Being a virgin to Pakistani mini serial plays, I was a bit reluctant to watch any mini serial. But there were three factors that attracted me to Mehndi: (1), was the title song by Jawad Ahmed, (2) one of the actresses in the play - who I later found out was Amina Haq, (3) I was just recovering from a viral infection and was confined to bed rest for 3 days - so had nothing better to do.
What I did notice was:
The quality: the production and direction quality was remarkably professional and advanced. I would have expected it to be very tacky and grimy. But I was somewhat surprised.
The acting: never being interested in Pakistani plays or actors, I never realised that they would have very talented professionals in the industry. What really struck out as to how attractive yet professional allot of the characters were. The two that really stuck out were Hamayon Saeed and Amina Haq.
The story line: this is what really got me hooked and kept me hooked through all 14 hours of the serial. The characterisation of the story was amazing and attention to detail on aspects such as culture, attitudes, views, 'khandani' matters was amazing and so true to life. It was a case of, once I started watching it there was no stopping till I reached the end.
The story arc of the four sisters is very well depicted and assembled together with the overall story. At times the dialogues did get to me (and I got hold of the fast forward button on the remote) but on the whole it was greatly entertaining. It had it moments both comedy and sad, and I will have to say that for the very first time I became so emotionally attached to the characters that I had to get hold of the nearest Kleenex.
A thoroughly enjoyable roller coaster of a story and a very high expectation for all future serial plays that I may watch. I would highly recommend this to any watcher who is willing to be patient to sit through 14 hours, but will promise you an experience that you will definitely remember.
