Ever witnessed a bittersweet feeling after watching a film? That’s exactly the emotion Maa Behen leaves you with. Starring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga and Ravi Kishan, the film is hilarious,
chaotic, surprisingly emotional, and yet, despite all its strengths, it’s the stretched screen time of the movie that holds it back.
How often does one get to see a film that explores the mother-daughter relationship with ease? This is what sets Maa Behen apart. Beneath its crime-comedy premise lies a story about women, family, and the societal judgments they constantly navigate. But does that make it worth 2 hours 15 mins of your life? Read on to find out.
Plot:
The film revolves around Rekha (Madhuri Dixit) and her two daughters, Jaya (Triptii Dimri) and Sushma (Dharna). The film is a crime-comedy centered on a dysfunctional mother-daughter trio, Rekha and her two daughters, Jaya and Sushma. Their already chaotic lives turn upside down when a person (Ravi Kishan) dies in Rekha’s house. To avoid getting caught, the three women get tangled in a series of lies, cover-ups, and hilarious misadventures while dealing with nosy neighbors and unexpected complications, only to discover that the guy they believed had died is actually alive.
While, at its heart, the Madhuri Dixit starrer is a chaotic thriller and comedy mystery, it also touches upon the everyday scrutiny women face and the expectations society places upon them.
Performance
Believe it or not, Madhuri Dixit is quite an underrated actor when it comes to comedy. Through this film, she proves why she has been hailed as one of the most effortless performers in Hindi cinema. While she is often celebrated for her dancing and dramatic roles, Maa Behen reminds audiences of her exceptional comic timing. As Rekha, she delivers a performance that is funny, vulnerable, and immensely relatable.
Well, well, welcome back, Triptii Dimri. She is an absolute delight to watch in Maa Behen. Dimri nails the middle-class girl act, who is married to a dominating husband in a typical Indian family setup. It’s her emotional outburst scene that comes as one of the film’s strongest moments. As a woman, you’ll feel her frustration, her pain, and ultimately her small victories. It’s a performance that stays with you long after the film ends.
As for Dharna, she totally deserves a huge round of applause for managing to shine while standing next to stalwarts like Madhuri Dixit. Dharna doesn’t only play Sushma, but she gets into the skin of the character and makes it her own.
Arunoday Singh, who plays police officer Maheshwari, may not contribute much to the film’s central plot, but his character adds depth to Triptii Dimri’s arc. Playing her former college lover, Maheshwari is someone who still carries feelings for her and remains emotionally invested in her life. His presence brings an additional layer to Jaya’s journey.
But if everyone is this good, where is the problem? It’s Ravi Kishan’s character. While he is an amazing actor, his talent feels underutilised here. His role as Gupta Ji comes across more as an extended cameo than a fully fleshed-out character, making his casting feel like a missed opportunity.
Direction and Screenplay
The film’s biggest strength lies in its ability to balance humour with emotion. The screenplay constantly throws in twists and turns that manage to pull laughter and the constant banter between the trio makes the situation light and palatable. Meanwhile, their dysfunctional yet deeply loving relationship forms the emotional backbone of the story
That said, the screenplay does lose some momentum in the second half. As a result, the 2-hour-15-minute runtime begins to feel longer than it should. Had the film been around 30 minutes shorter, it could have been a far stronger entertainer.
Verdict
Coming back to the question we began with: Is Maa Behen worth watching? Absolutely. Despite a few roadblocks, Maa Behen is a fun watch. It’s a heartfelt film that beautifully explores the bond between a mother and her daughters. If you’re looking for a fun, emotional, and laughter-filled weekend watch, this one totally deserves your attention.
