{{short description|Indian Hindi-language film}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox film | name = Aachari Baa | image = Aachari Baa.webp | caption = Promotional release poster | director = Hardik Gajjar | writer = Shreyes Anil Lowlekar | producer = Jyoti Deshpande<br>Parth Gajjar<br>Poonam Shroff | starring = Neena Gupta<br>Kabir Bedi<br>Vatsal Sheth | editing = Kanu Prajapati | music = <!-- Add if known --> | cinematography = Hrishikesh Gandhi | studio = Jio Studios<br>Hardik Gajjar Films<br>Backbencher Pictures | distributor = JioHotstar | released = {{Film date|2025|03|14|df=y}} | country = India | language = Hindi }}
'''''Aachari Baa''''' is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language family drama film directed by Hardik Gajjar and produced by Jio Studios in association with Hardik Gajjar Films and Backbencher Pictures. The film stars Neena Gupta, Kabir Bedi, and Vatsal Sheth, and it premiered on the streaming platform JioHotstar on 14 March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aachari Baa OTT release date: When and where to watch Neena Gupta and Kabir Bedi-led film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/aachari-baa-ott-release-date-when-and-where-to-watch-neena-gupta-led-film/bfc1b3df18920 |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> It is a remake of the 2023 Tamil movie ''Appatha''.
== Plot == Jaishnavi (Neena Gupta) is a 65-year-old widow who earns a living making homemade pickles in a small town in Gujarat. After many years of estrangement, her son Ketan (Vatsal Sheth), who lives in Mumbai, invites her to stay at his home. Upon arriving, she discovers that her son and his family are leaving for a vacation in Darjeeling, leaving her to care for their pet dog, Jenny.
Initially overwhelmed by the responsibility and city life, Jaishnavi gradually bonds with Jenny and the residents of the apartment complex. An incident occurs when she accidentally feeds Jenny pickles and chocolate, causing the dog to fall ill. Brijesh Malhotra (Kabir Bedi), the society secretary, helps her find a veterinarian. The apartment residents discover her culinary talent and rally around her, forming new bonds and offering her a sense of purpose. When her family returns, Jaishnavi has formed a deeper connection with the community and rediscovered her confidence.
== Cast == * Neena Gupta as Jaishnavi (Jaishnaviben Anopchand Vagadia) * Kabir Bedi as Brijesh Malhotra * Vatsal Sheth as Ketan * Vandana Pathak as Sharda * Manasi Rachh as Manorama * Apoorva Arora as Dhanashree * Shah Bhavya as Harsh * Sudipta Deb as Anchor * Vaishnavi Ganatra as Bilva * Maulik Nayak * Pyarali Nayani as Food contest judge * Atharva Sharma as Kaushal * Vatsal Sheth as Ketan * Gopal Singh as Mukesh mishra
== Release == ''Aachari Baa'' was released on 14 March 2025 on JioHotstar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-11 |title=Aachari Baa बनकर लौटीं नीना गुप्ता, इस दिन ओटीटी पर रिलीज होगी एक्ट्रेस की नई फिल्म {{!}} Aachari Baa -trailer-out on-jio-hotstar know release date |url=https://www.patrika.com/ott-news/aachari-baa-trailer-out-on-jio-hotstar-know-release-date-19453986 |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=Patrika News |language=hi |archive-date=2025-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321064920/https://www.patrika.com/ott-news/aachari-baa-trailer-out-on-jio-hotstar-know-release-date-19453986 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception == The film received mixed reviews from critics. The ''Times of India'' rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, noting that while the film touches on themes such as parental neglect and women’s emancipation, its storytelling was predictable and lacked emotional depth.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aachari Baa Review : Heartfelt moments drowned in predictability |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/aachari-baa/ottmoviereview/119067927.cms |access-date=2025-04-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Abhi Singhal of ''Daily Pioneer'' rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting "Aachari Baa is more than just a film-it is an experience that tugs at the heartstrings. It beautifully conveys themes of self-worth, loneliness, and unexpected companionship, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages."<ref>{{Cite web |title=A heart touching story of a mother's love and longing |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2025/vivacity/a-heart-touching-story-of-a-mother---s-love-and-longing.html |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=The Pioneer |language=en}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb title|tt36129120}}
Category:2025 films Category:2025 Hindi-language films Category:2025 Indian films Category:Indian family films Category:Films set in Gujarat Category:Films set in Mumbai Category:Indian drama films Category:Indian direct-to-video films Category:Hindi remakes of Tamil films