Suresh Triveni on choosing Madhuri Dixit over Vidya Balan in ‘Maa Behen’: 'I wrote first draft just after 'Tumhari Sulu'

After a strong start to 2026 with 'Daldal' and 'Subedaar', filmmaker Suresh Triveni is gearing up for his most personal project yet, 'Maa Behan', a dark comedy starring Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri. Recently, he opened up about the film's long journey, why Vidya Balan didn't feature in it, and the inspiration he draws from the late Hrishikesh Mukherjee.Suresh Triveni calls 'Maa Behen' his special projectIn a conversation with India Today, Suresh Triveni revealed that he wrote the first draft immediately after 'Tumhari Sulu' but hit a wall. He said, "It's a film that's extremely dear to me, and I wrote the first draft just after 'Tumhari Sulu'. In fact, 'Maa Behen' was supposed to be done even before (all other films), but I got stuck with the writing and couldn't take it forward.

And then I found a lovely writer, 'Pooja Pulani', and she took over the entire writing.

" The filmmaker further expressed that it is a "special project" and a "personal" one as well. He revealed, "I zeroed in on the title first and then started writing about it."Suresh Triveni reveals why Vidya Balan wasn't cast in the projectGiven his celebrated history with Vidya Balan, spanning 'Tumhari Sulu' and 'Jalsa', her absence from 'Maa Behan' raised natural questions.

Triveni was warm but reassuring and said, "I am always in talks with Vidya about something... She is home [to me], and we are constantly thinking of exploring what's next. I am sure that we'll get something very, very soon."About casting Madhuri Dixit in 'Maa Behen'Describing the film's tone, Suresh Triveni called it a "domestic noir", a story about a dysfunctional family reuniting, layered with humor. "I can assure you that you will see some terrific, terrific performances," he promised.

He added that Madhuri Dixit has attempted full-fledged comedy for the role, something audiences haven't seen from the 90s superstar in a while. He also praised co-stars Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga, and Ravi Kishan.More about 'Maa Behen'The dark comedy thriller film stars Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, and Ravi Kishan in the lead roles. The story follows a mother and her two daughters living in a conservative neighborhood who, with a relative's help, are forced to conceal a dead body discovered in their kitchen. The film will stream on Netflix; however, the premiere date has not been announced yet.