Maa Ka Sum
Director: Nicholas Kharkongor
Cast: Mona Singh, Mihir Ahuja, Angira Dhar, Celesti Bairagey, Ranveer Brar
Rating: ★★★
In a world where dating apps often feel like a glitchy game of trial and error, Maa Ka Sum poses a fascinating question: Can a mathematical prodigy solve the one equation that has baffled humanity for centuries, love? Maa Ka Sum sets out with a refreshingly quirky premise, blending love, logic, and the chaos of modern relationships, but ends up being as confusing as some of the equations it tries to solve.
The premise
The show follows Vinitha, played by Mona Singh, a single mother who has been raising her son Agastya alone ever since her husband left a decade ago. Balancing motherhood with her own desire for companionship, she navigates dating apps while maintaining a cool, friendly equation with her 19-year-old son. Agastya, portrayed by Mihir Ahuja, is a maths genius who believes relationships can be cracked like algorithms. What begins as a well-meaning attempt to find his mother the perfect partner soon spirals into an unsettling need to control her choices.
What works?
The show shines brightest in its performances. Mona Singh once again proves why she remains the ultimate relatable on-screen mother. She brings warmth, vulnerability, and strength to Vinitha, making her both aspirational and deeply human. Her effortless charm and emotional depth carry the show through its weaker stretches, ensuring that the emotional core never completely fades.
Mihir Ahuja delivers a convincing performance as the emotionally detached yet increasingly toxic Agastya. His portrayal captures the transition from logic-driven innocence to problematic control quite effectively. While he excels in emotional and mother-son bonding scenes, his character’s toxicity is never fully addressed, which becomes frustrating. The lack of accountability in his arc leaves a noticeable gap in the storytelling, even though Mihir succeeds in making me feel discomfort, and at times, even dislike, towards his character.
Among the supporting cast, Celesti Bairagey stands out despite limited scope. She brings sincerity and emotional weight to her scenes, adding a much-needed touch of romance that the show otherwise lacks. Angira Dhar brings her own charm, making maths appear almost poetic, but her track with Agastya feels forced, with little chemistry to make it believable. Ranveer Brar, unfortunately, leaves little impact with a rather forgettable presence.
What doesn’t work?
Where Maa Ka Sum falters significantly is in its execution. The overuse of mathematical concepts, which initially feels clever and unique, soon becomes exhausting. What could have been a fresh take on modern relationships gets buried under formulas and theories, pulling focus away from emotional depth. While the first few episodes hold attention, the narrative gradually loses grip, becoming scattered and inconsistent.
The show also attempts to touch upon serious themes like mental health, anxiety, and the consequences of unsafe choices, but these are only skimmed over, lacking the depth and sensitivity they require. Similarly, the central idea, that love cannot be reduced to logic alone, remains underdeveloped. Ironically, for a show about relationships, the chemistry between most couples feels underwhelming.
That said, the mother-son dynamic remains engaging. The bond between Vinitha and Agastya reflects a modern, friendly relationship many aspire to have in their own life. However, certain aspects, especially the tolerance of disrespect, may not resonate with everyone.
In the end, Maa Ka Sum is a mixed bag. It’s entertaining yet frustrating, innovative yet inconsistent. With strong performances, particularly from Mona Singh and an interesting premise, it manages to hold attention in parts, but its messy execution prevents it from reaching its full potential. A decent one-time watch, especially if you’re willing to sit through a few complicated emotional (and mathematical) calculations. In its attempt to solve love, the show quite literally brings back the horrors of maths.
