- By Entertainment Desk
- Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maa Movie Review: Finding a horror film that balances raw emotion with authentic terror, without falling into overused clichés, is a rarity, but it seems Kajol has achieved it. The recently released Bollywood movie Maa, directed by Vishal Furia, does exactly that with striking boldness and artistry. Instead of relying on jump scares and formulaic horror, the film weaves a compelling narrative intertwined with themes of sorrow, resilience, and ancient fears. At its emotional heart is Kajol, delivering a powerful performance that elevates Maa into a mythic tale layered with fury, tenderness, and unfailing maternal devotion.
The movie Maa, produced by Jio Studios and Devgn Films and presented by Jio Studios, has been one of the year's most eagerly anticipated releases since the trailer launched. What heightens the excitement is that the film is part of Ajay Devgn's popular Shaitaan universe and marks Kajol's first full horror film.
Maa Movie Plot
Set in the eerily tranquil village of Chandrapur, shrouded in mist and mystery, the film introduces Ambika (Kajol), a grieving widow fiercely dedicated to protecting her daughter Shweta (played by Kherin Sharma). Beneath the village’s seemingly peaceful surface hides an age-old malevolence: a Daitya born from ancient bloodlines and long-buried curses. As Ambika confronts this lurking darkness, the story develops into a gripping blend of folklore and psychological horror.
What sets Maa apart is its refusal to treat mythology as mere aesthetic; instead, it brings contemporary life to the legend of Kali and Raktabeej, imbuing the myth with urgency and symbolic significance. The Daitya is not just a grotesque villain; it embodies generational trauma, silence, and suppressed guilt, making the horror feel personal and relevant. Furia masterfully balances grandeur with intimacy, crafting a narrative that feels both mythic and human.
Maa Movie Cast and Performances
Kajol offers a captivating performance as Ambika, navigating grief, rage, and transcendence with grace and intensity. Her portrayal is raw and profoundly felt, with moments of quiet sorrow transforming into divine strength, culminating in a spiritual and cinematic metamorphosis. It showcases Kajol’s remarkable ability to command the screen and immerse herself fully into the character.
The supporting cast adds depth to the story. Ronit Roy’s enigmatic portrayal of Joydev, the village sarpanch, walks a fine line between friend and foe. Kherin Sharma’s Shweta provides emotional depth, acting as the heart of the film’s rising tension. The supporting actors — Jitin Gulati, Gopal Singh, Yaaneea Bharadwaj, and Roopkatha Chakraborty — lend authenticity to Chandrapur’s layered community.
Visually, Maa is a haunting success. The cinematography depicts Chandrapur in surreal textures — from fog-shrouded woods to ancient temples. The village itself pulses with memory and menace, while the blend of practical effects and subtle CGI keeps the horror grounded. The Daitya’s presence is chilling and tragic — not merely a beast but a symbol of silence’s festering darkness.
The climactic Kali Shakti sequence is among the film’s most memorable moments — a crescendo of ritual, fury, and catharsis. Visually arresting and emotionally resonant, it captures the film’s spiritual and dramatic arcs in a breathtaking spectacle.
Also Read: Top Horror Movies To Binge Watch On OTT Before You Enjoy Kajol’s Maa
Maa Movie Verdict - 3.5/5
At its core, Maa is more than just horror; it’s a story of enduring love, loss, and a mother’s wrath turned divine. It ponders: What if grief could awaken godlike power? And what if protecting one’s child meant confronting the darkness within and beyond? Kajol’s performance makes this mythological thriller a meditation on strength born of suffering.