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New Delhi, July 3
The makers of Maa Behen say the film was conceived as a dark comedy about three dysfunctional women who attempt to cover up a crime while gradually discovering an unexpected bond with one another. Starring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharnaa Durga, the film has remained among Netflix’s top 10 titles since its release last month.
Set in the fictional middle-class neighborhood of Adarsh Colony, the story revolves around Rekha, a single mother, and her estranged daughters, Jaya and Sushma, whose lives descend into chaos after they discover a dead body in their kitchen. Writer Pooja Tolani said the idea evolved from a crime comedy into a story about sisterhood, while also examining how society perceives women and how those perceptions can be challenged.
Speaking about her role, Madhuri Dixit said she enjoyed portraying Rekha because the character breaks away from conventional depictions of mothers in Indian cinema. She said Rekha is initially judged by those around her because of her appearance and personality, but the story gradually reveals that these assumptions are based more on perception than reality. Dixit said she appreciated the film’s lighthearted approach, describing Rekha as a woman trying to survive despite being misunderstood.
Director Suresh Triveni credited Tolani for creating the film’s distinctive world and said he hopes to continue telling engaging stories featuring strong performers. He said he prefers not to categorize films as women-centric, adding that his focus remains on telling compelling stories with talented actors.
Tolani said the film also reflects the anger many women carry within themselves. She said writing allows her to channel those emotions into storytelling, giving voice to experiences that often remain unspoken. Actor Ravi Kishan, who plays Aadarsh Gupta, described his character as a respected yet morally ambiguous figure in society. He said many women have connected with the character because they see similarities with people they have encountered in real life and have shared their own experiences after watching the film.
Dixit also praised the use of the Purvanchal dialect in the film, saying its rhythm adds authenticity and becomes an important part of the storytelling. She said she is enjoying a phase of her career in which she continues to take on diverse and unconventional roles, while acknowledging that streaming platforms have created new opportunities for actors and storytellers. Kishan credited Netflix for helping him reach a wider audience through projects such as Mamla Legal Hai. He said the platform has given him an opportunity to showcase different aspects of his acting career, adding that his collaboration on Maa Behen was another memorable experience.
With its blend of dark humour, family drama and social commentary, Maa Behen continues to attract viewers, while its makers hope the film encourages audiences to look beyond appearances and question preconceived notions about women and relationships.
