Mai Review: Sakshi Tanwar delivers a powerful performance as a grieving mother in slow-burn murder mystery

Director: Anshai Lal

Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Vivek Mushran, Wamiqa Gabbi, Raima Sen, Prashant Narayanan, Ankur Ratan, Anant Vidhaat

Remember there was a dialogue in Sridevi starrer Mom which quotes, “Bhagwaan Har Jagah Nahin Hota Hai, Isiliye To Usne Maa Banayi Hai.” Well, after watching the Netflix series Mai, it perfectly describes the power of a mother. The more you watch it, the more one can understand the love and the power of a mother. A person who can go to any extent not just to protect their kids but also to take vengeance when needed. As you watch the series, you are bound to recall Sridevi starrer MOM or even Raveena Tandon starrer Maatr, even though the only thing that is common is a mother’s perseverance. The murder mystery in Sakshi Tanwar starrer Mai is a slow burner and will you hooked till the end. 

Story: A middle-class woman Sheel become the prime witness to see her daughter Supriya’s (Wamiqa Gabbi) death. After the tragic demise of her daughter, she suspects that there’s more to this mishap than being a mere fatal accident. She is inclined to that it can be a homicide and not a hit and run case. Over time, she finds some shreds of evidence that leads her to the person who killed her daughter. Sheel turns herself into Miss Marple, completely unaware of the repercussions that are waiting for her on the way. Sheel tries to find all the evidence and gets to know that the accident has a political touch to it which only gets unfolds with every episode. But will she finds the real killer? Was her daughter just a pawn in the medical scam?

Star performance: 

Sakshi Tanwar as Sheel Chaudhary:

She plays the role of a mother whose daughter was killed after a truck hits her. She is extremely vulnerable and weak. However, her transformation from being a meek mother to a merciless mother is amazing. She tries to collect all the information from each corner without thinking about the consequences. She gets into the mean business and takes the matter into her hands. She becomes a feisty mother from the third episode onwards and that’s when she shows her real might. Proves that she is not a push-over, but someone who will flip the entire universe to know the truth about her daughter’s killer. Sakshi as Sheel is phenomenal. She emotes her vulnerability and helplessness side with utmost ease. At one point you start rooting for her when she goes on a mission.

Wamiqa Gabbi as Supriya: 

She is beautiful and strong. While she is mute, her presence was loud enough to grab attention. Even though she can’t speak onscreen, her expression of thoughts speaks volumes. As she has been killed in the series, she is seen in the flashbacks that give you an idea of the larger picture.

Raima Sen as Neelam:

The actor essays the role of Jawarhar Vyas’ (Prashant Narayanan) right hand who is also his mistress. He is a man who is behind a medical scam and money laundering case. Whereas Neelam is the one who handles all his scams and illegal works. Since she is his right-hand person, Raima plays a strong woman who will not think twice to kill a person when they are wrong. Raima portrays the role with less fuss and looks pretty convincing. 

Prashant Narayanan as Jawarhar Vyas and Mohandas:

The actor essays dual role. If one is calm and composed, the other one is a maniac. If one calculates every move, the other one is spontaneous. If one is forgiving, the other one is ruthless. Kudos to Prashant who portrayed both the characters with utmost finesse.

Anant Vidhaat Sharma as Prashant:

He plays the role of Prashant who works for Mr Jawarhar Vyas. We have seen the actor before in Sultan, Gunday, Tiger Zinda Hai and well, Anant completely justifies his role. His edginess and his intense gaze are quite intriguing.

Direction: 

Atul Mongia and Anshai Lal have nicely emoted the emotions of each and every character. However, I liked how they explored the vulnerable as well as the fearless sides of Sheel. Right from being a woman in distress to moulding herself and fitting in the world of crime. Among many, the one thing that absolutely grabbed my attention was when Sheel sported her late daughter’s shoes the entire time. It shows a sign of her love and affection towards her. It is a small detail but the projection of the same is beyond words.

Conclusion:

Overall, the series ends on a cliffhanger, making you want to know how Sheel deals with the circumstances after she found out about the truth. Considering this is season 1, Mai will return with more might and resilience. Mai starring Sakshi Tanwar is a must-watch, especially if you love watching murder mysteries or suspense thrillers. Mai brings out a story of a murder that is laced with innocence and a mother’s determination.

 

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Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Sakshi Tanwar on facing typecast post Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, says ‘It was mountain of an image to break’