'Dear Maya' Movie Review

'Dear Maya' Movie Review

'Dear Maya' poster

'Dear Maya'
U; Drama
Director: Sunaina Bhatnagar
Cast: Manisha Koirala, Madiha Imam, Shreya Chaudhary
Rating:

A newspaper report about a woman who hadn't stepped out of her house for almost two decades, proved to be trigger for debutant director Sunaina Bhatnagar to create this film. Bhatnagar, who has also penned the story, recreates the dreary, lonely world of a woman named Maya, who remains untouched by the sun's rays for 20 years, with only dogs and birds for companions.

Manisha Koirala as the wary protagonist, manages to get into character, but the film progresses slowly, at least until the interval. There's little happening in her staid life.

Things gradually start moving when two pesky neighbours, high school girls (newcomers Madiha Imam and Shreya Chaudhary) want to have fun at her expense. They drop letters from an imaginary lover through her letterbox.

The letters gradually wean Maya out of her cocoon into the world outside, while the girls continue to weave fantasies through their writing. As Maya's life improves, the story does too, with the second half then moving at lightning pace. Too many things are accommodated to offset the slow start. The story is about believing in yourself, but it does not strike a chord. Perhaps, the script needed more soul to tug at our heartstrings.

'Dear Maya' is Manisha Koirala's comeback film after she battled personal turmoil. This role, about a woman living her life anew, is tailor-made for her. It has been 26 years since she went Ilu, Ilu in 'Saudagar' (1991). She has managed to sink teeth into most roles she has done over the years and 'Dear Maya' is no different. She makes it worth a watch.

This second innings will hopefully be fruitful for Manisha.

WATCH 'DEAR MAYA' TRAILER: