue watching. “I was happy with the cinematic feel at first, but I cannot take it anymore,” she concluded.
Her critique highlights growing concerns among viewers about the authenticity of storylines in mainstream dramas. Many audiences look to senior industry figures like Odho for honest opinions, and her disappointment may reflect broader dissatisfaction with how Main Manto Nahi Hoon has evolved.
As the drama continues to air, it remains to be seen whether the storyline will shift back toward the promise of its early episodes or continue in the direction that Odho and others find unconvincing.
