Welcome Obama(2013)
'Welcome Obama' is a 2013 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It stars Urmila Kanetkar as Yashodha, Rachel Wise as Lucy, and Esteban as the child Krishna. The story follows a poor single mother who becomes a surrogate for an American woman. After a pregnancy complication, the American woman cancels the contract but later returns to claim the healthy child. The film is a remake of the Marathi film 'Mala Aai Vhhaychy!' and was shot on Eastmancolor film in 33 days. Critics praised the emotional core but noted slow pacing and weak comedy. The film was released on 20 September 2013.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 20 September 2013
- Director
- Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h
- Rating
- 5.5/10
Storyline
A poor single mother named Yashodha agrees to be a surrogate for Lucy, an American woman. After a fall during pregnancy, Lucy cancels the contract and returns to the US. Yashodha gives birth to a healthy boy and raises him as her own. Years later, Lucy returns to take the child away.
“A mother is not just the one who gives birth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title 'Welcome Obama' was inspired by the 2008 U.S. presidential election, aiming to connect with a global political moment.
- Director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, known for pioneering films in multiple languages, was in his early 80s when he made this movie.
- Actress Hema Malini, who plays Yashoda, took on a surrogate mother role at a time when such topics were rarely explored in Telugu cinema.
- The movie's plot involving surrogacy and an accident was considered a bold social drama compared to typical commercial films of that year.
- Despite its serious theme, the film includes light-hearted family moments, blending drama with traditional Telugu family entertainment elements.
- The soundtrack was composed by M.M. Keeravani, a renowned composer who later won an Oscar for 'RRR' in 2023.
- The film had a limited theatrical release and is not widely remembered, making it a lesser-known entry in the director's long career.