News of the Day: The first reviews are in and Dear Maya, projected as Manisha Koirala’s comeback film, has received mixed reviews. It has been received and reported as a slightly sluggish film albeit one that has its heart in the right place. Koirala, of course, is convincing as the middle aged recluse but according to critics, her back story isn’t. We’ll have to watch the film before we can give it our verdict. That said, and here’s the big news: Madiha Imam has got unanimously good reviews so far. She did leave a strong impression in the film’s trailers and anyone who has seen the film has appreciated her performance. Here’s the initial feedback, which has just started rolling in…
“The film, in fact, is entirely helmed by Madiha Imam, who’s fairly convincing and manages to hold her ground in most scenes, except the one where her character breaks down while confronting her best friend. – Pune Mirror
‘Despite the raw edges, both the newcomers, Madiha and Shreya, are convincing in their roles. – Bollywood Life
“The movie belongs to the two young women, beautifully portrayed by Madiha Imam and Shreya Chaudhary. Bhatnagar has an ear for the Hindi-English speech patterns of teenagers and their overweening emphasis on the ability of love to move mountains or, in this case, push Maya out of her stupor. The young actresses nail a sequence in which they exchange barbs and confidences in a Delhi nightclub. The conversation has the flavour of youthful silliness as well as early adult wisdom, which is perfectly brought out by Imam and Chaudhary.
Koirala’s screen presence signals that older actresses can have an afterlife, while the young actresses prove that talent thrives in surprising places. Imam, a Pakistani TV show presenter, is especially effective as Anna, conveying the difficult journey from immaturity to responsibility with sensitivity.” – Scroll
“The young girls Madiha Imam and Shreya Chaudhary do well with their parts too. Madiha’s on and off accent does feel a bit out of place, but she does really well with moments of heightened drama.” – Filmfare
