Recently I watched the Bollywood Drama Thriller ‘MOM’ (2017). With a lot of buzz around the film, for its casting, storyline and a much-awaited return of Sridevi (after her last film in 2012). Filled with action, a solid storyline and a well-formed ensemble ‘MOM’ proved to be a riveting watch. Further transcending it into a tight thriller filled with all the right elements.
How far would you go to protect those that you loved?
First time director Ravi Udywar gives us this summer’s biggest thriller yet (for the Bollywood industry). Whilst Sridevi makes a welcome return under her husband Boney Kapoor’s banner (one of the producers of the film). Further marking her return to Bollywood cinema after her last hit ‘English Vinglish’ in 2012 (also by a debut filmmaker). Running in accordance with her landmark achievement of being in the Indian film industry for 50 years (with MOM marking her 300th film).
The Story
Chronicling a mother’ journey, her strength, determination and plight fighting for her stepdaughter Arya. In short, the film revolves around a biology teacher trying to get close to her stepdaughter Arya to no avail (as she’s always seen as an outsider, further made clear with the use of ‘Maam’). One night, Arya approaches her Dad to go to a party with her friends. Both Arya’s Dad and stepmom/biology teacher agree. However what follows are extremely horrific events. Further making Arya’s family question the legal system and their family’s safety. After a drawn out court case, Sridevi’s character takes matters into her own hands, as she begins her path of vengeance and defies the system by all odds seeking justice through her own hands (with the help of a private eye).
In short, the film revolves around a biology teacher trying to get close to her stepdaughter Arya to no avail (as she’s always seen as an outsider, further made clear with the use of ‘Maam’). One night, Arya approaches her Dad to go to a party with her friends. Both Arya’s Dad and stepmom/biology teacher agree. However what follows are extremely horrific events. Further making Arya’s family question the legal system and their family’s safety. After a drawn out court case, Sridevi’s character takes matters into her own hands, as she begins her path of vengeance and defies the system by all odds seeking justice through her own hands (with the help of a private eye).
Without giving too much away MOM is an extremely gripping Bollywood thriller which doesn’t let you breathe for one second throughout. As each scene is filled with a particular type of emotion (being projected at you), further making you watch closely as to what will happen next.
“Bhagwan har jagah nahi hota hai … Issi liye toh usne maa banayi hai”- Sridevi’s character
Translation: (God is not everywhere) … That’s why he has created a mother
Star Performers
For me Sridevi carried the film on her shoulders, expressing the angst of a mother in pain, suffering and fear. Further showing her journey in avenging her daughter’s tragic situation. Followed by her characters stepdaughter (who she always treats as if she were her own) Arya (played by Pakistani actress Sajal Ali). As a newcomer, Sajal commands the screen with emotional vulnerability and pure emotion. From the moment we see her character on screen, we are in awe of her fluidity and ease. Showcasing herself in various avatars, from a confident young woman to one who has been damaged and bruised (elevated by Sejal’s tone of address, her expressions and her interactions with both her parents). Last but not least, Nawazuddin Siddiqui (who plays a private eye) makes you keep your eyes on him whenever he is in the scene. Making sure that each corner of the screen is filled by his sheer talent, through complete effortless and command. For me, he certainly made sure his character would be one to remember, making each dialogue passage, emotion, interaction feel raw, earnest and believable.
Other Highlights
What was interesting about this film, is that there weren’t many songs (not to mention those included were short in length). For a Bollywood film, this is quite unusual. However, for this particular type of film, it worked very well. Considering the music worked as prompt for the action and also an aid for the emotion (almost reacting to what was happening on screen). With the master of fine music and melodies Mr AR Rahman representing the soundtrack/musical score of the film (which is nothing short of brilliance).
Reactions
My rating:
8.5/10
Filled with raw emotion and a stunning line up (from the Queen of Bollywood to many upcoming actors, to those who have made their own mark respectively in Bollywood), MOM is a film not to be missed by any parent.
It is truly a story of courage, inner strength and determination. Further making us think about the law system, the safety of one’s child etc. If you watch one Bollywood thriller this year make sure its this one, as it won’t disappoint. Get ready to witness a Mothers plight, family ties, cause and effect and above all justice, justice from the hands of a mother as you celebrate what it means to be a mother and far they’ll go to protect their own.
Bibliography
Zee Studios. (2017). MOM Motion Poster | Sridevi | Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Akshaye Khanna | 14 July 2017. [Online Video]. 30 March 2017. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3KD2sqDjng. [Accessed: 12 July 2017].
Mom | Bollywood Dialogues By Hindi Movies | Filmy Quotes. 2017. Mom | Bollywood Dialogues By Hindi Movies | Filmy Quotes. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.filmyquotes.com/movies/1701. [Accessed 12 July 2017].
Zee Studios. (2017). MOM Trailer | Hindi | Sridevi | Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Akshaye Khanna | 7 July 2017. [Online Video]. 3 June 2017. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hctApy_i-qg. [Accessed: 12 July 2017].
Zee Studios. (2017). MOM | Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Reviews | Sridevi | Akshaye Khanna | In cinemas now. [Online Video]. 11 July 2017. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uypaCrlsK9g. [Accessed: 12 July 2017].
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