Review of Mai (2022) – Netflix

Mai is a gripping Indian thriller that blends family drama, suspense, and crime, offering a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists. Directed by Anshai Lal and produced by Clean Slate Filmz, the show revolves around Sheel (played by Sakshi Tanwar), a seemingly ordinary middle-aged woman who is thrust into a world of violence, crime, and deep conspiracy after her daughter, Supriya, is involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Plot Overview:
Sheel, a simple homemaker, starts out in the show as a quiet and devoted mother. After Supriya’s tragic accident, which is initially deemed an unfortunate event, Sheel discovers disturbing truths that suggest foul play. As the series progresses, Sheel embarks on a dark and dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind the accident. She evolves from a grieving mother to someone who is ready to take extreme measures to protect her family and seek justice.

Her quest for revenge and her transformation from a non-confrontational individual to a powerful avenger make for compelling character development. As Sheel uncovers shocking secrets, she learns that the world of power, politics, and crime is far more complicated than she ever imagined.

Performances:
The show’s biggest strength lies in its lead, Sakshi Tanwar, who delivers a powerhouse performance as Sheel. Tanwar’s portrayal of a mother who turns into a relentless avenger is nuanced and deeply compelling. She captures the emotional turmoil, vulnerability, and fierce determination of her character, making her a standout.

The supporting cast, including Ritu Raj, Vivek Mushran, and Ankur Rathi, also do a fine job in bringing their respective characters to life, each contributing to the layered storytelling.

Direction and Writing:
The direction by Anshai Lal is commendable, as he manages to keep the suspense taut throughout the series, never letting the tension subside. The narrative is paced well, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience hooked. However, some of the subplots feel slightly stretched out or predictable at times, but they don’t take away from the main plot's momentum.

The writing is sharp, with strong dialogues that effectively convey the emotional depth of the characters and the stakes of the story. The show strikes a balance between drama and thriller, managing to maintain both its emotional core and suspenseful edge.

Themes and Tonal Shifts:
Mai tackles themes such as justice, revenge, and corruption, but it also delves into the psychological effects of grief, loss, and how far a mother is willing to go for her child. The series has several tonal shifts — from quiet, intimate family moments to fast-paced crime investigation sequences — making it emotionally and narratively rich.

While the show does have a darker tone, it also showcases the inner strength of a woman who finds herself in an unforeseen circumstance and has no choice but to fight back. The emotional core of the series, especially the relationship between Sheel and her daughter, is what drives the narrative forward.

Cinematography and Music:
Visually, the show is beautifully shot. The urban and rural landscapes of India are used effectively to underline the different layers of Sheel's journey. Cinematographer Aseem Bajaj captures both the intimate, personal moments as well as the larger scale action sequences with ease, adding to the intensity of the story.

The background score complements the tone of the series, enhancing both its emotional moments and suspenseful sequences. The music isn’t overbearing but subtly adds to the atmosphere.

Verdict:
Mai is a tense, emotionally charged series that delivers on its promises. Sakshi Tanwar’s performance is a major highlight, and the show’s ability to blend crime, thriller, and emotional drama makes it an engaging watch. While some parts of the plot may feel predictable or a bit drawn out, the performances, direction, and overall storytelling make it a compelling series.

If you’re a fan of character-driven thrillers with dark themes and high emotional stakes, Mai is definitely worth checking out.