MOM - Movie Review (3/5 Stars)

By: Hamza Shafique

MOM is very subtle and maybe too subtle for the narrative. Ravi Udyawar’s directorial debut relies heavily on the performances. Its these performances, that hide all the flaws and keep MOM entertaining throughout. I am a huge fan of performance oriented dramas, where how an actor delivers a dialogue is the highlight rather than the dialogue. MOM is one such film.

It’s a no doubt a full-on Sridevi show but other cast members also shine with in their scope especially Pakistani drama super star Sajal Ali. Sridevi's screen presence is mesmerizing, at times I found myself lost in the emotion that Sridevi was trying to portray rather than the whole scene. Still at this age and time in her career, when she is on screen, she commands your attention and it gets really hard to notice anything or anyone else. Sajal Ali who is playing Sridevi's daughter in MOM, just like her on screen mother does know how to use her eyes expressively and impresses immensely. Her simple onscreen Moments like smiling to her dad from her room window while sending him a text, elevates the drama value of this otherwise bland screenplay. Nawaz-Uddin as DK, the detective that Sridevi employs to get her revenge is the only light character in this otherwise intense ensemble. Adnan Siddiqui another Pakistani TV industry super star and Akshaye Khanna both are appropriate and decent in their roles.Ravi Udyawar’s direction also stands out in parts. I can’t really say much without giving out spoilers, so will not mention the specific scenes but I am sure you will know what I am talking about when you will watch the film. A.R.Rehman’s music is also perfect, blends well with situations and helps maintain the required intensity level.

Screenplay even though very well paced, written and executed has nothing new to offer. This keeps MOM from becoming the drama film of the year. I have seen countless revenge dramas done brilliantly, Kaabil is one such example from this year. I wished Abhimanyu Singh as Jagan had more character development because as an audience we hate Jagan for the one act he does in the beginning and not for his actual menace (which we don’t get to see throughout). Also, I feel climax could have been better written and directed. Film makers had all the right elements and setting, a cottage in woods, a killer on hunt and an oblivious family. Climax had the full potential to show Sridevi as this mom, who will go to any length to protect her kids, but is disappointingly kept understated, subtle and simple. In the last scene when confronted with the threat, it would have been more appropriate to show resolve, anger and determination in Sridevi’s eyes (which was there throughout the film) but instead Ravi chooses vulnerability and fragility which made all her previous efforts look unreal.
Despite all the issues, there is not even a single dull or boring moment. Watch it for the sheer acting talents of Sridevi, Nawaz-Uddin Siddiqui and Sajal Ali, I go with 3 stars