Watch Mammo

Mammo is a 1994 Indian film directed by Shyam Benegal. The film revolves around the story of an Indian woman named Mehmooda Begum, fondly known as Mammo. Mammo has been living in Pakistan for many years and now, in her old age, she wants to meet her sister, Fayyazi, who is still living in Mumbai, India. The protagonist of the movie is Mammo's young nephew, Riyaz, who resides in Mumbai with his grandmother and aunt, Fayyazi. As part of an assignment for his school, Riyaz writes a letter to his aunt in Pakistan, who happens to be Mammo. To his surprise, Mammo shows up in Mumbai and stays with Riyaz and his family.

The first half of the movie takes place in Mumbai, where Mammo's stay with her sister's family is depicted. Mammo's character is portrayed as someone who is very loving and affectionate towards her family. She recounts her past experiences to Riyaz, telling him of the hardships she faced in Pakistan, where she had to leave behind her children and husband to move to a new country in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak partition.

As Mammo settles into life with her family in Mumbai, she faces hostility from some quarters due to her Pakistani identity. However, Mammo is unfazed by this and looks after Riyaz when he is sick, shares her wisdom with him, and even teaches him how to make pickles. Riyaz grows fond of Mammo and sees her as a part of his family.

The second half of the movie takes a dramatic turn when Mammo is denied an extension on her visa to stay in India. She is forced to return to Pakistan, where she faces a bleak future.

The movie showcases the harsh reality faced by many migrants and refugees, who are forced to leave their homes and loved ones behind. The portrayal of Mammo's struggles in Pakistan humanizes her character and gives the audience an insight into the trauma faced by many refugees.

The movie is helped considerably by the phenomenal performance of Farida Jalal in the lead role of Mammo. Jalal brings a sense of warmth and sincerity to the character, making it impossible for the audience not to feel sympathy for Mammo's plight. Moreover, Surekha Sikri, who plays Mammo's sister Fayyazi, is also brilliant in her portrayal of a woman who tries to make the best of a difficult situation.

The film's cinematography and the overall ambiance of the movie are equally praiseworthy. The film's director, Shyam Benegal, expertly captures the essence of Mumbai and Pakistan, giving the audience a glimpse into the lives of people living in these regions. The film also uses some beautiful Urdu poetry, which adds to the overall charm of the movie.

In conclusion, Mammo is a moving and poignant film that tugs at the heartstrings. The movie's exploration of themes such as refugeeism, family bonds, and cultural identity is both relevant and important. The fantastic performances of the lead actors, the beautiful cinematography, and the insightful direction of the movie make it a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema.