Dear Maa Review : Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury Delivers a Moving Tale of Modern Motherhood and Adoption

Review for CineKolkata.com

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s “Dear Maa” is a powerful statement on love, loss, and the complexities of motherhood in today’s world. Set against the backdrop of urban Bengal, the film explores the emotional odyssey of Brinda Mitra (Jaya Ahsan), a successful entrepreneur who confronts her own doubts and insecurities when she adopts a daughter, Jimli. The story takes a tense turn as Jimli goes missing, forcing Brinda to re-examine her priorities, biases, and, ultimately, her understanding of what it means to be a mother.

Plot:
The film crafts its narrative around Brinda’s emotional struggle to accept and bond with her adopted daughter, complicated by the sudden death of her husband Arka (Chandan Roy Sanyal). As Brinda tries to bridge the emotional gap with Jimli, unforeseen truths about identity and belonging come to light when Jimli discovers her biological mother. The police investigation becomes a catalyst, unraveling deeply personal stories of love and sacrifice.

Star Performances:
Jaya Ahsan stands out in her portrayal of Brinda, bringing nuance to a character torn between personal ambition and parental responsibility. Chandan Roy Sanyal delivers an affecting performance as a father aching for a child, while Padmapriya as Jimli’s birth mother is understated yet effective. The child artists deserve a special mention for their sensitive handling of difficult emotions, adding authenticity to the film’s core.

Direction & Craft:
Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s refined narrative touch is evident throughout. His approach is subtle, focusing on the psychological textures of the central characters without slipping into melodrama. The film’s cinematography and Bickram Ghosh’s restrained score heighten the story’s emotional stakes, while the editing ensures a tight narrative rhythm—making loo breaks rare.

What Works:

• Authentic, mature treatment of adoption and non-traditional parenthood

• Excellent ensemble cast, led by a career-best turn from Jaya Ahsan

• Realistic depiction of modern work-life dilemmas

• Emotional depth without sentimentality

What Doesn’t Work:

• Certain plot points, especially around Jimli’s early struggles, feel underexplored

• The film misses opportunities to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of adoption and parental bonding

• Supporting characters could have been developed further

Verdict: Watch or Not?
“Dear Maa” is recommended viewing for cinephiles who appreciate nuanced storytelling and heartfelt drama. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions and resonates long after the credits roll—an honest, thought-provoking look at what makes a family.

Rating:

Cine Kolkata Verdict:
Don’t miss this moving journey of love, identity, and the contemporary family. “Dear Ma” is one of 2025’s standout Bengali films.