As Mother’s Day approaches, it beckons us to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of motherhood—a force synonymous with unrivaled strength, love, and tenacity. This special day urges us to reconnect not just with our own mothers, but to reflect on the profound influence maternal figures have in shaping lives. If you find yourself at a distance or simply wish to resonate with stories that encapsulate the core of maternal bonds, streaming platforms bring forth a multitude of narratives that honor motherhood in all its facets.
Netflix’s “Mimi” presents a remarkable tale of a surrogate mother, offering a fresh perspective on parental love transcending biological ties. Helmed by Laxman Utekar, the film introduces us to Mimi (Kriti Sanon)—an aspiring Bollywood actress whose journey takes an unexpected turn when she agrees to be a surrogate for an American couple. The plot takes a dramatic shift when the couple, learning of the baby’s Down syndrome, abandon both Mimi and the unborn child. In a show of deep maternal instinct and defiance of societal norms, Mimi embarks on the path of single motherhood, shelving her dreams to embrace the joys and challenges of raising her child alone.
Venturing into the realm of audio storytelling, Pocket FM’s “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To” chronicles the gripping journey of Anika, who, together with her daughter, seeks to find her missing twin Kids in the serene landscape of Manali. This fictional drama is a testament to a mother’s relentless pursuit and the emotional turmoil that comes with searching for lost loved ones. Anika’s character portrays the intricate struggles and profound resilience of a mother fueled by hope and determination.
For those seeking relatability within the complexities of modern motherhood, ZEE5’s “Mentalhood” is a voyage through the lives of six distinct mothers. Each character, with her unique narrative, delineates the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers today—balancing societal expectations, competitive parenting, and personal identity. The series is a poignant reminder of the juggle between the roles of caregiver, mentor, and individual, all performed with a seamless blend of humor and sincerity.
Yet another powerful depiction comes through Netflix’s “Mom,” an emotional rollercoaster that showcases a mother’s quest for justice. The film is anchored by the breathtaking performance of the late Sridevi, who portrays a vigilant mother whose world is shaken following the sexual assault of her daughter. The narrative embarks on a dark and intricate passage as she seeks to right the wrongs done to her child. The film, also featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Akshaye Khanna, Sajal Aly, and Adnan Siddiqui, strikes at the heart of a societal scourge while laying bare the indomitable force of maternal love.
Rounding off our exploration is Netflix’s “When The Camellia Blooms,” where audiences are transported to a quaint town setting, dwelling deep into the life of single mother Oh Dong-baek (played by Gong Hyo-jin) and her son Pil-gu. The Korean drama interweaves elements of romance and suspense to portray the life of a single mom confronting societal stigma, finding love, and protecting her child. It’s a journey that encapsulates vulnerability, courage, and the enduring essence of a mother’s love.
Through these five thought-provoking films, shows, and series, the courage, humor, and unconditional love of mothers are portrayed with touching clarity. As the characters traverse distinct paths, each mirrors a facet of the motherly experience, reinforcing the fundamental message that the essence of motherhood defies boundaries and resonates beyond any single day of celebration. So this Mother’s Day, let us celebrate by delving into these tributes to maternal strength—an homage to every mother’s boundless journey.
