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{{ | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}} | ||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = Dear Maya | | name = Dear Maya | ||
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| caption = | | caption = | ||
| director = Sunaina Bhatnagar | | director = Sunaina Bhatnagar | ||
| | | producer = Shobhna Yadav<br>Sandeep Leyzell | ||
| writer = Sunaina Bhatnagar | | writer = Sunaina Bhatnagar<br> '''Dialogues:'''<br>Sanjeev Dutta | ||
| starring = [[Manisha Koirala]] | | starring = [[Manisha Koirala]]<br>[[Shreya Chaudhry]]<br>[[Madiha Imam]] | ||
| music = [[Anupam Roy]] | | music = [[Anupam Roy]]<br>Sandman | ||
| cinematography = Sayak Bhattacharya | | cinematography = Sayak Bhattacharya | ||
| editing = [[Aarti Bajaj]] | | editing = [[Aarti Bajaj]] | ||
| studio = Bake My Cake Films | | studio = Bake My Cake Films | ||
| distributor = Wave Cinemas | | distributor = Wave Cinemas | ||
| released = {{Film date|2017|06|02|}} | | released = {{Film date|2017|06|02|df=y}} | ||
| runtime = 131 minutes | | runtime = 131 minutes | ||
| country = India | | country = India | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''''Dear Maya''''' is a 2017 Indian drama film directed by Sunaina Bhatnagar in her debut feature. The film stars [[Manisha Koirala]] in the title role of a lonely woman residing in the hill town of [[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]]. | '''''Dear Maya''''' is a 2017 Indian drama film directed by Sunaina Bhatnagar in her debut feature. The film stars [[Manisha Koirala]] in the title role of a lonely woman residing in the hill town of [[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Newcomers [[Shreya Chaudhry]] and [[Madiha Imam]] play supporting roles and filmmaker [[Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra]] makes a special appearance in the film which released theatrically on 2 June 2017. | ||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
The film opens into the lives of teenage girls Anna and Ira, students at a convent (Catholic) school in Shimla. They are particularly close and divide their daytime between school and romance novels and boys and, occasionally, sleepovers. They are very intrigued by their reclusive middle-aged neighbor Maya Devi who lives alone in a large house (with her two dogs) and rarely goes out. Anna's mother explains that Maya Devi lost her father early and lived in that house with her chacha (father's brother) and mother. Maya Devi was, and still is, a beautiful girl but her chacha constantly thwarted her marriage (by berating her and chasing away suitors). This was because he stood to inherit her estate. In time he | The film opens into the lives of teenage girls Anna and Ira, students at a convent (Catholic) school in [[Shimla]]. They are particularly close and divide their daytime between school and romance novels and boys and, occasionally, sleepovers. They are very intrigued by their reclusive middle-aged neighbor Maya Devi, who lives alone in a large house (with her two dogs) and rarely goes out. Anna's mother explains that Maya Devi lost her father early and lived in that house with her chacha (father's brother) and mother. Maya Devi was, and still is, a beautiful girl, but her chacha constantly thwarted her marriage (by berating her and chasing away suitors). This was because he stood to inherit her estate. In time he died, and Maya resigned herself to a dreary and solitary life. | ||
Ira devises a plan to write love letters to Maya. The girls hope that this prank may bring some light into Maya's life. They write letters, vivid and touching and steamy, pretending to be a former suitor, now in Delhi, still pining for Maya. Ira takes the prank further by breaking into Maya's house one evening to steal a photograph. This goes badly; Ira breaks her ankle, as does Maya's maid; the girls are reprimanded and Anna is tasked with filling in for the maid until the maid recovers. During this time Anna gets a little closer to Maya. The letters still arrive and Anna observes that Maya becomes happier with each new letter. | Ira devises a plan to write love letters to Maya. The girls hope that this prank may bring some light into Maya's life. They write letters, vivid and touching and steamy, pretending to be a former suitor, now in Delhi, still pining for Maya. Ira takes the prank further by breaking into Maya's house one evening to steal a photograph. This goes badly; Ira breaks her ankle, as does Maya's maid; the girls are reprimanded, and Anna is tasked with filling in for the maid until the maid recovers. During this time, Anna gets a little closer to Maya. The letters still arrive, and Anna observes that Maya becomes happier with each new letter. | ||
One day Maya stuns everyone by announcing that she is selling the house and moving to Delhi to find the letter writer, her long lost suitor. Anna discovers, to her horror, that the letter which prompted the decision was written by Ira and had an explicit invitation. She runs to dissuade Maya but is unable to do so. She confides in her mother. Anna is reprimanded and sent away to boarding school, away from Ira. Anna leaves without saying goodbye to Ira and they never speak again. Ira is shattered. | One day Maya stuns everyone by announcing that she is selling the house and moving to Delhi to find the letter writer, her long lost suitor. Anna discovers, to her horror, that the letter which prompted the decision was written by Ira and had an explicit invitation. She runs to dissuade Maya but is unable to do so. She confides in her mother. Anna is reprimanded and sent away to boarding school, away from Ira. Anna leaves without saying goodbye to Ira and they never speak again. Ira is shattered. | ||
Torn by the guilt of her prank, Anna makes it her mission to find Maya in Delhi. Over the next six years she sticks posters | Torn by the guilt of her prank, Anna makes it her mission to find Maya in Delhi. Over the next six years, she sticks posters, makes phone calls, and follows every lead to find Maya. She finds a boyfriend, Rahul, who ultimately proposes to her but she is unable to accept. She returns to Shimla to discuss this with her parents. Ira visits her, but Anna is still angry and turns her away. Ira is profusely sorry and persists and ultimately accompanies Anna back to Delhi. Anna is still mad at Ira for her selfish and childish behaviour which likely destroyed Maya's life, but Ira reveals that she, too, had fallen in love with Shimla and had lost her love to a motor accident, and now, having lost love, is fully aware of the true consequences of her pranks. Anna forgives Ira and persuades her to transfer to a college in Delhi. But Ira decides to return to Shimla. As Anna bids goodbye to Ira at the train station, she receives a phone call from Maya. | ||
The girls hurry to meet Maya. To their astonishment they find her, bright and sparkling and happy, at the zoo garden. Maya reveals her story. She had arrived in Delhi and tried to trace the letter writer but found nothing. Instead, over time, she found that Delhi | The girls hurry to meet Maya. To their astonishment, they find her, bright and sparkling and happy, at the zoo garden. Maya reveals her story. She had arrived in Delhi and tried to trace the letter writer but found nothing. Instead, over time, she found that Delhi and the world outside Shimla were not so frightening after all. People were helpful and kind. And she eventually met a kind and charming man who owned a jewelry shop. In time she became close to this man, Ved, and they married. And today Maya is blissfully happy with her Ved. The letters changed her life, and she tells them to say 'yes' to life. Anna and Ira are stunned. They joyfully hug Maya, and she embraces them and invites them to call at any time. | ||
The film ends as Anna accepts Rahul's proposal and Ira transfers to a college in Delhi. | The film ends as Anna accepts Rahul's proposal and Ira transfers to a college in Delhi. | ||
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==Cast== | ==Cast== | ||
*[[Manisha Koirala]] as Maya Devi | *[[Manisha Koirala]] as Maya Devi | ||
*[[Shreya Chaudhry]] as Ira | |||
*[[Madiha Imam (actress)|Madiha Imam]] as Anna | *[[Madiha Imam (actress)|Madiha Imam]] as Anna | ||
*[[Iravati Harshe]] as Anna's Mother | *[[Iravati Harshe]] as Anna's Mother | ||
*Reuben Israel as Anna's Father | *[[Reuben Israel]] as Anna's Father | ||
*[[Sahil Shroff]] as Rahul | *[[Sahil Shroff]] as Rahul | ||
*[[Rohit Suresh Saraf]] as Neal | *[[Rohit Suresh Saraf]] as Neal | ||
*Madhu Rajesh as Ira's Mother | *[[Madhu Rajesh]] as Ira's Mother | ||
*Sahiba Bali as Radha | *Sahiba Bali as Radha | ||
*Jared Savaille as Maya Devi's son | *[[Jared Savaille]] as Maya Devi's son | ||
* Naila Grewal as Hostel Roommate | |||
*[[Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra]] as Ved (special appearance) | *[[Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra]] as Ved (special appearance) | ||
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
''Dear Maya'' was written and directed by [[debutante]] director Sunaina Bhatnagar. | ''Dear Maya'' was written and directed by [[debutante]] director Sunaina Bhatnagar.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spotted: Manisha Koirala on 'Dear Maya' sets in Shimla|url=http://m.mid-day.com/articles/spotted-manisha-koirala-on-dear-maya-sets-in-shimla/17104193|website=[[Mid-Day]]|accessdate=8 May 2017|date=5 April 2016}}</ref> The film marked the return of actress [[Manisha Koirala]], who was on sabbatical from the film industry after being diagnosed with cancer.<ref name="comeback">{{cite web|title=Dear Maya Trailer: Manisha Koirala's film is about a lonely woman's search for love|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-maya-trailer-manisha-koiralas-film-is-about-a-lonely-woman-search-for-love-4642247/|website=[[The Indian Express]]|accessdate=8 May 2017|date=5 May 2017|archive-date=10 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610002049/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-maya-trailer-manisha-koiralas-film-is-about-a-lonely-woman-search-for-love-4642247/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also features debutante actress Shreya Chaudhary and [[Madiha Imam]] in pivotal supporting roles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dear Maya|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/upcomingreleases/bollywood/Dear+Maya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505201453/http://www.sify.com/movies/upcomingreleases/bollywood/Dear+Maya|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2017|website=[[Sify]]|accessdate=8 May 2017}}</ref> Principal photography for the film took place in [[Loreto Convent, Tara Hall]], [[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manisha-koirala-shooting-her-next-film-in-shimla/|title=Manisha Koirala shooting her next film in Shimla|date=31 March 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-date=14 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514133616/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/manisha-koirala-shooting-her-next-film-in-shimla/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Marketing and release== | ==Marketing and release== | ||
The three-minutes long trailer for the film was released on [[YouTube]] on 5 May 2017, to positive response from critics and audience. | The three-minutes long trailer for the film was released on [[YouTube]] on 5 May 2017, to positive response from critics and audience.<ref>{{cite web|title=Manisha Koirala is back with Dear Maya trailer|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/manisha-koirala-is-back-with-dear-maya-trailer/story-u72hVKcfTFOQtlbv8odxVP.html|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|accessdate=10 May 2017|date=5 May 2017|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510074141/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/manisha-koirala-is-back-with-dear-maya-trailer/story-u72hVKcfTFOQtlbv8odxVP.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Manisha Koirala's ability to play versatile roles was met with praise; as noted by a commentator from ''[[The Indian Express]]'' it was a perfect comeback for Koirala who is, "doing what she does best, playing interesting characters onscreen". The film had its theatrical release on 2 June 2017 in India.<ref name="comeback"/> | ||
The film had limited screen shows as it only screened on 75 screens. It clashed with seven films at the box office. | The film had limited screen shows as it only screened on 75 screens. It clashed with seven films at the box office. | ||
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| name = Dear Maya | | name = Dear Maya | ||
| type = soundtrack | | type = soundtrack | ||
| artist = [[Anupam Roy]] & SandMan | | artist = [[Anupam Roy]] & SandMan | ||
| cover = | | cover = | ||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| alt = | | alt = | ||
| released = {{Start date|df=y|2017|5|19}} | | released = {{Start date|df=y|2017|5|19}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/dear-maya-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/id1238106527 |title=Dear Maya (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |publisher=[[ITunes Store|iTunes]]}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | ||
| recorded = | | recorded = | ||
| venue = | | venue = | ||
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}} | }} | ||
The soundtrack of '''Dear Maya''' was composed by [[Anupam Roy]] & SandMan, while the lyrics were written by [[Irshad Kamil]]. | The soundtrack of '''Dear Maya''' was composed by [[Anupam Roy]] & SandMan, while the lyrics were written by [[Irshad Kamil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtDQFSL5_Fg |title=Dear Maya - Full Movie Audio Jukebox |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831073406/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtDQFSL5_Fg&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
{{Track listing | {{Track listing | ||
| extra_column = Singer(s) | | extra_column = Singer(s) | ||
| total_length ={{Duration|m=21|s=04}} | | total_length ={{Duration|m=21|s=04}} | ||
| title1 = Saat Rangon Se | | title1 = Saat Rangon Se | ||
| extra1 = [[Rekha Bhardwaj]] | | extra1 = [[Rekha Bhardwaj]] | ||
| music1 = [[Anupam Roy]] | | music1 = [[Anupam Roy]] | ||
| length1 = 04:37 | | length1 = 04:37 | ||
| title2 = Sune Saaye | | title2 = Sune Saaye | ||
| extra2 = [[Harshdeep Kaur]] | | extra2 = [[Harshdeep Kaur]] | ||
| music2= Anupam Roy | | music2= Anupam Roy | ||
| length2= 05:08 | | length2= 05:08 | ||
| title3= Kehne Ko | | title3= Kehne Ko | ||
| extra3= [[Jonita Gandhi]] | | extra3= [[Jonita Gandhi]] | ||
| music3= Anupam Roy | | music3= Anupam Roy | ||
| length3= 04:26 | | length3= 04:26 | ||
| title4 = Saat Rangon Se (Acoustic) | | title4 = Saat Rangon Se (Acoustic) | ||
| extra4 = Anupam Roy | | extra4 = Anupam Roy | ||
| music4 = Anupam Roy | | music4 = Anupam Roy | ||
| length4= 04:35 | | length4= 04:35 | ||
| title5= Buri Buri | | title5= Buri Buri | ||
|extra5= [[Rashi Mal]] | |extra5= [[Rashi Mal]] | ||
| music5= SandMan | | music5= SandMan | ||
| length5= 02:16 | | length5= 02:16 | ||
| title6= Background Score | | title6= Background Score | ||
|extra6= [[Anupam Roy]] | |extra6= [[Anupam Roy]] | ||
| Line 118: | Line 113: | ||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
Upon release in India, ''Dear Maya'' received a mixed response. There was praise for Koirala's performance, but criticism of its overstretched narrative. | Upon release in India, ''Dear Maya'' received a mixed response. There was praise for Koirala's performance, but criticism of its overstretched narrative.<ref name="singh">{{cite web|last1=Singh|first1=Suhani|title=Dear Maya movie review: Manisha Koirala is the star in this mawkish coming-of-age story|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala-980597-2017-06-02|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606022336/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala/1/969118.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ghosh">{{cite web|last1=Ghosh|first1=Stutee|title='Dear Maya' Review: Manisha Koirala's Grace Makes It Worth a Watch|url=https://www.thequint.com/movie-reviews/2017/06/02/dear-maya-movie-review|website=[[The Quint]]|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827130846/https://www.thequint.com/movie-reviews/2017/06/02/dear-maya-movie-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gupta">{{cite web|last1=Gupta|first1=Shubhra|title=Dear Maya review: Manisha Koirala's film works in fits and starts|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala-star-rating-4686002/|website=[[The Indian Express]]|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606074001/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala-star-rating-4686002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bhave">{{cite web|last1=Bhave|first1=Nihit|title=Dear Maya Movie Review|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/dear-maya/movie-review/58946954.cms|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=7 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607030737/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/dear-maya/movie-review/58946954.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="verma">{{cite web|last1=Verma|first1=Sukanya|title=Review: Dear Maya: For the love of Manisha Koirala|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/review-dear-maya-for-the-love-of-manisha-koirala/20170602.htm|work=[[Rediff.com]]|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171410/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/review-dear-maya-for-the-love-of-manisha-koirala/20170602.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kaushal">{{cite web|last1=Kaushal|first1=Sweta|title=Dear Maya movie review: Manisha Koirala shines like a diamond in a coal mine|url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala-shines-like-a-diamond-in-a-coal-mine/story-aGMj0ZcDhQ3V2Ouoyg8zsK.html|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=2 June 2017|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028003551/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/dear-maya-movie-review-manisha-koirala-shines-like-a-diamond-in-a-coal-mine/story-aGMj0ZcDhQ3V2Ouoyg8zsK.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="firspost">{{cite web|title=Dear Maya, Manisha Koirala's film on the power of epistolary love, says both too much, and too little|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dear-maya-manisha-koiralas-film-on-the-power-of-epistolary-love-says-both-too-much-and-too-little-3519415.html|website=Firstpost|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=5 June 2017|archive-date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608064440/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dear-maya-manisha-koiralas-film-on-the-power-of-epistolary-love-says-both-too-much-and-too-little-3519415.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Dear Maya}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Dear Maya}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:2017 Hindi-language films]] | ||
[[Category:2017 Indian films]] | |||
[[Category:2017 films]] | [[Category:2017 films]] | ||
[[Category:Films set in Himachal Pradesh]] | [[Category:Films set in Himachal Pradesh]] | ||
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]] | [[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]] | ||
[[Category:Films scored by Anupam Roy]] | |||
[[Category:2017 comedy-drama films]] | [[Category:2017 comedy-drama films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Films shot in Himachal Pradesh]] | ||
[[Category:Films set in Shimla]] | |||
Revision as of 15:08, 2 March 2026
| Dear Maya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Sunaina Bhatnagar |
| Produced by | Shobhna Yadav<br>Sandeep Leyzell |
| Written by | Sunaina Bhatnagar<br> Dialogues:<br>Sanjeev Dutta |
| Starring | Manisha Koirala<br>Shreya Chaudhry<br>Madiha Imam |
| Music by | Anupam Roy<br>Sandman |
| Cinematography | Sayak Bhattacharya |
| Edited by | Aarti Bajaj |
Production company | Bake My Cake Films |
| Distributed by | Wave Cinemas |
Release date |
|
Running time | 131 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Dear Maya is a 2017 Indian drama film directed by Sunaina Bhatnagar in her debut feature. The film stars Manisha Koirala in the title role of a lonely woman residing in the hill town of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Newcomers Shreya Chaudhry and Madiha Imam play supporting roles and filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra makes a special appearance in the film which released theatrically on 2 June 2017.
Plot
The film opens into the lives of teenage girls Anna and Ira, students at a convent (Catholic) school in Shimla. They are particularly close and divide their daytime between school and romance novels and boys and, occasionally, sleepovers. They are very intrigued by their reclusive middle-aged neighbor Maya Devi, who lives alone in a large house (with her two dogs) and rarely goes out. Anna's mother explains that Maya Devi lost her father early and lived in that house with her chacha (father's brother) and mother. Maya Devi was, and still is, a beautiful girl, but her chacha constantly thwarted her marriage (by berating her and chasing away suitors). This was because he stood to inherit her estate. In time he died, and Maya resigned herself to a dreary and solitary life.
Ira devises a plan to write love letters to Maya. The girls hope that this prank may bring some light into Maya's life. They write letters, vivid and touching and steamy, pretending to be a former suitor, now in Delhi, still pining for Maya. Ira takes the prank further by breaking into Maya's house one evening to steal a photograph. This goes badly; Ira breaks her ankle, as does Maya's maid; the girls are reprimanded, and Anna is tasked with filling in for the maid until the maid recovers. During this time, Anna gets a little closer to Maya. The letters still arrive, and Anna observes that Maya becomes happier with each new letter.
One day Maya stuns everyone by announcing that she is selling the house and moving to Delhi to find the letter writer, her long lost suitor. Anna discovers, to her horror, that the letter which prompted the decision was written by Ira and had an explicit invitation. She runs to dissuade Maya but is unable to do so. She confides in her mother. Anna is reprimanded and sent away to boarding school, away from Ira. Anna leaves without saying goodbye to Ira and they never speak again. Ira is shattered.
Torn by the guilt of her prank, Anna makes it her mission to find Maya in Delhi. Over the next six years, she sticks posters, makes phone calls, and follows every lead to find Maya. She finds a boyfriend, Rahul, who ultimately proposes to her but she is unable to accept. She returns to Shimla to discuss this with her parents. Ira visits her, but Anna is still angry and turns her away. Ira is profusely sorry and persists and ultimately accompanies Anna back to Delhi. Anna is still mad at Ira for her selfish and childish behaviour which likely destroyed Maya's life, but Ira reveals that she, too, had fallen in love with Shimla and had lost her love to a motor accident, and now, having lost love, is fully aware of the true consequences of her pranks. Anna forgives Ira and persuades her to transfer to a college in Delhi. But Ira decides to return to Shimla. As Anna bids goodbye to Ira at the train station, she receives a phone call from Maya.
The girls hurry to meet Maya. To their astonishment, they find her, bright and sparkling and happy, at the zoo garden. Maya reveals her story. She had arrived in Delhi and tried to trace the letter writer but found nothing. Instead, over time, she found that Delhi and the world outside Shimla were not so frightening after all. People were helpful and kind. And she eventually met a kind and charming man who owned a jewelry shop. In time she became close to this man, Ved, and they married. And today Maya is blissfully happy with her Ved. The letters changed her life, and she tells them to say 'yes' to life. Anna and Ira are stunned. They joyfully hug Maya, and she embraces them and invites them to call at any time.
The film ends as Anna accepts Rahul's proposal and Ira transfers to a college in Delhi.
Cast
- Manisha Koirala as Maya Devi
- Shreya Chaudhry as Ira
- Madiha Imam as Anna
- Iravati Harshe as Anna's Mother
- Reuben Israel as Anna's Father
- Sahil Shroff as Rahul
- Rohit Suresh Saraf as Neal
- Madhu Rajesh as Ira's Mother
- Sahiba Bali as Radha
- Jared Savaille as Maya Devi's son
- Naila Grewal as Hostel Roommate
- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra as Ved (special appearance)
Production
Dear Maya was written and directed by debutante director Sunaina Bhatnagar.<ref>"Spotted: Manisha Koirala on 'Dear Maya' sets in Shimla". Mid-Day. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2017.</ref> The film marked the return of actress Manisha Koirala, who was on sabbatical from the film industry after being diagnosed with cancer.<ref name="comeback">"Dear Maya Trailer: Manisha Koirala's film is about a lonely woman's search for love". The Indian Express. 5 May 2017. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.</ref> It also features debutante actress Shreya Chaudhary and Madiha Imam in pivotal supporting roles.<ref>"Dear Maya". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.</ref> Principal photography for the film took place in Loreto Convent, Tara Hall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh in March 2016.<ref>"Manisha Koirala shooting her next film in Shimla". The Indian Express. 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 14 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.</ref>
Marketing and release
The three-minutes long trailer for the film was released on YouTube on 5 May 2017, to positive response from critics and audience.<ref>"Manisha Koirala is back with Dear Maya trailer". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2017. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.</ref> Manisha Koirala's ability to play versatile roles was met with praise; as noted by a commentator from The Indian Express it was a perfect comeback for Koirala who is, "doing what she does best, playing interesting characters onscreen". The film had its theatrical release on 2 June 2017 in India.<ref name="comeback"/> The film had limited screen shows as it only screened on 75 screens. It clashed with seven films at the box office.
Soundtrack
| Dear Maya | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Anupam Roy & SandMan | |
| Released | 19 May 2017<ref>"Dear Maya (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes.[dead link]</ref> |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 21:04 |
| Label | Zee Music Company |
The soundtrack of Dear Maya was composed by Anupam Roy & SandMan, while the lyrics were written by Irshad Kamil.<ref>"Dear Maya - Full Movie Audio Jukebox". YouTube. Archived from the original on 31 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2017.</ref>
| No. | Title | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Saat Rangon Se" | Anupam Roy | Rekha Bhardwaj | 04:37 |
| 2. | "Sune Saaye" | Anupam Roy | Harshdeep Kaur | 05:08 |
| 3. | "Kehne Ko" | Anupam Roy | Jonita Gandhi | 04:26 |
| 4. | "Saat Rangon Se (Acoustic)" | Anupam Roy | Anupam Roy | 04:35 |
| 5. | "Buri Buri" | SandMan | Rashi Mal | 02:16 |
| 6. | "Background Score" | Anupam Roy | Anupam Roy | 09:24 |
| Total length: | 21:04 | |||
Reception
Upon release in India, Dear Maya received a mixed response. There was praise for Koirala's performance, but criticism of its overstretched narrative.<ref name="singh">Singh, Suhani (2 June 2017). "Dear Maya movie review: Manisha Koirala is the star in this mawkish coming-of-age story". India Today. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="ghosh">Ghosh, Stutee (2 June 2017). "'Dear Maya' Review: Manisha Koirala's Grace Makes It Worth a Watch". The Quint. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="gupta">Gupta, Shubhra (2 June 2017). "Dear Maya review: Manisha Koirala's film works in fits and starts". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="bhave">Bhave, Nihit (2 June 2017). "Dear Maya Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="verma">Verma, Sukanya (2 June 2017). "Review: Dear Maya: For the love of Manisha Koirala". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="kaushal">Kaushal, Sweta (2 June 2017). "Dear Maya movie review: Manisha Koirala shines like a diamond in a coal mine". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref><ref name="firspost">"Dear Maya, Manisha Koirala's film on the power of epistolary love, says both too much, and too little". Firstpost. 5 June 2017. Archived from the original on 8 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.</ref>