🎬 Film Review: Ma
**Maa (2025) Film Review: A Haunting Blend of Maternal Ferocity and Supernatural Dread**
Vishal Furia’s *Maa*, released on June 27, 2025, is a bold foray into the supernatural thriller genre, anchored by a powerhouse performance from Kajol, who steps into uncharted territory with her first horror role. Certified UA 16+, this Hindi-language film, also released in Bengali, Tamil, and other languages, delivers a chilling narrative about a mother’s unrelenting fight against a centuries-old curse. With a runtime that keeps you on edge, *Maa* combines atmospheric horror, mythological depth, and emotional intensity, though it doesn’t always escape the pitfalls of its ambitious scope.
**Plot and Themes**
Set against the eerie backdrop of Chandarpur, *Maa* follows Kajol’s character, a fierce mother who transforms into a warrior-like figure—evoking the goddess Kali—to protect her daughter and family from a demonic curse unleashed during a fateful road trip. Part of the *Shaitaan* cinematic universe, the film explores the primal bond between mother and child, weaving in folklore and supernatural elements. The narrative hinges on the mother’s discovery of a malevolent force tied to ancient rituals, blending psychological tension with visceral horror. Themes of sacrifice, resilience, and maternal instinct resonate strongly, elevated by Furia’s knack for grounding supernatural terror in human emotion.
**Performances**
Kajol is the beating heart of *Maa*, delivering a performance that’s both ferocious and vulnerable. Her ability to convey raw emotion through a single glance is mesmerizing. She navigates the high-tension demands of the role with remarkable intensity, though she described the experience as “emotionally draining.” Ronit Roy, as a supporting figure, brings gravitas, though his role feels underutilized. Indraneil Sengupta and Kherin Sharma round out the cast effectively, but the spotlight remains on Kajol’s commanding presence.
**Direction and Craft**
Vishal Furia crafts a visually striking film that balances eerie atmospherics with moments of visceral dread. The Chandarpur setting, shrouded in mist, amplifies the sense of foreboding, while the cinematography captures both family dynamics and supernatural terror. The haunting score and sound design, paired with the powerful *KaliShakti* song, heighten the film’s intensity, making it a theatrical experience best felt on the big screen. However, some sequences lean heavily on special effects, which may feel excessive to some viewers.
**Strengths and Weaknesses**
*Maa* shines in merging mythological horror with emotional stakes, a rarity in Hindi cinema’s horror landscape. Standout scenes of Kajol battling demonic forces deliver goosebump-inducing moments. However, the pacing falters in the second act, with expository dialogue about the curse’s origins feeling heavy. Some plot threads, including ties to the *Shaitaan* universe, may confuse newcomers. While the folklore is compelling, it occasionally relies on familiar horror tropes, which might dilute its freshness.
**Audience Reception**
Early reactions from special screenings and social media praise Kajol’s “fire-breathing” performance and the film’s atmospheric tension. The trailer’s “creepy yet intriguing” moments generated buzz, though some viewers hope the film avoids overusing visual effects, a common genre pitfall.
**Verdict**
*Maa* is a gripping supernatural thriller that showcases Kajol at her finest, carrying the film with a heart-wrenching and terrifying performance. Vishal Furia delivers a visually immersive experience that taps into the primal power of maternal love, though minor narrative hiccups exist. For fans of horror and Kajol, *Maa* is a must-watch in theaters, offering a chilling blend of myth and emotion that lingers. It’s a worthy addition to Hindi cinema’s horror canon, even if it doesn’t fully redefine it.
Rating: 3.5/5
*Recommended for: Horror enthusiasts, Kajol fans, and those seeking an emotionally charged supernatural tale.*
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