Revenge dramas have a way of gripping you, especially when they are powered by raw emotions, and Mom is no exception. Starring Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Akshaye Khanna, this 2017 crime thriller is set against the backdrop of contemporary Delhi. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film taps into the intense genre of revenge, combining it with familial emotions and societal critique. The urban setting plays a crucial role in shaping the plot, as it delves into the grim realities of justice and power, but it’s the timeless theme of a mother’s love that drives the narrative.
The story revolves around Devki (Sridevi), a biology teacher and a devoted mother, whose life takes a drastic turn when her stepdaughter Arya becomes the victim of a horrific crime. Arya, already distant from her stepmother, is left devastated, and despite the obvious guilt of the perpetrators, the legal system fails to deliver justice. Faced with this harrowing situation, Devki must decide whether to accept defeat or seek justice in her own way. Her transformation from a caring mother to a vengeful force is at the heart of the film, as she embarks on a dangerous path to exact her own form of retribution. With the help of private investigator DK (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), she navigates a treacherous world where morality and justice blur.
One of the standout aspects of Mom is Sridevi’s powerhouse performance. She portrays Devki with a balance of grace and steely determination. Her role is challenging—she plays a mother who must tap into a darker side of herself to protect her family. Sridevi excels in capturing the emotional range required for such a character, from her quiet despair to her fierce resilience. One particular scene where she silently grapples with her moral dilemma is breathtaking, revealing layers of emotion without the need for words. Nawazuddin, in his unique role as the eccentric detective DK, adds both gravitas and comic relief, a stark contrast to the film’s darker moments. Akshaye Khanna as the investigating officer, Matthew, plays his role with subtlety, keeping the audience on edge without overshadowing the core narrative.
The direction by Ravi Udyawar is sharp and focused. He succeeds in creating a taut atmosphere, where every scene is loaded with tension and unpredictability. The editing by Monisha Baldawa helps maintain the pacing, ensuring that the movie moves swiftly while still allowing moments of emotional depth. Udyawar doesn’t let the film linger on unnecessary melodrama; instead, he sharpens the focus on the core of the narrative—the pursuit of justice. There are some inventive uses of camera angles, especially in scenes involving surveillance or tracking, which give a voyeuristic edge to the film, making the audience feel as if they are participants in the unfolding drama.
Another key strength of the film lies in its cinematography by Anay Goswamy. The stark contrasts between Delhi’s affluent neighborhoods and its grimmer, seedier corners are beautifully captured, reflecting the duality of the lives of the characters. Some of the night scenes, with their dim lighting and muted color palette, evoke an eerie, tense atmosphere that perfectly complements the mood of the film. The use of shadows and reflections also heightens the sense of surveillance and secrecy, which are key themes in *Mom*.
The soundtrack by A.R. Rahman adds another layer of intensity to the film. His haunting, minimalistic score underscores the gravity of Devki’s journey without overwhelming the visuals. The songs are subtly woven into the narrative, enhancing key moments rather than distracting from them. Rahman’s score succeeds in blending melancholy with tension, particularly during scenes of confrontation or emotional breakdown. The music is never intrusive, allowing the performances to shine while setting the tone for Devki’s emotional landscape.
The film’s themes go beyond revenge, exploring justice, motherhood, and the complex relationships between parents and children. Devki’s journey is not just about avenging her daughter; it’s about earning her daughter’s trust and love, a theme that runs parallel to the crime-thriller arc. The screenplay raises moral questions—how far is too far when the system fails you? At the same time, it critiques societal structures, including the slow and flawed legal system, while also highlighting the role of women in an environment where they are often failed by those meant to protect them.
Overall, Mom is a gripping, emotionally charged film that blends the intensity of a thriller with the tenderness of a family drama. Sridevi’s towering performance is a fitting testament to her acting prowess, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna provide excellent support, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The film is tightly directed, with commendable technical aspects, particularly the cinematography and the music. The plot may not be entirely unpredictable, but its emotional depth and performances make it a standout in the revenge genre. For those who enjoy intense, thought-provoking dramas with strong performances, Mom is a must-watch, especially if you’re a fan of Sridevi’s remarkable body of work.
