Fans Breathe a Sigh of Relief as ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ Finally Ends After Months of Controversy

After months of debates, heated online discussions, and critical reviews, the much-talked-about Pakistani drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon has finally come to an end. The Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly starrer aired its final episode on ARY Digital last Saturday, marking the closure of one of the most polarizing television series in recent memory.

While the drama had generated massive buzz due to its star-studded cast and Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s bold writing style, the overall reaction from fans after its finale was far from celebratory.

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Mixed Reactions Pour In as Main Manto Nahi Hoon Ends

The final episode sparked a flood of reactions on social media, with many fans expressing relief that the controversial story had finally concluded. One YouTube user summed up the sentiment perfectly, saying, “Today is the best episode because it is the last episode.”

Viewers criticized the storyline for its lack of depth and overemphasis on heavy dialogues rather than character development. “Khalil-ur-Rehman only focuses on dialogues, not the story,” wrote another viewer.

However, amidst all the criticism, some appreciated the technical aspects of the show. One fan remarked that “today’s instrumental music was better than the entire drama,” acknowledging the high production value and excellent musical score that kept audiences engaged despite narrative flaws.

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The Problematic Teacher-Student Romance Draws Criticism

From its very first episodes, Main Manto Nahi Hoon faced backlash for its questionable romantic plotline between a teacher and his student. Viewers found the relationship between Manto (played by Humayun Saeed) and Mehmal (played by Sajal Aly) inappropriate and uncomfortable due to the clear imbalance of power.

Public discussions on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube highlighted how the drama blurred ethical lines. Fans believed that such a relationship should not have been romanticized on national television, as it could send the wrong message to young viewers. Many viewers argued that Pakistani dramas should portray responsible and respectful relationships, especially when a teacher-student dynamic is involved.

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Disappointment Over the Ending

Even as the final episode aired, many viewers found themselves unsatisfied. Instead of tying up the narrative neatly, the ending left fans confused and disappointed. “I waited so long for this ending, but it wasn’t worth it,” wrote one viewer, while another added, “The romance between Mehmal and Manto felt forced and awkward.”

Fans also expressed frustration over how Miss Maria’s (played by Sanam Saeed) storyline ended abruptly. “Manto should have been with Miss Maria,” one viewer lamented, while another criticized the lack of closure, saying, “Miss Maria and Hazrat’s wedding should also have been shown. The ending feels incomplete.”

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Praise for the Show’s Cinematography and Performances

Despite the criticism, Main Manto Nahi Hoon wasn’t without its strengths. Many viewers praised its cinematic visuals, elegant direction, and stunning background music. The drama’s aesthetic presentation stood out, reflecting the effort put in by director Nadeem Baig and the production teams at Six Sigma Plus and Next Level Entertainment.

Some fans even admired Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar for sticking to his creative vision, despite public disapproval. “Salute to the writer for going against popular opinion,” one viewer commented. “It takes courage to produce something that challenges conventional storytelling.”

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Star-Studded Cast and Production Team

The drama featured a powerful ensemble cast led by Humayun Saeed as Manto and Sajal Aly as Mehmal. Supporting actors included the ever-graceful Sanam Saeed, Asif Raza Mir, Saba Hamid, Saba Faisal, Saima Noor, and Azaan Sami Khan, all of whom delivered remarkable performances.

Under Nadeem Baig’s direction, the production maintained a strong visual appeal throughout its run, even when the storyline faltered. The team’s commitment to cinematic quality was evident in every frame, proving once again that Pakistani television can compete on an international level in terms of visuals and sound design.

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The Legacy of Main Manto Nahi Hoon

Although the drama received heavy criticism for its plot, it will be remembered for sparking important conversations about the limits of storytelling, morality, and the responsibilities of screenwriters in shaping public opinion.

Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s work has always been polarizing, and Main Manto Nahi Hoon was no exception. Whether fans loved or hated it, the drama succeeded in keeping audiences talking a feat few shows manage to achieve.

As the curtains close on this chapter, viewers now look forward to what Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, Humayun Saeed, and Sajal Aly will bring next to the Pakistani entertainment industry.