Mai Movie Review: Mum's The Word!

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...