Maa Review: A Mother’s Mythological Might
Film Details
Title: Maa
Director: Vishal Furia (known for Chhorii)
Lead Cast: Kajol as Ambika, with Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma (as daughter), Jitin Gulati
Genre: Mythological horror‑thriller, set in the same universe as Shaitaan
Performances & Cinematic Style
Kajol: Universally praised for a powerful, emotionally charged performance; her “Kali avatar” is a highlight.
Supporting Cast: Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and newcomer Kherin Sharma deliver solid performances, though some roles are considered underdeveloped.
Cinematography & Music: The film’s visuals—especially during Kali Puja sequences—are noted to be vivid and immersive . Music includes traditional chants and emotional themes that enhance atmosphere.
Maa, directed by Vishal Furia and starring Kajol as Ambika, tells the chilling tale of a mother and daughter who confront an ancient demonic curse in their ancestral village of Chandarpur. As girls vanish and darkness gathers, Ambika becomes possessed by the fierce spirit of Goddess Kali to protect her child—a mythological‑horror blend that builds to an emotionally intense climax .
Performances
Kajol anchors the film with raw emotional power. Critics agree she “delivers a compelling performance as a mother pushed to the edge” , and Bollywood Hungama praises both her and Ronit Roy, calling them the “fine performances” that the film rests on . Audience reviews on Reddit mention that she “salvages striking but familiar myth‑meets‑fantasy horror,” indicating her presence uplifts the material.
While critics applaud the story’s heart, many observe the screenplay is uneven—slow first half, messy second half, and a climax that doesn’t fully deliver . Bollywood Hungama calls it “inconsistent” and highlights “an unacceptable plot point in the climax” . Audience voices echo similar sentiments about predictability and script weaknesses on Reddit .
The film stands out for its unique premise and acting, particularly Kajol's, but is let down by inconsistent VFX and writing. It’s a 3/5 experience: emotionally gripping, but not fully terrifying. A must-watch if you're drawn to myth‑horror, but manage your expectations .
Box Office
Day 1 (June 27): ₹4.65 cr
Day 2–3: ₹6 cr + ₹7 cr; solid weekend total of ≈₹17.65 cr
Weekdays( Box Office)
Day 4 (Mon): ₹2.25 cr – a sharp 68% weekday drop
Day 5 (Tue): ~₹3 cr (a slight rebound)
Day 6 (Wed): ~₹1.75 cr; cumulative total ~₹24.9 cr
Milestones & Context:
Now Kajol’s 9th highest-grossing film .
At pace to surpass classics like Karan Arjun (~₹25.75 cr) .
Already outgrossed other 2025 hits like Emergency and Fateh.
Despite a steep weekday drop, it’s holding steady—positive reviews and word-of-mouth, especially around Kajol’s performance and mythological twist, may carry it past ₹30 cr.
Final Take: Worth Your Time?
For fans of mythological horror, Maa delivers an emotional punch and a powerful central performance by Kajol. The atmospheric visuals and cultural roots add flavor. Just be aware—don’t expect consistent VFX or a flawlessly structured narrative. It’s more of a heartfelt, culturally rooted thriller than a relentless scare-fest.
If you're intrigued by folklore-infused horror and compelling performances, Maa is worth watching in a dark theatre. But if you're seeking non-stop chills and high-end horror production, this may not fully satisfy.
Rating
Acting ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Kajol & Ronit Roy shine)
Story & Writing ⭐⭐½ (Uneven pacing, familiar tropes)
Horror & VFX ⭐⭐½ (Atmospheric but inconsistent)
Box Office ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Approaching ₹25 cr+, solid hold)
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