Watch Maa - Bengali

Maa is a Bengali film from 1984 that tells the story of a mother named Annapurna, played by Sova Sen, and her struggle to provide for her family after her husband's sudden death. The movie stars Utpal Dutt as a doctor named Sanyal, who helps Annapurna during her difficult times, and Satya Bannerjee, who plays the role of Annapurna's wayward son, who spends his time drinking and gambling.

The story begins with Annapurna's husband, a government employee, passing away suddenly. With no pension or savings, Annapurna is left to fend for herself and her three children - two daughters and one son. Annapurna is a simple and hardworking woman, who takes up odd jobs to provide for her family. She starts selling tea and snacks outside a school, where Sanyal, a doctor, comes to buy tea regularly. Sanyal is impressed by her hard work and her dedication to her family.

Sanyal starts helping Annapurna and her children, providing them with food and money. He introduces Annapurna to a kind-hearted widow named Mrs. Roy, played by Utpal Dutt, who takes Annapurna and her kids to her home and gives them shelter. Mrs. Roy is a kind and generous woman, who helps Annapurna and her children to settle down in their new surroundings.

Annapurna's son, played by Kaushik Banerjee, is a spoilt brat who spends all his time drinking and gambling. He refuses to work or help his mother in any way. Annapurna's daughters, on the other hand, are hardworking and supportive of their mother. They help Annapurna with her work and also take care of their younger brother, who has become a burden on their mother.

Annapurna's struggle to provide for her family is portrayed beautifully in the movie. She faces numerous hardships, including financial struggles, emotional trauma, and social ostracism. However, her resilience and determination keep her moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Sova Sen delivers a standout performance as Annapurna, portraying her character's strength and vulnerability with remarkable nuance.

Utpal Dutt's portrayal of Mrs. Roy is another highlight of the movie. He brings an air of warmth and positivity to the character, making her a source of hope and comfort for Annapurna and her family. Satya Bannerjee's performance as Annapurna's wayward son is also noteworthy. He portrays the character's selfishness and lack of responsibility convincingly.

The movie's soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, is delightful and complements the story perfectly. The songs capture the essence of the movie and evoke a range of emotions in the audience. The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of the bustling streets of Kolkata, as well as the serene countryside.

Overall, Maa is a heartwarming and poignant movie that portrays the struggles of a mother trying to provide for her family. It is a movie that resonates with audiences even today, with its themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience still relevant. The movie stands as a testament to the power of human nature and the strength of the human spirit.