Mai

Directed by Mahesh Kodiyal, Mai treads the age-old 'tried and tested several times' type of path. Powerful dialogues and brilliant performance by the entire starcast is the highlight of Mai.

It is quite evident that a lot of research has gone into finding out minute details of Alzheimer's disease as every phase of Mai (The protagonist slipping into complete memory loss) has been covered brilliantly. However, the gradual unfolding of events is painstakingly slow and extremely melodramatic.

Mai uncovers the beautiful and intense relationship between a mother and a daughter. Innumerable films have been made in the past showcasing the trauma that elderly people have to face in the hands of their children, for whom they have sacrificed their entire life for. The script of Mai is not very unique either. However, the actors, especially Asha Bhosle has given a brilliant performance, and that is what takes Mai to a higher level.

Though Mai delves too much into the 'emotional quotient' of people, the family crowd might be able to identify with the subject since it is a little similar to Bhagban.

Story
Mai (Asha Bhosle) is completely let down by her favourite son (Munna) who abandons her and goes to USA for a lucrative job. Mai's two younger daughters too refuse to take her responsibility. It is the eldest daughter Madhu played by Padmini Kolhapure who comes to her mother's rescue and takes her home. Madhu's husband Subhash (Ram Kapoor) is not too happy with her decision but still decides to go with her since she contributes in a big way financially since she has a very successful career.

Mai's deteriorating health and extreme pressure at work makes Madhu give up her job. Madhu and Subhash's teenaged daughter is not too happy either that she has to share her room with her old granny who according to her smells bad. The bond that Mai and Madhu share over a period of time forms the crux of the story.

Performances
Asha Bhosle comes as a surprise package as she has proved that she is not only a great singer, but can also act well. Padmini Kolhapure is brilliant as expected and every working family woman can truly identify with her character. Ram Kapoor too does an awesome job.

Verdict
Watch Mai if you like emotional sob stories and for the outstanding performance of Asha Bhosle.