One of 2025’s most anticipated releases, Maa, starring Kajol, finally hit theatres today, June 27. Directed by Vishal Furia, the film stands out as a mythological horror that delves into the unwavering power of a mother’s love. At its core, Maa is about a mother’s relentless battle to save her daughter from a demonic force rooted in ancient evil.
Plot Summary
Set in the eerie and isolated village of Chandarpur in West Bengal, the story opens during the spiritually intense festival of Kali Puja. Amid the celebrations, a woman gives birth to twins. While the family rejoices over the arrival of a son, darkness soon creeps in as the girl child is cruelly sacrificed in a haunted jungle. This haunting act becomes the catalyst for the film’s chilling narrative, which picks up 40 years later.
In the present day, Ambika (played by Kajol), a literature professor, lives a quiet life in the city with her husband Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta) and their daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). Their peace is shattered when Shuvankar returns to his ancestral village for his father’s funeral and meets a mysterious and tragic fate. Ambika and Shweta travel to Chandarpur to uncover the truth, only to find themselves facing a terrifying entity known as Amsaja—a demon responsible for the disappearance of several young girls.
As Ambika begins her descent into the cursed jungle to protect her daughter, she discovers secrets tied to her own past, spirituality, and the wrath of the goddess Kali. The film masterfully fuses myth and fear, weaving an unsettling but poignant tale of maternal strength.
What Makes Maa Different?
Maa doesn’t rely solely on horror tropes. Instead, it thrives on the intensity of its mythology and emotional weight. The film opens with Ambika teaching her students about the legend of Goddess Kali and the demon Raktabeej, a scene that not only educates but also foreshadows the supernatural chaos to come.
Visually, the film leaves a strong impact—especially during the Kali Puja sequences, which are spiritually charged and hauntingly beautiful. The scares are well-executed, and the tension builds slowly, making the horror more psychological than predictable. A standout moment involving the festival becomes a pivotal turning point that’s both majestic and terrifying.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. Certain portions, especially where Ambika roams the jungle in search of the demon, feel overly long and disrupt the pacing. The film also juggles multiple subplots, which may seem disjointed at first. But as the story progresses, each thread finds its place, adding richness and complexity to the narrative.
Direction and Music
Director Vishal Furia brings a sharp vision to Maa, managing to blend supernatural horror with emotional realism. He creates a world where myth bleeds into reality, and where human emotion is just as powerful as any demonic force.
The music of the film complements its eerie tone. Usha Uthup’s voice in Kali Shakti elevates one of the film’s most powerful sequences, adding to the spiritual and visual grandeur. Another track, Humnava, offers a soothing break, tying in gently with the film’s emotional layers.
Performances
Kajol delivers a knockout performance as Ambika. She effortlessly channels strength, vulnerability, and maternal fury, especially during the climactic scenes. Her portrayal adds immense depth to the narrative and might just be one of her most unforgettable roles to date.
Newcomer Kherin Sharma, playing Shweta, gives a heartfelt performance, while Indraneil Sengupta leaves an impression despite limited screen time. Ronit Roy, in a surprising role, adds intensity to the second half of the film.
Final Verdict
Maa is more than just a horror film—it’s a tale of motherhood, mythology, and the fight between light and darkness. Kajol leads the narrative with powerful grace, supported by a haunting yet emotionally resonant storyline. While not flawless, Maa is a bold, genre-blending experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
