Sonal Pandya
Mumbai, 07 Oct 2018 9:00 IST
Actresses Kriti Kulhari and Alka Amin give measured performances in this fine drama by writer-director Vikas Chandra.
Most Indian films are exploring parent-child relationship in contemporary times, reshaping what their modern outlook is today. There are extremes where the relationship is strained, maybe even estranged, but most of these films speak about a new openness to address complicated issues one may face.
Maya, played by Kriti Kulhari, is a sensible independent woman who resides with her mother, Meera, played by Alka Amin. After Maya’s father abandons them, the mother-daughter have relied on each other. Like any parent and child, they have disagreements, which is why when Maya comes home after work, she finds her mother missing, with her phone left back in the house.
Her mother’s disappearance leads Maya on a frantic search, leading her to call Raunak (Naveen Kasturia) for help. She and Raunak had been seeing each other until a few months ago. The two met on a matrimonial site and began dating each other. However, things fell apart when the two families met to work out the inner details.
In a flashback, the reason for their breakup is revealed, with Meera feeling responsible for the strain in Maya and Raunak’s relationship. Finally, the couple has their first big fight.
Back in present, with Raunak and Maya reunited to search for Meera, will they be able to sort out their differences? Vikas Chandra’s 20-minute short film packs in all the emotion, highlighting the conflict between mother and daughter. Many hidden undercurrents to the relationship are brought alive by Kulhari and Amin.
Does Maya resent Meera for her actions that day? Possibly. Does Meera feel Maya treats her unfairly? Quite definitely. Both actresses bring out their character’s inner fears as the mother-daughter duo fight a battle to hold onto their relationship. The film is centred around their strong-willed clash.
The two women don’t want to lose each other, but in doing so, push each other away in their insistence of doing the right thing. The feeling of helplessness is palpable between the two and so is the love and affair.
Chandra’s relatable script hits the right emotions and, thanks to the great casting and fine acting of the performers, nails the complex and powerful bonds of family.
Maya was screened at the 9th Jagran Film Festival on 30 September 2018 in Mumbai.