Maa (2025) Review: Kajol’s Mythological-Horror Marks a Return to Form

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Director: Vishal Furia
Cast: Kajol, Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma

What’s the Story

Maa is set in a remote village in West Bengal where young girls have mysteriously disappeared. Kajol plays Ambika, a mother who arrives with her daughter Shweta to sell her late husband’s ancestral home. But soon, they find themselves entangled in a dark legend involving missing girls, a centuries-old curse, and a haunting temple. As the fear deepens, Ambika is forced to invoke the divine powers of Maa Kaali to protect her daughter, leading to a tense battle between good and evil.

Direction and Narrative

Director Vishal Furia, who impressed audiences with his earlier horror film Shaitaan, takes the mythological-horror route again with Maa. This time, he digs deeper into folklore and female-driven strength. The film moves slowly in the first half, building atmosphere and suspense. While some viewers felt the pacing was too slow and the horror underwhelming, others appreciated the layered storytelling and emotional weight of a mother’s fight against darkness. The story mixes mythology, maternal emotion, and supernatural fear to deliver something rarely seen in Hindi cinema.

Kajol and the Cast

Kajol delivers a stunning and fierce performance as Ambika. She transitions smoothly from a grieving widow to a warrior mother ready to face mythical forces. Her powerful screen presence and emotional depth anchor the entire film. Many audiences and critics praised her work, calling it one of her finest performances in recent years.

Ronit Roy gives a solid performance as the village elder, adding realism to the eerie surroundings. Indraneil Sengupta and Kherin Sharma (who plays Kajol’s daughter) support the story well, although their character development feels limited at times.

Visuals and Technical Aspects

The cinematography captures the mysterious village beautifully. Misty fields, ancient temples, and dense forests create an immersive horror landscape. The lighting and camera angles elevate the fear factor without using too many jump scares.

The VFX work is a mix of strong and weak. The scenes involving divine transformation and mythological elements are impressive, but some CGI moments do look unpolished. The music and background score complement the story well, especially during the emotional and intense climax.

Box Office Performance

The film opened to a strong weekend, collecting nearly ₹20 crore in its first three days. Day four saw a slight drop in collections, but interest remains strong among family audiences and fans of supernatural drama. Industry experts predict the film will hold steady due to positive word-of-mouth and Kajol’s fan following.

Audience and Critical Response

Viewers appreciated the fresh concept of combining mythology with horror and Kajol’s commanding performance. However, reactions were mixed regarding the screenplay. While some viewers found it powerful and emotional, others felt the pacing slowed the tension.

The film has been rated around 8.4 on IMDb and has received an average of 3 out of 5 stars from major critics. It has been described as one of the more unique horror dramas in recent Bollywood history.

OTT Release Plans

Maa is expected to stream on Netflix by late August 2025, approximately six to eight weeks after its theatrical release. The digital premiere is likely to bring a larger audience to the film, especially those interested in mythology-themed thrillers.

Final Verdict

Maa is a rare Hindi film that dares to combine mythological elements with emotional storytelling and horror. Kajol carries the film with fierce grace, turning a mother’s love into a divine force. Despite some flaws in pacing and visual effects, the film’s originality and emotional impact make it worth watching.

This is not a typical horror film filled with constant jump scares. Instead, Maa is more thoughtful, symbolic, and emotionally grounded. It’s a story of love, sacrifice, faith, and feminine power. For those looking for something different and deeply rooted in Indian culture, Maa delivers a haunting and heartfelt experience.

Should You Watch It

Yes, if you enjoy strong performances, culturally rich stories, and horror with a mythological twist.

Maybe not, if you prefer fast-paced, traditional horror films loaded with nonstop scares.

Final Thoughts

Maa is a bold and refreshing addition to Indian horror cinema. With a commanding central performance by Kajol, a unique premise, and emotional depth, it stands out as a film that blends faith, fear, and folklore. Despite its few missteps, it leaves a lasting impression and showcases the power of motherhood in the most divine way possible.