This Mother’s Day celebrate the real MVPs—moms—by watching them shine on screen! Whether they’re dishing out wisdom, saving the day, or delivering the perfect I told you so, these films and TV shows capture the love, chaos, and comedy of motherhood. From heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud mom moments, this lineup is the perfect way to say, “Thanks, Mom… and sorry for all the gray hairs!”
Mai (2022)
Sakshi Tanwar delivers a gripping performance as Sheel Chaudhary, a mild-mannered middle-class mother whose world is shattered when she witnesses the tragic death of her daughter, Supriya, in what initially seems like an accident. However, as Sheel digs deeper, she uncovers a web of crime, corruption, and deception, realizing that her daughter was murdered.
What makes Sheel’s character so compelling is her transformation from a grieving, ordinary mother into a relentless force seeking justice. As she navigates the dangerous underworld of crime and politics, she outsmarts criminals, manipulates situations, and even takes morally ambiguous steps to avenge her daughter. Her pain fuels her strength, and her quiet resilience makes her one of the most powerful maternal figures on screen.
Mimi (2021)
Kriti Sanon plays the titular role of Mimi Rathore, a young woman from a small town in Rajasthan who dreams of becoming a Bollywood actress. She is ambitious, carefree, and full of life but faces financial struggles that hinder her dreams.
Mimi is approached by an American couple looking for a surrogate mother, tempted by the promise of money. However, her world turns upside down when the couple abandons her midway through the pregnancy upon learning that the baby might have health issues. Left alone and facing societal judgment, Mimi decides to raise the child on her own.
Shakuntala Devi (2020)
As a mother to Anupama (played by Sanya Malhotra), Shakuntala Devi (Vidya Balan) is charismatic, ambitious, and fiercely independent, often prioritizing her career and passion for mathematics over traditional maternal expectations. This leads to a strained relationship with her daughter, who struggles with her mother’s larger-than-life personality and lack of a stable, conventional upbringing.
Vidya Balan brilliantly portrays both the brilliance and the flaws of Shakuntala, making her character relatable and deeply human. The film explores their evolving mother-daughter dynamic, ultimately highlighting love, reconciliation, and understanding.
Aarya (2020) and Aarya 2 (2021)
Sushmita Sen delivers a powerful and layered performance as Aarya Sareen, a devoted mother who is forced into the world of crime to protect her family. She is a loving wife and mother of three, living a seemingly perfect life. However, when her husband is murdered due to his involvement in a drug cartel, she is thrust into a dangerous world she never wanted to be a part of. Despite the betrayals, threats, and high-stakes dangers surrounding her, Aarya transforms from a vulnerable woman into a fierce and strategic leader.
Her strength as a mother defines her character – she doesn’t seek power for greed but out of necessity, ensuring her children’s safety at all costs. She battles powerful enemies, outsmarts rival gangs, and navigates a web of deception, all while struggling to maintain her morality.
Sky is Pink (2019)
Aditi Chaudhary played by Priyanka Chopra is portrayed as a strong-willed, determined, and protective mother who never gives up, traveling across countries to find the best medical care for Aisha who is suffering from a rare genetic disorder. She balances hope and heartbreak while ensuring her daughter’s life is filled with love and joy. Priyanka Chopra delivers an emotionally powerful performance, capturing the deep struggles and unconditional love of a mother dealing with an unimaginable loss.
Badhaai Ho (2018)
Neena Gupta delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Priyamvada Kaushik, a middle-aged mother who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, much to the shock and embarrassment of her grown-up sons.
Priyamvada’s role challenges societal norms and expectations, especially regarding middle-aged women and motherhood. Despite facing judgment from her own family, nosy neighbors, and even her eldest son Nakul (Ayushmann Khurrana), she carries herself with quiet strength, dignity, and grace. Her journey is one of self-respect and resilience—she refuses to feel ashamed for embracing motherhood again, proving that a woman’s life doesn’t have to be dictated by age or social expectations.
Mom (2017)
Fueled by the unbreakable spirit of a mother’s love – Devki Sabarwal played by legendary Sridevi – takes justice into her own hands after the police fails in punishing the assaulters of her daughter, outsmarting the system and hunting down those responsible. Devki is not a conventional action hero—she is an ordinary woman whose determination and resilience make her extraordinary. Despite her internal struggles, she never wavers in her pursuit of justice, proving that a mother’s strength knows no bounds.
Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Frances McDormand plays Mildred Hayes, a grieving yet fierce mother who takes matters into her own hands after the unsolved rape and murder of her daughter, Angela.
Frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, Mildred rents three billboards calling out the local police chief, sparking a wave of conflict in the town. She is tough, relentless, and unafraid to challenge authority, even as her actions alienate those around her. However, beneath her hardened exterior, she carries immense pain, guilt, and sorrow over her daughter’s death.
Ajji (2017)
Ajji played by Sushama Deshpande, is a frail yet determined grandmother who takes on a dark and brutal journey to seek justice for her 10-year-old granddaughter, Manda, who has been physically assaulted and left for dead by a powerful man, Dhavle.
Her role is central to the film’s themes of power, oppression, and the strength of a seemingly powerless individual fighting back against a corrupt system. Her character represents the suppressed rage of those who are marginalized and denied justice, making her journey both harrowing and deeply impactful.
Bad Moms (2016)
Mila Kunis (Amy), Kristen Bell (Kiki), and Kathryn Hahn (Carla) play three overworked and underappreciated moms who decide to break free from the unrealistic expectations of “perfect parenting.” Each of them represents a different struggle of modern motherhood and their characters are strong not because they have it all together, but because they embrace their flaws and reclaim their independence. Instead of bending under the pressure of PTA politics and judgmental mom culture, they fight back—hilariously and unapologetically—against the impossible standards placed on mothers.
Joy (2015)
Jennifer Lawrence portrays Joy Mangano, divorced mother juggling family responsibilities yet a determined and resourceful woman who rises from personal and financial struggles to become a self-made entrepreneur. Despite constant setbacks, including financial struggles, betrayals, and corporate exploitation – she refuses to give up on her vision. The film follows Joy’s journey as she invents the Miracle Mop, a revolutionary cleaning product, and fights her way through the cutthroat business world to build a multi-million-dollar empire.
Her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering belief in herself drive her to overcome legal battles, deceptive business deals, and personal heartbreaks. What makes Joy a powerful character is her ability to adapt and push forward, even when the odds are stacked against her. She doesn’t wait for success, she creates it.
Mom (2013-2021)
The TV series Mom is a heartwarming yet hilarious take on addiction, recovery, and mother-daughter relationships. The show follows Christy Plunkett (Anna Faris), a single mother and recovering alcoholic, trying to rebuild her life while raising her teenage daughter, Violet. However, her journey becomes even more complicated when her own estranged mother, Bonnie Plunkett (Allison Janney) – also a recovering addict—re-enters her life.
Christy is determined to break the cycle of dysfunction. Whereas, her mother, Bonnie is a sharp-witted, reckless, and often selfish mother who gradually grows into a more responsible and caring person. Their story is a testament to the idea that no mother is perfect, but love, perseverance, and a good sense of humor can help them find their way.
Paa (2009)
Vidya’s character is portrayed as resilient and emotionally mature – a mother to Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) who is suffering from progeria – balancing her professional responsibilities while shielding Auro from societal prejudices. Her journey in the film highlights the unconditional love, sacrifices, and strength of a mother who puts her child’s happiness above everything else. Vidya Balan’s performance was widely praised for its warmth, depth, and realism.
This Mother’s Day let’s raise a glass to the women who’ve given us life, love, and a whole lot of drama! Whether they’re saving the day, cracking jokes, or showing us what true strength really looks like, these movies and TV shows remind us that moms are the real MVPs. Happy Mother’s Day!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)