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A bold subject as it turns out. A sensitive human drama that highlights how an individual is shaped by his or her circumstances. One could term Maya a psychological drama.
The protagonist is Maya (Mukta Barve), a physiotherapist now settled in London. She has settled there after not just a traumatic marriage but also a separation from her brother’s family, being an orphan. She is wallowing in her hurt and is guarded about opening up to human beings. The only woman she opens up to is her maternal aunt, Amu (Rohini Hattangadi), who runs the center where Maya works.
This is one of those films where the Maharashtrian is omnipresent even in London. One day, Maya gets a call to attend to a domestic accident case. The patient is one Mahesh (Dr. Girish Oak). Mahesh too has put himself in a shell and drinks heavily as he too has been betrayed: his wife has deserted him. In a misogynic frame of mind, he insults Maya and she refuses to treat the bedridden man. However, later, he is compelled to seek her treatment, though he is curt and even rude with her. His son, Siddharth (Siddharth Chandekar), charmingly pleads with Maya to take up his father’s case.
Siddharth is a single father to his daughter. His wife has passed away, and Siddharth is cheerfully adjusting to his role as a father, balancing career, home as well as Mahesh, his recalcitrant father, who lives alone.
Gradually Mahesh relents towards Maya and even starts liking her as he begins to recover. Meanwhile, Siddharth falls for Maya. But will Maya be ever open to a new chapter in her lonely life?
This question has an unconventional and bold conclusion in this film that becomes a rollercoaster of emotion.
At 137 minutes, there are moments that could have been crisper and also some abrupt junctures, but overall, commercial aspects apart (which are sadly doubtful), the film does touch the viewer, and many will find the three main characters’ feelings, thoughts and their way of expressing them relatable.
Mukta Barve is efficient as Maya, though the filmmakers should have ensured that her looks were more even. Dr. Girish Oak is splendid in his complex role, and Siddharth Chandekar excellent as Siddharth. From the supporting cast, Rohini Hattangadi is her lovable self, while Vijay Kenkre as Anand, Mahesh’s friend, fills the bill.
The background score by Suyash Kelkar is good, while Parth Umrani’s songs work within the film. Technically, the cinematography by Amol Salunke is upbeat and the production design even more so.
Director Aditya Ingale shows the correct sensibility and sensitivity and handles his actors and situations with commendable restraint. The script, co-written by him with Dr. Sameer Vasant Kulkarni, is delicate, demonstrating the fragility of human nature. It makes a valid point: that while one must move on, every human being takes a different path and with good reasons for his or her choice.
Rating: ***
Shalini Cinemas’ & Nitin Vaidya Productions’ Maya Produced by: Dr. Sunil Datar, Alka Madhukar Datar & Nitin Prakash Vaidya Directed by: Aditya Ingale Written by: Dr. Sameer Vasant Kulkarni & Aditya Ingale Music: Parth Umrani Starring: Mukta Barve, Siddharth Chandekar, Dr. Girish Oak, Vijay Kenkre, Rohini Hattangady & others
