Last updated: 8 May 2026


Hindi · Drama
1h 39m · 26 Jan 2005
Music: Sulaiman Merchant, Salim Merchant | DOP: Venu | Writer: Manish Jha
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Matrubhoomi is a dystopian drama set in a remote Indian village where a severe gender imbalance has resulted in the near extinction of women. The story revolves around the consequences of this imbalance, focusing on the lives of the remaining men and the arrival of a lone woman who becomes the center of attention and conflict. The film explores themes of patriarchy, gender violence, and societal decay, portraying a grim future if gender discrimination continues unchecked.
Matrubhoomi delivers a stark and unsettling narrative that confronts the audience with the harsh realities of gender imbalance and its social repercussions. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a strong emphasis on realism and minimalistic storytelling that avoids melodrama. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually, especially in the second half where the consequences of the village's predicament become more intense and tragic.
The first half effectively sets up the bleak environment and introduces the characters with subtlety, while the second half escalates the emotional and moral conflicts, culminating in a powerful and disturbing climax. The film’s music, composed by Sulaiman Merchant and Salim Merchant, is sparse but impactful, with the background score enhancing the tense and somber mood without overpowering the narrative. The songs are minimal and used strategically to maintain the film’s realism and tone.
Cinematography by Venu captures the barren and desolate landscape beautifully, reinforcing the film’s themes of isolation and despair. Overall, Matrubhoomi is a hard-hitting social commentary that uses its technical and narrative elements effectively to provoke thought and discussion about gender issues in India.
Tulip Joshi: A restrained and poignant portrayal of the lone woman in the village, conveying vulnerability and strength.
Sushant Singh: Delivers a compelling performance as one of the conflicted men, balancing aggression and despair.
Piyush Mishra: Strong supporting role with nuanced expressions of societal frustration.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Manish Jha's direction is bold and uncompromising, focusing on a hard-hitting social issue with sensitivity and realism. His writing avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a grounded and impactful narrative that challenges viewers to reflect on the consequences of gender discrimination.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Matrubhoomi for its courageous storytelling and realistic portrayal of a dystopian society affected by gender imbalance. The film was lauded for its strong performances, especially by Tulip Joshi and Sushant Singh, and its impactful direction by Manish Jha. While some noted the slow pacing and minimalistic approach might not appeal to all, the overall reception highlighted the film's importance and artistic merit.
Final Box-Office Result
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women released on 26 January 2005 (2005).
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women is declared a HIT at the box office.
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women OTT release date not announced yet.
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women directed by Manish Jha. Produced by Nicolas Blanc, Patrick Sobelman, Punkej Kharabanda.
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women stars Tulip Joshi, Sudhir Pandey, Sushant Singh, Pankaj Jha, Piyush Mishra.
Tollybo rates Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Music for Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women composed by Sulaiman Merchant, Salim Merchant.
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 99 minutes, Language: Hindi.