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The film, ‘Maharani,’ joins a lineage of cinematic explorations into the complex relationship between a woman of the house and her domestic help. Comparable films and series, such as ‘Arth’ starring Shabana Azmi and Rohini Hattangadi, ‘Dabba Cartel’ featuring Shabana Azmi and Nimisha Sajayan, and ‘Dear Maa’ with Jaya Ahsan and Anubha Fatehpuria, have delved into this often ambiguous and layered connection. However, ‘Maharani,’ directed by Viral Shah, doesn’t achieve the same depth. Despite the efforts of Manasi Parekh and Shraddha Dangar, both accomplished actresses, the film struggles to create a believable rapport between mistress and maid, or, from a more politically correct perspective, employer and employee. The writing undermines the potential of the two leads, falling short of the nuanced portrayal seen in the original Marathi film, ‘Nach Ga Ghuma.’ The Gujarati remake resorts to superficial comedic elements, such as the protagonist’s interactions with her boss or the awkward interlude with other househelps. While Manasi’s efforts to reinstate Rani’s position in her home offer a glimpse of emotional resonance, the film as a whole lacks finesse and sensitivity. It seems more inclined towards superficiality, offering only a cursory examination of the core relationship. In essence, ‘Maharani’ doesn’t fully explore its central theme.
