Bollywood veteran Raveena Tandon is set to take on one of the most poignant and challenging roles of her career — portraying Heeraben Modi, the late mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the upcoming multilingual biopic Maa Vande.
Directed by Kranthi Kumar Ch and produced by Veer Reddy under the banner of Silver Cast Creations, the film also stars Unni Mukundan as Narendra Modi. The announcement has already sparked widespread curiosity and emotional anticipation among both movie lovers and political observers.
Exploring the Heart of a Mother-Son Bond
According to sources close to the production, Maa Vande is not a conventional political biopic. Instead, it focuses on the deep emotional relationship between Heeraben and her son, exploring how her sacrifices, strength, and quiet resilience shaped the man who would one day become India’s Prime Minister.
A source from the film unit revealed:
“Maa Vande predominantly focuses on the mother-son relationship. The story chronicles Heeraben’s unwavering faith, her sacrifices, and her role in shaping Narendra Modi’s values. Raveena Tandon was drawn to the script because of its emotional core and powerful storytelling.”
For Raveena, who has built a career around strong, layered characters — from Daman to Aranyak — this role adds yet another milestone to her filmography.
Raveena Tandon’s Transformation as Heeraben
The actress, known for her on-screen intensity and off-screen humility, is set to undergo a complete physical and emotional transformation to bring Heeraben Modi to life.
Insiders shared that Raveena has been preparing extensively for the role — studying Heeraben’s life, demeanor, and the simplicity that defined her. Her performance aims to capture not only Heeraben’s outer grace but also her inner strength as a mother who raised her children under modest circumstances with unwavering moral values.
“Raveena was deeply moved by Heeraben’s story — her childhood struggles, her calmness in adversity, and her contribution to her family’s growth,” a close associate revealed.
“The role demanded authenticity, and Raveena felt an instant emotional connection.”
A Story Rooted in Simplicity and Strength
Heeraben Modi’s life story is one of quiet inspiration. Born into humble beginnings, she lost her mother at a young age but emerged as the emotional anchor of her family. Despite limited means, she instilled in her children the values of discipline, honesty, and service — virtues that would later define Narendra Modi’s leadership style.
Maa Vande aims to capture these formative experiences through cinematic storytelling — blending realism, emotion, and grandeur.
Director Kranthi Kumar Ch said in an earlier statement that the film would “celebrate the power of motherhood and how behind every great leader stands a great mother.” The director also emphasized the film’s intention to humanize history, rather than dramatize politics.
Unni Mukundan as Narendra Modi
Playing opposite Raveena, Malayalam star Unni Mukundan — known for his impactful performances in Malikappuram and Meppadiyan — takes on the challenging role of Narendra Modi.
According to reports, Unni was chosen for his ability to blend intensity with sincerity. The film’s producers believe his grounded acting style will complement Raveena’s emotional portrayal, making their mother-son dynamic both believable and deeply moving.
Unni Mukundan reportedly met with dialect and behavioral coaches to prepare for the role, ensuring authenticity in every frame. His casting also signals a growing trend of pan-Indian collaborations that bridge regional industries and narratives.
Mounted on a Grand Scale With Cutting-Edge Technology
Maa Vande is being produced on a large cinematic canvas, incorporating advanced VFX technology to recreate various time periods from Narendra Modi’s life.
From his humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to his rise as a global leader, the film aims to depict the emotional and personal journey rather than purely political milestones.
Sources also confirm that several key portions of the film will be shot in Gujarat, including Vadnagar, Gandhinagar, and Ahmedabad, to maintain geographical and cultural authenticity. The production team has reportedly conducted extensive research to ensure historical accuracy.
Raveena Tandon on Choosing Emotion Over Politics
While Raveena has yet to officially comment on the project, industry insiders suggest she was “profoundly touched” by the narrative’s focus on motherhood.
“For Raveena, this film is not about politics. It’s about the universal bond between a mother and her child,” said a source.
“The story of Heeraben Modi isn’t political — it’s personal, spiritual, and deeply emotional. That’s what makes the film special.”
Raveena, who has consistently used her platform to promote women’s empowerment, found in Maa Vande a role that aligns with her vision of portraying women with dignity, depth, and purpose.
A New Chapter in the Biopic Genre
The Indian film industry has seen several political biopics in recent years, but Maa Vande stands apart for its emotional approach and feminine perspective. Instead of focusing on political milestones, it centers on the emotional foundation that shaped a leader’s life.
By telling the story through Heeraben’s eyes, the film aims to bridge generations, reminding viewers that behind every public figure lies an untold story of family, faith, and sacrifice.
