‘Mother Promise’ movie review: A wacky homage to cinema and Bengaluru

How do you review a movie that’s unconventional from the word go? Poornachandra Mysore’s Mother Promiseis a wild ride that you will enjoy if you appreciate its wacky nature. The film may lose you if you don’t catch many of its pop culture references.

It’s a film that will feel close to being a misfire if you aren’t a fan of absurd humour. But if you connect with the chaotic, over-the-top antics of its characters, you have enough moments to laugh. ‘Graamaayana’ movie review: Powered by intense momentsMother Promise is about two dons (played by Dhananjaya and Mahadeva Prasad) who rule the gambling racket in Bengaluru.

They literally draw a line between their territories, vowing never to cross it or interfere in each other’s business. The story doesn’t matter in the larger scheme of things as Mother Promise is all about eccentric characters. One of the dons, called Donne Biriyani, is modern-day Angulimala, as he cuts off the fingers of those who don’t obey his orders.

There is a CCTV technician (Nagabhushana), who is more familiar with iconic cinema gangsters (from Vito Corleone to Rocky Bhai) than with actual gangsters. Another mysterious kingpin, called Maggie (Chi. Guru Dutt), has a love for painting, and his creations are anything that you expect.

After a sluggish opening thirty minutes, the plot gets a move on when a bag goes missing and Donne Biriyani’s rival, Rossi Bhai, loses something very dear to him. Wacky dialogues and situational humour fuel the antics of an eccentric ensemble. One innocent migrant from a small town is upset that nobody wished him on his birthday, so much so that he seeks greetings from strangers.

Another one gets drunk and calls himself ‘Michael Shivakumar’. Then there is another jobless, perenially drunk guy named Chairity. He is named so because he can’t say no to people in dire need, but his deeds are more troublesome than helpful.

The comedy in Mother Promise is chaotic. The movie is what happens when Hangover meets Hera Pheri. It’s a treat for those expecting writing and filmmaking quirks, but a disappointment for those wanting conventional humour.

The makers dedicate the film to Guy Ritchie. In fact, Mother Promise is debutant director Poornachandra Mysore’s homage to the movies he loves. From posters of Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas and Swades in the most unexpected places to Upendra’s famous one-liner, and the ‘Dosti Main’dialogue from Main Pyar Kiya (1989) to a blink-and-you-will-miss Jogi spin-off scene, the movie is filled with film references.

Even a Ravichandran classic (Ekangi) gets a mentionin the most unlikely of scenes, generating unintentional humour.The insanity keeps coming, and there are stretches when the film could have slowed down to explore its characters’ emotions rather than relentlessly chasing laughs. The mother-sentiment angle gets a generic treatment, yet it’s not a major issue.

I liked how Ryandi’s (Poornachandra Mysore) mother (Geetha) is brutally honest in laying bare his flaws, not once encouraging his irresponsible attitude. The character, obsessed with gambling, is central to the movie’s plot. So does the colloquial ‘mother promise’.

Some sketches run longer than they should have and some jokes don’t land, making certain scenes feel too exhaustive.ALSO READ: Dhananjaya on production houses curbing reviews: Criticism is importantThe director’s indulgence could be a double-edged sword for the movie. That said, Mother Promise is a film with a heart as it calls for unity against hate.

As seen in movies backed by Dhananjaya, the middle-class stories get their limelight. This time, the narrative is less preachy and more empathetic towards delivery boys and cab drivers who migrate to the big city to support their families.A movie dominated by men on screen, Mother Promise is a coming-of-age tale of man-children who get schooled by a sensible teacher, convincing them to rethink their life choices.

By the way, Mother Promise shows Bengaluru with beaches and ports. So, where are Nagarbhavi Port and Banshankari Beach located? If the idea cracked you up, Mother Promise is for you.

Published - July 11, 2026 10:37 am IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit READ LATER SEE ALL Remove Related Topics Kannada cinema / Indian cinema / entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / cinema