Ajji (2017)
Ajji is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Devashish Makhija. The film stars Sushama Deshpande as the titular grandmother, with Sharvani Suryavanshi, Smita Tambe, and Abhishek Banerjee in supporting roles. The story follows an elderly woman who seeks brutal revenge after her young granddaughter is raped by the son of a powerful local politician. Set in a corrupt small town where the police and judiciary are controlled by the wealthy, the film explores themes of maternal love, systemic failure, and vigilante justice. It is a modern, dark reimagining of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The film was shot in 18 days on a modest budget. It received critical acclaim for its performances and direction, winning several awards at international film festivals. Ajji was released in India on November 24, 2017, by Yoodlee Films.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 24 November 2017
- Director
- Devashish Makhija
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
After her young granddaughter Manda is brutally raped by the son of a powerful politician, an elderly grandmother named Ajji finds no help from the corrupt police. Determined to get justice, she takes matters into her own hands. With the help of unlikely allies, she plans a brutal revenge against the man who destroyed her family.
“A grandmother's love becomes a weapon.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot in just 18 days in the slums of Mumbai.
- The director, Devashish Makhija, originally wrote the script as a short film in 2013.
- The film's lead actress, Sushama Deshpande, was a veteran Marathi theatre artist in her 70s.
- It was inspired by the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood, with Ajji as the wolf.
- The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival before its Indian release.
- To create a gritty look, the cinematographer used minimal artificial lighting.
- The child actor who played Manda, Sharvani Suryavanshi, was a first-time performer.