Seven Movies and Series that will make you Cry, Laugh, and Appreciate the women in your life this Mother’s Day

This Mother's Day let's celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives—not just as mothers, but as daughters, sisters, friends, and warriors. These five films highlight the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of women in all their forms. From laugh-out-loud moments to emotional rollercoasters, these stories will make you reflect on the amazing women around you and remind you to hug them a little tighter. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel deeply for the women who inspire us every day.

1 *Tarla [ZEE5]*

Tarla celebrates the inspiring life of iconic chef Tarla Dalal, who broke societal stereotypes to become India's first home cook to gain national fame. This feel-good biopic takes you through her journey from a homemaker to a culinary sensation, capturing the grit and warmth that defined her. With Huma Qureshi bringing Tarla's story alive on screen, the film is a tribute to the power of dreams, food, and fearless determination.

 

2. Mimi [Netflix]

Mimi is a heartwarming film that takes an unexpected yet poignant approach to the complexities of motherhood. The story follows Mimi, a young woman with dreams of becoming a Bollywood star, who unexpectedly finds herself agreeing to become a surrogate for a foreign couple. What starts as a simple business arrangement soon turns into a deeply emotional journey, as Mimi grapples with her own feelings and the unbreakable bond that forms between her and the child she carries. Filled with laughter, tears, and moments of self-discovery, Mimi is a celebration of the resilience, strength, and unwavering love that defines motherhood, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to appreciate the women in their lives.

 

3. Helicopter Eela [Jio Hotstar]

Helicopter Eela is a heartwarming drama that explores the evolving bond between a single mother and her teenage son. Featuring Kajol in the lead, the film follows Eela, a doting and overprotective mother who decides to resume her college education—at the same campus as her son. As she navigates her own dreams and identity beyond motherhood, the story beautifully captures the balance between letting go and staying connected. It's a poignant and humorous reminder that mothers, too, have aspirations, and love sometimes means giving space to grow.

4. Mrs. Undercover [ZEE5]

Blending domestic life with high-stakes action, Mrs. Undercover follows the hilarious and action-packed tale of a housewife-turned-spy. Radhika Apte stars as a seemingly ordinary woman who's pulled back into her old life as an undercover agent to catch a deadly serial killer. It's a fun, feminist twist on the spy genre that brings humor, sass, and a little bit of chaos.

5. Paithani [ZEE5]

Set against the vibrant backdrop of traditional Maharashtrian weaving culture, Paithani tells the deeply moving story of Godavari, a master weaver whose trembling hands force her to step away from her craft. What unfolds is a heartfelt journey of a daughter determined to honour her mother's legacy. Streaming on ZEE5, Paithani beautifully weaves together themes of ambition, heritage, and womanhood—showing how the threads of love and sacrifice can create something truly timeless. It's a tribute to the artistry passed down through generations, and to the women who carry that legacy with pride, grace, and quiet strength.

 

6. English Vinglish [Netflix]

Sridevi shines in this unforgettable story of self-love, dignity, and quiet rebellion. Englis Vinglish follows Shashi, a loving homemaker who is constantly belittled by her family for her lack of English fluency. When she travels alone to New York for a family wedding, she secretly enrolls in an English-speaking course—an act that marks the beginning of a subtle yet powerful transformation. As Shashi navigates a foreign land, forges unlikely friendships, and begins to believe in herself again, the film beautifully portrays the emotional strength of women who have long been taken for granted. With heartwarming storytelling and a stellar performance by the late Sridevi, the film is both relatable and inspirational. It's not just about learning a new language, it's about reclaiming self-worth, gaining confidence, and standing tall in a world that often overlooks quiet resilience.

 7.Mentalhood [ZEE5]

Mentalhood is a refreshingly real and witty dramedy that dives into the unpredictable and demanding world of modern motherhood. Led by Karisma Kapoor in her digital debut, the series follows the lives of five very different moms—each juggling careers, parenting styles, personal ambitions, and the everyday chaos of raising kids. Set in the elite circles of a posh school, it explores everything from over-the-top PTA meetings and school projects to serious themes like identity, bullying, and mental health. As these women clash, connect, and support one another, Mentalhood offers a heartfelt and relatable take on what it really means to be a mom today.