Suresh Triveni Discusses the Buzz Surrounding His Film 'Maa Behen'
Exploring the Success of 'Maa Behen'
Acclaimed filmmaker Suresh Triveni is relishing the discussions sparked by his latest Netflix release, 'Maa Behen.' The film, featuring Madhuri Dixit and Tripti Dimri, has impressively secured the second spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Films, trending across 15 nations. Initially, Triveni questioned whether the algorithm was skewed in favor of his film, but he soon recognized the genuine excitement surrounding this dark comedy.
Creating a satire is no small feat, Triveni acknowledges, as there's a risk of audiences misinterpreting the humor. Together with co-writer Pooja Tolani, they aimed to ensure that their message resonated without sounding trivial. He emphasizes that every element in the film was meticulously considered, stating, “There isn’t a single thing that the team didn’t think it through.” The title itself, which evokes both laughter and thought, was a product of his creative process, beginning with a scene where a mother calls her daughters late at night. He is delighted that viewers have grasped the deeper meanings behind the title and various subtle details. While he can't definitively say if audiences have become more discerning, he believes they now possess a clearer understanding of their preferences.
With 'Maa Behen,' Triveni aimed for maximum reach. He reflects that a theatrical release might have been more beneficial, especially in the current post-Covid landscape where the future of cinema halls remains uncertain. He notes, “If I would have made Tumhari Sulu today, I would have struggled to release it theatrically.” His goal was to present 'Maa Behen' on a grand scale, and with Madhuri Dixit in the cast, he achieved that ambition. He had always envisioned her for the role of Rekha, despite hearing that she might decline a motherly role. He thought, “If it has to be a no, it better come from the Madhuri Dixit.” To his delight, she accepted the role, making casting other actors, like Ravi Kishan, much simpler.
As Triveni contemplates a sequel, he is inclined to retain the same talented cast. Interestingly, although he conceived 'Maa Behen' before the pandemic, it evolved into a long-term project due to the influx of small-town films at the time. He proudly states, “I knew we were taking a deliberate approach, be it visually or in terms of narration.” Every choice was intentional, such as the exaggerated elements in flashback scenes, where Rekha’s saree remains unchanged to symbolize the lack of detail in rumors.
Triveni is thrilled that audiences are rewatching the film, and he feels that his response to criticisms about Hindi cinema's lack of innovation is resonating well. The joy of filmmaking for him lies in moments like receiving feedback and connecting with viewers, affirming, “that’s why we do what we do.”
“As a maker I sometimes wonder why we have to be under so much scrutiny…but then that is the joy of filmmaking. Cinema is the most accessible art and these days judgement is before argument. At some point you have to learn to handle criticism.”