Sakshi Tanwar shines in this 'how far you can go for your family' thriller Mai

Mona

A bright, bold, young girl’s life snuffed out right in front of her mother – Mai opens up with a startling scene. Followed by six episodes in which the grieving mother is out to avenge her daughter’s killing.

Series: Mai

Director: Anshai Lal, Atul Mongia

Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Vivek Mushran, Wamiqa Gabbi, Raima Sen, Anant Vidhaat Sharma, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Seema Bhargava Pahwa

Rating: ***

The series belongs to Sakshi Tanwar, an actor who needs no introduction. The demure, coy, caring Sheel Chaudhary turns into an avenging super mom, cold and caring in flashes, breaking through not just the medical scam mafia but also the Special Police Force (SPF).

The subject seems to be the reigning flavour. Think Tabbar, Jalsa, Arya, Mom, Maatr – both web shows and movies working on the premise of ‘how far you can go for your family’ thriller. While the main story has sub-plots – family dynamics - Sheel and Yash Chaudhary (Vivek Mushran) being overshadowed by their more successful bhaiya-bhabhi; a gay couple (current shows staple), a mafia don in garb of a powerful businessman and his mistress. But even in the main plot, it’s Sheel and her shenanigans that take the cake. Sheel goes with precision, taking one and all coming her way. Her familiarity with medical field comes in handy as she uses her expertise to get the better of her mighty opponents. Sakshi goes about in life in a stoic way, rather shocked and blank is her look. Only in a scene, where she confronts her husband Yash, she breaks down.

Wamiqa Gabbi as mute but expressive Supriya is a delight. A beautifully written character and equally well enacted even if it’s brief. Anant Vidhaat Sharma as Prashant delivers his part exceptionally well – an underdog breaking his shackles to make it. Seema Bhargava Pahwa in her short presence delivers an effective performance, even though her character, like most others, isn’t fleshed out. Vivek Mushran is understated and effective. Ankur Ratan as SP Farooque Siddiqui is impressive. Prashant Narayanan as Jawahar/ Mohandas adds to the sordid saga. The only miscast seems to be Raima Sen as Neelam. Neither is the character etched well nor she looks anything like a former escort or a gangster. What mars this otherwise intriguing thriller is that it’s too contrived. Sheel is somehow present where it matters just at the right time and knows exactly how to get out of frightening situations. As a viewer you feel for her safety, and her cause.

Lucknow in Mai does have its characteristic Husainabad Clock Tower and is shown in the colours of the murky world that the series is set in. Abusive language, blood and gore are very much part of this crime drama. Given the expanse that show’s creator, writer, director Atul Mongia employs, Mai leaves you wanting a wee bit more. Of course, there is Season 2 in the offing, for the story is far from over. If revenge saga is your genre, Mai is for you.

Streaming on Netflix