Maa, the latest supernatural horror-thriller from Ajay Devgn’s production house, has officially hit theatres—and it’s not pulling any punches. With Kajol at the helm, this eerie tale dives into folklore, family secrets, and divine wrath, all wrapped up in a suspense-laced package. While the film struggles to maintain momentum in parts, its emotional intensity and Kajol’s commanding screen presence keep the ship afloat. A spiritual sibling to Shaitaan, Maa serves both chills and maternal grit in nearly equal measure.
A Familiar Myth Wears a Fresh (If Predictable) Costume
Set in the haunting village of Chanderpur, the story kicks off with a disturbing ritual—one twin celebrated, the other sacrificed under centuries-old superstition. Fast forward four decades and that “discarded” past comes knocking. Ambika (Kajol), now a devoted mother in Kolkata, is forced to return to the cursed village when her daughter Shweta’s life is threatened by the same darkness that once claimed another child. What follows is a battle between a mother’s love and an ancient evil, with the goddess Kali’s spirit woven into the climax.
The narrative echoes horror films like Munjya and Pari—there’s a spooky tree, an old mansion, a buried secret, and yes, a lot of fog. But Maa attempts to give these overused tropes a mythological and emotional punch.
Kajol Shines, Even as the Script Struggles
Kajol is easily the best part of Maa. Whether she’s weeping in fear, roaring in rage, or invoking divine strength, she carries the entire film on her shoulders. Her performance is raw, fierce, and unfiltered—exactly what this role demands. Indraneil Sengupta as her husband, Ronit Roy in a surprise role, and Kherrin Sharma as daughter Shweta all do their parts well, though Sharma’s voice could’ve used a less shrill touch.
Despite the solid performances, the film is weighed down by a sluggish first half. Director Vishal Furia builds the atmosphere but forgets to move the story forward, testing the audience’s patience before finally hitting stride post-intermission.
A Second Half That Almost Redeems the First
Things improve dramatically in the second half. The pacing picks up, the stakes rise, and the horror elements get sharper. There are some genuinely effective jump scares, and the buildup to the climax is intense. The visual effects and sound design, while not groundbreaking, are competent enough to hold tension. The climactic sequence delivers, though one bizarre and unnecessary scene toward the end may leave you scratching your head. The film’s soundtrack is unmemorable but does the job. More importantly, the emotional payoff between mother and daughter lands well, leaving a satisfying aftertaste.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch for Kajol and the Kali-Fueled Chaos
Maa may not reach the tight narrative highs of Shaitaan, but it earns its place in the same cinematic universe with a story that’s emotionally grounded and thematically rich. Kajol delivers one of her most intense performances in recent memory, reminding us why she remains a powerhouse. Yes, the screenplay falters and the pacing drags early on, but once the film finds its feet, it charges forward with divine fury.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for a horror story with heart, heritage, and a whole lot of maternal rage.
