Kajol’s much-awaited 2025 release, Maa, finally hit the big screens, and it’s not your average horror flick. Maa stars Kajol, Kherin Sharma, Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Rupkatha Chakraborty. Directed by Vishal Furia, the film dares to go beyond standard jump scares and loud BGM. Instead, it attempts to explore the deep-rooted bond of a mother and daughter while wrapping it in mythology, horror, and raw emotion. So, does it deliver? Let’s break it down.
Maa Story
Set in the haunting backdrop of Chandarpur, West Bengal, the film opens on Kali Puja night — a night that marks both celebration and horror. A woman gives birth to twins, and while the arrival of the boy is celebrated, the girl is shockingly sacrificed by the family matriarch in a cursed forest.
The story fast-forwards 40 years to Ambika (Kajol), her husband Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), and their daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) living a happy city life — until tragedy strikes. Shuvankar’s sudden death under mysterious circumstances takes Ambika and Shweta back to the same village, Chandarpur, unaware of the ancient evil — a demon named Amsaja — that has haunted Chandarpur for decades. What follows is a terrifying yet emotionally powerful journey of a mother who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter.
Maa Movie Review
What makes Maa stand out is its ability to blend horror with emotion. The film opens strong, with an intense mythological narration about Goddess Kali and Raktabeej. It sets the tone and theme beautifully. The Kali Puja sequences, especially, are haunting and visually stunning. You feel the chill not just from the horror but also from the weight of the rituals and the atmosphere.
Yes, the pace dips in the middle, especially in the jungle scenes involving the search for Amsaja. Some subplots may confuse you initially, but they gradually fall into place as the story unfolds. Vishal Furia, who returns after Chhorii 2, shows restraint and maturity. The film never tries to shock you cheaply. Instead, it slowly builds fear and tension while staying rooted in emotion.
The writing by Saiwyn Quadras is gripping — the mythological link between Raktabeej and Amsaja is smartly done. Ajit Jagtap and Aamil Keeyan Khan’s dialogues are sharp and occasionally poetic.
And the music? Usha Uthup’s voice in Kali Shakti elevates the film to another level. Jubin Nautiyal’s ‘Humanava Mere’ is reprised in the soulful voice of Shreya Ghoshal’s ‘Humnava’, and this touch adds emotional gravitas. Jubin’s song was a chartbuster, and using it in Shreya’s voice to showcase the mother-daughter bond to carry the story forward deserves applause.
Maa Movie Performances
Kajol as Ambika is a force. Easily one of her most layered performances in recent years. She carries grief, rage, and maternal warmth all in the same frame — and switches between them effortlessly. The climax sequence is all Kajol — raw, fiery, and deeply emotional.
Kherin Sharma is a fresh find and does a decent job as Shweta. Indraneil Sengupta is impactful despite his limited screen time. Ronit Roy is a surprise package, and Rupkatha Chakraborty also leaves a mark. Dibyendu Bhattacharya played his part with sincerity. The supporting cast is strong and contributes meaningfully to the story.
Final Verdict
Maa is more than just a horror film. It’s a spiritual, emotional, and mythological experience wrapped in mystery and maternal strength. Yes, it has a few slow patches and slightly complex subplots, but it ultimately lands where it matters — your heart. If you’re up for something different, something that gives you goosebumps while also making you tear up, and mythological horror is your genre, Maa is worth your time.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
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