Movie Review: ‘Mom’ – Sridevi as the Tiger mom!

Movie Review “Mom”
Rating: 3/5
Director: Ravi Udyawar
Cast: Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Adnan Siddiqui, Abhimanyu Singh, Sajal Ali

The official MOM movie trailer

‘Mom’ reminds you for the umpteenth time that we’re in Nirbhaya country. Like other films on the same subject, debutant Ravi Udyawar’s emotional thriller tells you that India, or should that be New Delhi specifically, isn’t safe enough for women, especially young girls. And its relevance makes it an important watch.

There’s a lot packed in here. To begin with, the film dwells on the dynamics of a teenager’s standoffish relationship with her stepmom. This entire track is beautifully handled. Then again, it is post the teenager’s abduction and assault when the film reveals its true facet. To say anything more on the actual plot is to risk spoiling its surprises.

Sridevi shows that she is one of the finest actors Bollywood has ever produced and can be proud of. The veteran actress carries the entire film on her shoulders and how! Nobody could have essayed Devaki better than her I feel. At times during the movie I felt, she is not playing Devaki, she IS Devaki. She is an inspiration for not only aspiring actors but also for B-Town’s younger generation of actors. To describe in one word, she is outstanding. However, a Delhi woman speaking Hindi with a south accent sounds a bit too odd. I’m sure the makers could have come up with a solution for this.

Has Nawazuddin Siddiqui ever failed to impress? I can’t think of any film where he has! The way he gets into the skin of the character is commendable! The supremely talented actor only gets better with every film I feel. In Bollywood, if anyone can compete with Nawazuddin, it’s Nawazuddin himself! What a performance!

Akshaye Khanna impresses as the tough crime branch cop. I wonder why he doesn’t work in more films. Pakistani actors Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Ali, both of who make their Bollywood debut with Mom, put up a nice performance as father and daughter. Adnan Siddiqui is especially brilliant as a grief-stricken father desperate to get justice for his daughter who is a piece of his heart.

Debutant director Ravi Udyawar tells a powerful, hard-hitting story which is inspired by the reality of our society and stands as an inspiration for its women. Devaki’s question “Agar aapko galat aur bohot galat mein se chun na ho, toh aap kya chunenge?” is relevant for this society. I wish every woman who has been a victim of eve-teasing, molestation, rape, domestic violence or harassment could get justice in our country.

This is a film which every Indian woman will be able to relate with. The film connects with the viewer emotionally, which is where Ravi Udyawar scores as a director. This is a film, which will inspire women to not feel weak or helpless, to awaken the fiery Goddess inside them and fight against the wrong. Mom is a film relevant for the present time in a country where violence against women is rampant.

The film is gripping, although a few unwanted scenes in the second half where it tends to stretch could be chopped. The film particularly takes time to reach the climax.

There are a few scenes which give goosebumps and some which will make you shed tears. Sridevi’s hospital scene where she gets to know that her daughter has been raped is one of her finest performances and touches the heart.

A.R Rahman’s background music creates just the right impact for a story like this. I liked the track Chal Kahin Door and O Sona Tere Liye crooned by the composer himself.

Mothers are a symbol of strength; this movie further reinforces that. We need more moms like Devaki to protect our daughters in a society which is NOT safe for women and a paradise for rapists.