Maa Review: Kajol leads a gripping and convincing, but slightly overlong supernatural thriller celebrating the valour of Maa Kali

Plot

Forty years ago in the village of Chandarpur, a newborn girl was offered as a sacrifice to Maa Kali, appeasing a demon known as the Daitya, who resided within a cursed tree in the village. The unfortunate tradition fell upon families like Ambika (Kajol) and Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), whose daughters were destined for this grim fate. To shield their daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) from such a horrific ritual, they chose to live apart. Following Shuvankar’s untimely demise, Ambika and Shweta returned to Chandarpur to sell their ancestral home.

In a chilling and unwelcoming manner, the village seems to exude an unsettling atmosphere. Regardless of their attempts to find a buyer, no one shows interest in purchasing the house. The sarpanch (Ronit Roy) offers help but struggles to secure a deal for Ambika as well. Ambika uncovers a disturbing truth: the Daitya abducts girls during their first menstruation cycle, leaving them cursed and infertile. When Shweta experiences her first period, she attracts the demon’s attention, given that she managed to evade the family’s sacrificial ritual. As Ambika tries to escape with Shweta, cursed village girls capture Shweta for the Daitya.

With the courageous vigor of Mother Kali coursing through her veins, Ambika bravely faces the demon, hoping to rescue her daughter and lift the curse plaguing the village. Will she succeed in this noble quest? Tune in to discover the answer!

What Works for Maa

Mother captivates you with its intriguing tale derived from folklore, maintaining a balance between novelty and tradition. Its chilling ambiance and haunting noises draw you into its frightening realm. The dialogues are impactful, embodying the essence of Maa Kali. The action sequences are exhilarating, particularly the car chase in the second act where Ambika and her daughter frantically flee the village to save themselves.

Maa carries the typical elements found in a commercially-produced horror movie, complete with jump scares, intense drama, flashbacks, and heightened emotions that build tension. Remarkably, considering its limited budget, the visual effects are impressive. The Kali Shakti song sends shivers down your spine and instantly boosts the energy level. Lastly, listing every mother’s name as a middle name in the credits is a thoughtful, understated detail.

What Doesn’t Work for Maa

The movie seems a bit extended, particularly during the first hour, and could benefit from a 20-minute reduction for a swifter tempo. Although most visual effects are well-executed, certain sequences require further refinement. The final battle against the demon is exhilarating, yet it falls short of the expected intensity due to the high-stakes scenario. Lastly, the narrative surrounding Shaitaan appears tenuous, making it difficult to invest emotionally in that storyline. A more consistent connection to Shaitaan could have significantly improved the overall film.

Maa Plays In Theatres Now

Performances in Maa

Kajol delivers a remarkable performance as Ambika. She injects intensity and sincerity into the role, commanding each scene with an exquisite blend of power and compassion. Kherin Sharma portrays Shweta convincingly, exhibiting a natural flair. Indraneil Sengupta, playing Shuvankar, infuses warmth and depth. Lastly, Ronit Roy stands out, as his character’s progression captivates the audience.

Jitin Gulati, portraying Sarfaraz, delivers an earthy and convincing act. Roopkatha Chakraborty, in her role as Dipika, is truly remarkable; she’s ripe for more substantial characters. Vibha Rani brings a sense of weight to her role as the priestess. The rest of the cast performs admirably.

Final Verdict of Maa

This film, titled “Maa,” is tailor-made for those who enjoy supernatural horror genres. It offers top-notch production values and a narrative deeply rooted in Indian culture. Kajol shines as the leading actress. Although there are some lethargic moments and minor imperfections, it successfully delivers suspense, action, and emotional depth.

If you love spooky films with a commercial twist, catch Maa at a theater near you.

2025-06-27 06:37