Suresh Triveni's new Netflix dark comedy crime thriller, 'Maa Behen,' centers on three women—played by Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, and Dharana Durga—whose lives become entangled when Dixit's character, Rekha, a single mother, discovers her neighbor dead in her home. The film initially frames the women through a patriarchal lens, commenting on societal judgments based on their clothing and independence, before revealing their own perspectives. It explores the distinct struggles of a single mother, a woman marrying to preserve her honor, and a social media influencer challenging conservative values, while also critiquing the derogatory term "witch" used against non-conforming women, illustrating how Rekha is judged for her attire while men are not held accountable for their objectification. Despite an engaging "Khalbali" style narration that highlights societal assumptions, the film's artificial tone hinders emotional connection, though the strong performances by Dixit, Dimri, and debutant Durga, along with Ravi Kishan's dramatic presence and the melodic use of Bhojpuri dialect, largely salvage the uneven narrative, which also features an unexpected cameo.

Suresh Triveni's new Netflix dark comedy crime thriller, 'Maa Behen,' centers on three women—played by Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, and Dharana Durga—whose lives become entangled when Dixit's character, Rekha, a single mother, discovers her neighbor dead in her home. The film initially frames the women through a patriarchal lens, commenting on societal judgments based on their clothing and independence, before revealing their own perspectives. It explores the distinct struggles of a single mother, a woman marrying to preserve her honor, and a social media influencer challenging conservative values, while also critiquing the derogatory term "witch" used against non-conforming women, illustrating how Rekha is judged for her attire while men are not held accountable for their objectification. Despite an engaging "Khalbali" style narration that highlights societal assumptions, the film's artificial tone hinders emotional connection, though the strong performances by Dixit, Dimri, and debutant Durga, along with Ravi Kishan's dramatic presence and the melodic use of Bhojpuri dialect, largely salvage the uneven narrative, which also features an unexpected cameo.

Suresh Triveni's new Netflix dark comedy crime thriller, 'Maa Behen,' centers on three women—played by Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, and Dharana Durga—whose lives become entangled when Dixit's character, Rekha, a single mother, discovers her neighbor dead in her home. The film initially frames the women through a patriarchal lens, commenting on societal judgments based on their clothing and independence, before revealing their own perspectives. It explores the distinct struggles of a single mother, a woman marrying to preserve her honor, and a social media influencer challenging conservative values, while also critiquing the derogatory term "witch" used against non-conforming women, illustrating how Rekha is judged for her attire while men are not held accountable for their objectification. Despite an engaging "Khalbali" style narration that highlights societal assumptions, the film's artificial tone hinders emotional connection, though the strong performances by Dixit, Dimri, and debutant Durga, along with Ravi Kishan's dramatic presence and the melodic use of Bhojpuri dialect, largely salvage the uneven narrative, which also features an unexpected cameo.

Suresh Triveni’s dark comedy crime thriller ‘Maa Behen,’ released on Netflix on June 4, follows the story of three women played by Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, and Dharana Durga. The film initially presents them through the lens of patriarchy, weaving stories based on their clothing choices and independence—basically, what the neighbourhood thinks about them. We are then presented with their side of the story. 

The film starts with ‘Rekha’ (Dixit), a single mother, panically calling her two daughters, played by Tripti and Dharna, for help as she finds her neighbour, Gupta, played by Ravi Kisan, dead in her house. The film then follows the events that unfold as the trio figures out what to do next.

The film revolves around the struggles of a single mother, a woman who married to protect her honour, and a social media influencer who is fighting conservative household values. It also addresses the usage of the word “witch”, a term used against women who don’t conform to the patriarchal standards for women.

Rekha is judged by society because of the sleeveless blouses she chooses to wear, but the men who view her as a sex object are never blamed. The film shows that neither her chiffon sarees nor her sleeveless blouses expresses her intentions or desires. The Crime-patrol style show, Khalbali, used to show the assumptions and misunderstandings surrounding the women, creates an engaging vibe to the story. However, the artificial tone of the film fails to convey the intense emotions, leaving the audience detached from the characters' experience.

Madhuri Dixit is a charming presence, but fails to maintain balance in certain parts. Tripti too has come up with an amazing performance, while debutant Dharna has managed to do well alongside seasoned performers. Ravi Kisan’s dialogue delivery adds a dramatic touch to the film. The use of Bhojpuri dialect adds a melody to the chaos as the makers intended. 

The movie also has an unexpected cameo. The film, sometimes uneven, is mostly saved by the performances.