Dear Maya trailer: Fake love letters and hunt for the spinster Manisha 'Maya' Koirala

It is not often that we come across an Indian film which has a truly different tale to say. Manisha Koirala, a top star of the 1990s who successfully beat cancer, will be seen next in first-time director Sunaina Bhatnagar’s Dear Maya. The makers unveiled the trailer today. The film seems to have a heartfelt, compelling story.

Maya (Koirala) looks like a depressed, lonely woman. Until she receives a letter from a man she had last seen 20 years ago. The letter confesses his feelings for her.

Actually, the letter was sent by Maya’s young neighbours Ira and Anna who want to add some joy in the spinster’s life. But Maya falls for the letter, sells her home and moves to Delhi in search of the mystery man. The girls regret their action and, seven years later, now grown-up, they head to Delhi to find Maya and confess.

We seldom hear such tales in Hindi cinema and director Bhatnagar should be complimented for penning such a refreshing story. The trailer gives away the prime plot, but how else would such a film build intrigue around itself without disclosing the heart of the matter?

Bhatnagar has assisted Imtiaz Ali on films like Rockstar (2011), Love Aaj Kal (2009) and Jab We Met (2007). The names of the girls playing Ira and Anna aren't listed yet, but the two young actresses seem perfectly cast.

Before cancer struck, Manisha Koirala’s career was on the decline since the mid-2000s. Her last notable work was Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot Returns (2012). She was part of Onir’s critically acclaimed I Am (2010), but her last hit was way back in 2002 with Varma’s Company.

Having beaten cancer, Koirala, now 46, couldn’t have asked for a better story than Dear Maya to return to the limelight. Though age helps, Koirala seems to have got that look of despair in her character.

If an engaging trailer is the primary criterion for one to watch a film, then Dear Maya ticks that box. The film comes across as a refreshing and compelling story.

Dear Maya is set to be released on 2 June when it will compete with Rajkummar Rao's Behen Hogi Teri. Meanwhile, you can watch the trailer: