Directed by Suresh Triveni, Maa Behen is Netflix’s latest drama-comedy. It features powerhouses Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Ravi Kishan, and content creator Dharna Durga in the lead roles. The story throws us bang in the middle of a chaotic colony in Adarsh Nagar, full of nosy neighbours, constantly sniffing around your business. The constant source of kalesh and chaos is none other than the infamous Rekha and her two unhinged daughters. The movie has been making waves since the trailer launch, and the audience has been waiting to see the dynamics between the leading ladies. But is the dysfunctional family drama that is part murder mystery and part satire worth a weekend watch? Read this Maa Behen review to find out.

A story that thrives on mayhem

Maa Behen follows Rekha, a widow who has been constantly judged and belittled by the entire mohalla. After her first husband passed away, people started suspecting that Rekha wasn’t as innocent as she seemed. Rekha, portrayed as the misbehaving, lustful, shameless woman who tries to seduce men for her own benefit, is the constant source of the mohalla’s mayhem. She shares a complicated relationship with her two daughters, Jaya (Triptii Dimrii) and Sushma (Dharna Durga), who don’t just share her genes but also her reputation in society.

What starts as an uncomfortable family reunion between the mother and daughters quickly spirals into a full-blown crisis. The unexpected disappearance of Rekha’s next-door neighbour, Charitra Gupta (Ravi Kishan), right before his daughter’s wedding has got the colony on high alert. The only problem? He’s lying (almost) dead at Rekha’s house. The women seem to have landed in a situation that keeps getting worse every minute. With Jaya’s controlling husband breathing down their necks, a nosy Mrs Gupta trying to pin down their family, and the colony cop trying to solve the mystery, will the women spill the truth? Or will their panic-fuelled solutions and poor decisions somehow help them navigate the mess and a colony where gossip travels faster than breaking news?

Maa Behen is sharp, chaotic, and refreshing

While the movie drags in certain parts and the writing feels a little wobbly in the middle, it never lets you leave your seat. Dark comedy is a genre that Bollywood is still exploring, and Maa Behen proves that we’re finally getting the hang of it. Just when you think you know who the real villain is, you’ll be questioned the very next minute. Whether you come for the family drama, the murder mystery, or just to watch the legendary Dhak-Dhak diva in an exciting new avatar, Maa Behen is a delightful social commentary that stays with you.

Madhuri Dixit is sharp, witty, and effortlessly charming as Rekha. She is aware of her wrongdoings but fiercely protects her daughters when fingers are pointed at them. She might not be a larger-than-life hero, but she refuses to be a victim of her circumstances. Tired of the constant judgement and expectations of her mohalla, she stands strong after every storm and comes back fiercer.

Triptii Dimri as Jaya brings a relatable charm and frustration that every woman stuck in a regressive household faces. She has made questionable life decisions to get out of tricky situations. But she knows when to use her words and when to use her chappal to straighten things out. Dharna Durga never fails to impress with her comic timing. But her wit and emotions make her role even more wholesome. She is not a rebel without a cause and brings a fresh, spontaneous energy to the family dynamic.

Ravi Kishan as Gupta Ji brings his signature humour and layered acting to the role. The supporting cast includes Arunoday Singh as Inspector Maheshwari, who is equally charming and funny. And Geetanjali Kulkarni as Mrs Gupta is the classic mohalle wali aunty. She never minds her own business and rage-baits you without even trying.

Maa Behen might not be perfect, but it is entertaining, funny, and worth sitting through the killer kaand. It is now streaming on Netflix.

Can you watch Maa Behen with family? If your folks can sit through a little bit of spice, social commentary and satire, it will make for a great weekend watch.

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