Director: Vishal Furia
Rating: **½
Vishal Furia, known for the chilling Chhorii, returns with Maa, a horror-mythological film anchored by a mother’s love and the power of divine rage. With a gripping premise rooted in the legend of Goddess Kali and Raktabija, the film promised supernatural terror wrapped in emotional intensity. Unfortunately, what unfolds is a half-baked horror experience where strong concepts are smothered under a sluggish screenplay, uneven performances, and unconvincing visual effects.
Plot Summary: A Chilling Tale That Lacks Real Heat
The film opens dramatically — a child’s sacrifice in Chandrapur sets the eerie tone. Fast-forward 40 years, and we meet Ambika (Kajol), happily settled with her husband Shubhankar (Indraneil Sengupta) and their daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). But fate drags them back to Chandrapur, Shubhankar’s ancestral village, after the death of his father. His own unexpected demise soon follows, plunging the grieving family into a dark spiral.
On the insistence of family friend Joydev (Ronit Roy), Ambika returns to Chandrapur with Shweta, only to encounter a sinister presence linked to an age-old myth — every drop of the demon Raktabija’s blood creates a new monster. While the story has the right elements for an intense supernatural thriller, the execution is sluggish, with the film taking too long to build any real sense of horror.
Thematic Foundation: Feminism and Faith in the Fog
Maa tries to root its horror in social and religious allegory. Beneath the layers of ritualistic imagery and thickly-accented dialogues lies a feminist core — the transformation of a helpless mother into a divine force. The problem? This powerful message is drowned under the weight of poor pacing and inconsistent storytelling. The intent is noble, but the impact is minimal.
The concept of divine motherhood — a woman channeling Ma Kali’s wrath to protect her child — comes to life only in the final act. That brief moment where Ambika turns into a fierce protector is well-executed, but it's a case of too little, too late.
Performances: Kajol Stays Safe, Ronit Roy Experiments
Kajol, portraying Ambika, delivers a familiar performance. Her character arc remains static — from a grieving widow to a vengeful mother, there’s little emotional depth or transformation. The performance lacks the raw energy or vulnerability needed to make the audience truly invest in her journey. It’s Kajol being Kajol — solid but predictable.
Ronit Roy, on the other hand, brings a refreshing edge to his role as Joydev. He explores his character’s nuances with more freedom and conviction. Sadly, the chemistry between Ambika and her daughter doesn’t spark emotionally, and that connection — crucial to the story — feels underdeveloped.
The Monster Problem: More Screen Time, Less Scare
The supernatural entity, central to the horror, suffers from a classic genre mistake — confusing visibility with fear. Despite getting ample screen time, the creature never quite frightens. Its design feels lifted from a low-budget TV drama, and the CGI further dilutes its menace. Instead of building dread, it becomes a visual distraction that never feels real or terrifying.
Technical Aspects: Visuals That Undermine the Vision
A horror film thrives on atmosphere — lighting, sound design, and pacing must work in harmony. Unfortunately, Maa fumbles here too. The VFX is unconvincing, often pulling the viewer out of the film’s world. The sound design lacks tension, and the cinematography, though serviceable, fails to evoke the dread or mystique expected from a mythological horror tale.
Adding a song during the climax feels unnecessary and tonally misplaced. It interrupts the film’s emotional crescendo and further muddles the narrative.
Final Verdict: Great Potential, Poor Payoff
Maa had all the ingredients for a standout genre film — myth, maternal rage, haunted villages, and a deep-rooted legend. But the direction fails to stir these elements together with conviction. The slow buildup, predictable character arcs, and underwhelming horror dilute the film's impact. The message of a mother’s unstoppable strength is powerful but gets buried beneath conventional tropes and half-hearted scares.
Should You Watch It?
If you're a die-hard Kajol fan or appreciate films attempting to blend mythology with horror, you might find a few redeeming moments. But if you're looking for genuine scares, emotional depth, or a gripping mythological thriller, Maa may leave you wanting more.
