Producer: Percept Picture Company
Director: Ahmed Siddiqui
Cast: Nushrat Bharucha, Rakesh Bapat, Lalit Tiwari, Sanjay Swaraj, Shashi Sharma, Raj Khan, Parakh Madan, Shameem Ali, Anisha Hinduja
Music: Anu Malik

‘Jai Santoshi Maa’ is the contemporary presentation of the 1970s original hit film. The spectacular phenomenon of the original must have infused Percept's film banner to come out with the film again. But along with that there is a heavy task on the shoulders of the director Ahmed Siddiqui to live up to the expectations in terms of content and execution. The overview of the film isn’t as much stunning as its predecessor but it does arouse some interest.  Director Ahmed Siddiqui comes out with an honest version of the film with new faces and rich canvas, however it lacks the mesmerising impact of the former.

Jai Santoshi Maa’ is a story about undying faith in Santoshi Maa and how this faith can buy back one’s life. The story is about how Maa supports her devotees and how divine faith towards the Goddess can change ones life forever.

Mahima (Nushrat Bharucha) is a devotee of Santoshi Maa. Her father is a music teacher and her mother is an ardent devotee of Maa. She is married to Anuraag. Anuraag (Rakesh Bapat) is a musician by heart. They marry against the family wishes of Anuraag and thus are made to live a life of hardship. Anuraag decides to try his fate elsewhere and earn some money. Mahima doesn’t accompany him and decides to stay with her in-laws and serve them. But humiliation doesn’t end for her as she gets only pain and distress from the family. Mahima devotes all her time worshipping Santoshi Maa. She starts ‘solah-shukrawar vrats’ and follows them without fail. With faith she surpasses all odds happily. This pleases Maa and she makes all her wishes come true and also grants all wishes of Anuraag. The film depicts the devotion in Santoshi Maa that can change the life of her devotees and their dear ones.

For the devotional film lovers, who has watched the original will appreciate this Indian film. Also for the common moviegoers other than the religious element you can also enjoy the take on the relationships weaved with drama. The drama with a mythological touch will provide you enough fodder of entertainment. Ahmed Siddiqui is deft in his effort in presenting an honest reprisal of the old version. Dramatic scenes stand out though the story runs very predictably throughout. It is a simple film and is well made and Ahmed’s eye for details is evident. He hadn’t been wise enough in placing the songs however. The songs composed by Anu Malik are enchanting but doesn’t come close to the super hit scores of the original film that are still very popular today. Choreographer Jojo Khan has done a good job though.
   
Nushrat Bharucha plays her part convincingly. Rakesh Bapat is good and does his part ably. Other actors in the supporting role do well.

The film is targeted at the family audiences and keeping the devotional ingredient and festive season in mind, it should fetch viewers to the theatres. There is not much hope for such genre of film at the multiplex though.