Actress Sonali Kulkarni is bringing attention to an important yet often overlooked subject through her upcoming short film Like Maa. The film explores how childhood trauma can continue to affect people even after they grow older, get married and become parents. Through an emotionally layered mother-daughter story, the project examines unresolved fears, social conditioning and the impact of experiences passed from one generation to another.
Speaking about the film, Sonali shared that she was deeply touched by the subject chosen by filmmaker Neeru Sharma for her first short film. She appreciated the sensitivity of the story and the subtle approach to direction. The actress also said that Sharma was open to her improvisations and suggestions during the creative process.
Sonali Kulkarni on the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma
Reflecting on the film's central theme, Sonali pointed out that many women continue to carry unresolved childhood experiences throughout their lives. According to her, growing older or taking on new responsibilities does not automatically make emotional wounds disappear.
She highlighted that marriage, motherhood and even becoming a mother-in-law cannot necessarily erase fears and painful memories from childhood.
Her comments underline an important message: emotional experiences from early life can influence how people see themselves, build relationships and raise their children. Unless these experiences are recognised and addressed, their effects may continue across generations.
For Sonali, Like Maa offered an opportunity to explore these deeply human emotions through a sensitive and relatable character.
What Is Like Maa About?
Written, produced and directed by Neeru Sharma, Like Maa is a 23-minute short film set in an upper-middle-class neighbourhood in Meerut.
The story revolves around Anjana, a 36-year-old homemaker played by Sonali Kulkarni. Her life is shaped by family responsibilities, everyday routines and the pressure of maintaining social respectability.
At the centre of the narrative is Anjana's relationship with her teenage daughter. The film explores how a parent's response to a child's difficult situation can be influenced by social expectations, family reputation and deeply rooted beliefs.
Rather than focusing only on the mother-daughter relationship, the story raises wider questions about parenting and the emotional patterns people inherit from their families.
Film Highlights Social Conditioning and Victim-Blaming
One of the significant themes explored in Like Maa is social conditioning. The film examines how ideas about shame, family honour and so-called proper behaviour can influence decisions within households.
It also addresses victim-blaming, a concern that becomes particularly serious when young people are dealing with difficult or distressing situations.
The story questions whether parents sometimes prioritise society's opinion over understanding their children's emotional needs. It encourages families to respond with empathy rather than allowing social pressure to dictate their reactions.
Through Anjana's journey, Neeru Sharma also raises a thought-provoking question: Do people unknowingly repeat the behaviour and beliefs of their own parents?
The film suggests that recognising these patterns is an important step towards breaking cycles of emotional hurt. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own upbringing and understand how past experiences may influence their present relationships.
Supporting Cast and Creative Team
Apart from Sonali Kulkarni, the film features Mehdi Khan, Mehaan Soni, Smita Inamdar, Aishwarya Manohar, Hisha Joshi, Nandini Sharma, Komal Khimsariya and Ayaz Khan in supporting roles.
Produced under the banner of Niruvana Kreations, the film is produced by Rajiv Parashar. Akash Sethi has handled cinematography, while Sandeep Kurup is responsible for editing. The music has been composed by Kaushal Mahavir, and Rucha Devgharkar has taken charge of production design.
The makers have released the trailer, offering audiences a glimpse into the film's emotional world and its exploration of family relationships.
A Story That Encourages Healing Across Generations
With Like Maa, Sonali Kulkarni and Neeru Sharma aim to start a meaningful conversation about childhood trauma, parenting and the emotional burdens people carry into adulthood.
The film goes beyond a conventional family drama by examining how unresolved experiences can influence the next generation. It also highlights the importance of listening to children, understanding their emotions and creating an environment where they feel safe.
Ultimately, Like Maa raises a question that many families may find difficult but necessary to consider: Can we recognise the emotional patterns inherited from our parents and change them before passing them on to our children?
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