'Maa Behen' has emerged as one of the most talked-about streaming releases in recent weeks. Featuring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga, Ravi Kishan and Geetanjali Kulkarni, the Netflix film has sparked conversations across social media, drawing both praise and criticism. Director Suresh Triveni has now shared his thoughts on the varied reactions the film has received.
Speaking to Hauterrfly about the discussions surrounding the film, the director acknowledged that differing opinions are inevitable when it comes to cinema. According to him, the accessibility of visual content today means audiences engage with storytelling in different ways, resulting in varied responses.
“Filmmaking and cinema are the most accessible art forms. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is familiar with the medium, especially since it has become an everyday access, be it reels or cinema. It’s bound to happen that some people will connect with it, and some people will not.”
While he welcomed differing viewpoints, the filmmaker stressed that criticism should come with reasoning rather than blanket dismissal.
“Thankfully, more people have connected with the film. That doesn’t mean I do not look at people who have not liked it. But it’s just that you can’t have one line, or word and just trash it. You have to explain why because the people who have liked it are explaining it to me. You can’t say it in one word because that’s laziness.”
Suresh Triveni's take on why the conversation matters
For Triveni, the biggest victory is that the film has managed to get audiences talking. He believes any piece of art that generates discussion has already achieved something meaningful.
“Same is that whenever a piece of work, in this case, a cinema or art, creates a chatter or discussion, it’s the best thing that can happen.” The director also clarified that he is not opposed to criticism and understands that some creative decisions may not appeal to everyone.
“I am in no denial that there can’t be any criticism; it will happen, especially with the choices we made. It could have been a serious film, but we chose to make it entertaining. We chose a little dialed-up path.”
One aspect of 'Maa Behen' that attracted attention was its heightened flashback sequences. Addressing those creative choices, Triveni explained that the exaggerated presentation was intentional and tied directly to the film's narrative structure.
“I am doing it because they are all rumours and rumours don’t have details. They are exaggerated. Madhuri Dixit’s Rekha is just wearing one saree throughout. These are touches we do.” He further pointed out that audience reactions to creative choices will always vary, just as viewers connect differently with different films.
“Now it might connect with some. I, as an audience member, have also connected with some movies, and not with others.”
Suresh Triveni is only focusing on the positive response
Despite the mixed reactions online, Triveni said he is choosing to concentrate on the conversations and appreciation the film has generated rather than dwelling on the criticism.
“But right now I am not bothered, and I am more focused on the positivity and discussions that are happening. I have got so many calls, one cannot imagine.”
With audiences continuing to debate its themes, performances and storytelling style, 'Maa Behen' has undoubtedly become one of the most-discussed titles on Netflix, exactly the kind of response that Triveni believes keeps cinema alive and relevant.
