The popular Geo TV drama Mann Mast Malang has come under fire after airing bold romantic scenes that sparked widespread criticism on social media. The serial, which has already crossed 500 million views on YouTube, is gaining attention for reasons beyond its storyline and performances.

Written by Tere Bin fame Nooran Makhdoom and directed by Ali Faizan, the drama revolves around Riya Khan and Kabir Khan — former close family friends turned bitter rivals. The lead roles, played by Danish Taimoor and Sahar Hashmi, have attracted a massive following across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and beyond. However, a recent episode has triggered significant backlash due to its controversial content.

One particular scene showing an intimate moment between Kabir and Riya — including forced romance and a coercive honeymoon — has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Viewers have expressed deep discomfort over the portrayal, calling it inappropriate and unfit for family viewing.

Social media users have voiced their frustration, questioning regulatory authorities for their silence. Many are demanding that PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) take immediate action. Comments such as “Why hasn’t PEMRA issued a notice?”, “This feels like a Pakistani Fifty Shades of Grey”, and “We can’t watch dramas with our families anymore” are becoming increasingly common.

Critics argue that the drama is relying on sensationalism to gain viewership, with some comparing its tone to that of Indian soap operas. A viewer wrote, “All of Danish Taimoor’s recent projects seem to be following the same pattern — high drama, over-the-top romance, and scenes that don’t reflect our culture.”

Despite the backlash, Mann Mast Malang continues to trend online, with supporters defending the show for its gripping plot and high production value. Still, the debate raises important questions about content responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and the limits of on-screen storytelling in mainstream Pakistani entertainment.

As the drama heads toward its conclusion, the controversy is likely to intensify unless content creators and broadcasters strike a better balance between creativity and cultural boundaries.

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