A Semiotic Analysis of Mob Lynching in the Pakistani Drama “Tan Man Neel o Neel”

Mob lynching is a severe and persistent crime that is punishable under constitution of Pakistan. The show Tan Man Neel o Neel, which aired on HUM TV in 2024, brought attention to the issue by depicting one instance of mob lynching that took place because of erroneous religious beliefs. This study employs a qualitative semiotic analysis of the final fifteen minutes of the final episode of Tan Man Neel o Neel, based on Saussure's concepts of signifier and signified and Barthes' concept of myth, because this segment contains manipulated footage that incites public outrage and leads to a fatal mob lynching. The study focuses on how verbal and visual cues create meaning in the story. At the conclusion, real photos of victims of mob lynching are displayed, adding to the tragic effect and realism. The drama effectively conveys a message on the components of justice, manipulation, and societal responsibility through signs, symbols, and facial expressions.