Mai Movie Review-In Short: A family understands the true nature of responsibility when an ailing mother becomes dependent on them...

 

Mai Movie Review-Verdict: A very touching film with a strong message, Mai is sure to get you teary-eyed in certain scenes...

 

Mai Movie Review-Story Plot: Subhash (Ram Kapoor) is a journalist living a content life with his wife Madhu (Padmini Kolhapure) and daughter. When Madhu’s brother Prashant (Naveen Kaushik) tells her that he is moving to the United States following a job offer and cannottake along their ailing mother Mai (Asha Bhosle), Madhu agrees to accommodate her, much to Subhash's displeasure.

 

To make matters worse, Mai is suffering from Alzheimer’s, which inconveniences everyone in the family as all have to go out of their ways to be extra patient while taking care of her. Moreover, it is learned that Prashant never went abroad, which aggravates Subhash’s ire as he thinks Prashant is dumping his own problems on their heads.

 

What happens next? Does Mai get the love and support of her family? To find out, watch the movie...

 

Mai Movie Review-Performances: Considering that the film is Asha Bhosle’s acting debut, the legendary singer does a decent job and her ‘sweet grandmother’ act is bound to bring a lump to your throat. Ram Kapoor, who made his bones on the small screen, does a commendable job as the family head, who is struggling to come to terms with the fresh responsibility of taking care of his mother-in-law. Padmini Kolhapure as Madhu is passable enough. The rest of the cast, especially Marathi actors Kshitee Jog and Anand Ingale, give an honest performance.

 

Mai Movie Review-Direction: Though the movie has certain shades of Baghban, it must be said that director Mahesh Kodiyal has scored points when it comes to his story and characters. Unlike films of the same genre, which explore the issues of aged parents and their unsupportive family members, Mai has no bad guys or wicked vamps as such. 

 

Where on one hand, you might frown in disapproval at Subhash’s irritation as far as Mai is concerned, he also does come across as a basically decent human being and a good father, who takes time to come to terms with the addition to the family. Moreover, Mai’s mental condition, which is taxing for those taking care of her, makes you sympathize with the plight of Subhash and Madhu, because of which, it is hard to consider Subhash a ‘bad guy’. The director has certainly ensured that the story honestly explores the problem from all angles.

 

Mai Movie Review-Final Word: To put it simply, Mai is a film to be seen with your family...

Most of us have grown up listening to Asha Bhosle. It’s her voice which has time and again perked one up from a sad mood, turned one emotional or simply made one feel romantic and naughty. She has been an epitome of youthfulness even at all age and has never stopped from experimenting or trying new challenges. From singing with RD Burman to collaborating with today’s generation in composing rock music, she has always succeeded. Now she is set to entertain her fans more in her new avatar as an actor in ‘Mai’ which is directed by debutant Mahesh Kodiyal. Since there is Asha Bhosle’s name attached to the film, it is taken for granted that the music has to be good. Keeping with her streak of experimentation, it’s a relatively new music director Nitin R Shankar who has composed the music.

 

There could have only been two ways to begin this album; either give Ashaji a full force dhamakedaar naughty fun song or a platform where she just mesmerizes audience with her voice with music and instruments becoming secondary. Nitin chooses the second option and brings her on for ‘Chandaa Ki Bindiya’. It’s a sweet lullaby, which fits aptly in a movie like ‘Mai’. Ashaji’s sweet voice is what dominates the track in a soft-n-smooth manner. Lyrics are penned keeping the theme in mind though one wishes that the composition could have been better. However, Ashaji’s voice and style make up for the lack of it.

 

Next track, ‘Dhaku Makum’ is rendered by Amit Kumar and Zinai Bhosale, Ashaji’s granddaughter. It’s a fun song which would definitely be entertaining to watch on screen, especially since the Ashaji has decided to let her hair down and dance in this one. Zinai definitely shows her genes and has the naughtiness and peppiness in her voice, something which goes with the family. Sahil Sultanpuri’s lyrics bind you in this one and Amit Kumar’s voice engages the listener in the Hindi-Marathi track.

 

Nitin introduces talented musician Arjun Kanungo in the next track titled ‘Learn To Adjust’. Arjun, who is known for his work with Ashaji and some famous ad jingles, adds his modern touch to the song. This one begins with a guitar and then picks the tempo with some very intriguing lyrics penned by Manoj Tapadia. Payal Dev adds on further with her vocals and candidly conveys this very facet of life called ‘Adjustment’. While the music is rock based and lyrics unusual lyrics, there is a ‘remix’ version too that arrives next.

 

Sukhwinder Singh competes with the Queen in the album and with due credit to him, he does a wonderful job with ‘Loag Yahan’ which is filled with sorrow and melancholy. His open and unabashed voice gives the emotion its own voice which touches the listener. Manoj Tapadia lyrics are commendable in the album, they are simple however convey the truth of life easily. Composition is brilliant and actually reminds one of Jeetendra singing ‘O Majhi Re’ on the boat. Though the imagery might not be the same, the haunting emotion connects these tracks.

 

Last but not the least is the title track ‘Mai’ in Ashaji’s voice. It is a beautiful heartfelt rendition from her which conveys the struggle and the emotional state of the protagonist’s life. Manoj Tapadia’s lyrics catch the heartbeat of the story and simplify it further for the listener. Nitin has delivered an emotional composition which proves to be an apt end to this emotional journey. Music is subtle and it’s the voice, emotions and in the end an ‘alaap’ which rules the track.

 

As Ashaji has claimed, it’s a movie which will move people emotionally. Well, at least from the music perspective, the claim proves her right. Nitin R Shankar has touched the right chords. He shows that his music contains depth even as he demonstrates good maturity to showcase the same. Music of ‘Mai’ might not result in chartbusters; however it is definitely the one to be remembered and enjoyed, something that comes with the territory of good music.