Maa (2025) Movie: Kajol’s Fierce Mother Act Can’t Save This Predictable Story
Maa (2025) brings Kajol back to horror cinema after years. Director Vishal Furia creates a mythological thriller about a mother’s fight against supernatural forces.
The film stars Kajol, Ronit Bose Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma. Released on June 27, 2025, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali languages.
Story That Blends Myth with Modern Horror
Ambika (Kajol) lives peacefully in Kolkata with husband Shubankar and daughter Shweta. Their calm life shatters when supernatural forces target their family.
The story follows Ambika’s transformation from simple housewife to powerful protector. Ancient mythological forces awaken, threatening her daughter’s safety.
I found the mother-daughter bond compelling throughout. The film explores divine feminine power and maternal instinct effectively.
Kajol Delivers Her Best Performance
Kajol dominates every scene with her powerful acting. Her character evolution from vulnerable mother to fierce protector feels authentic and engaging.
I was impressed by how she handled both emotional and action sequences. Ronit Roy provides solid support, though his role deserved more development.
Kherin Sharma as the daughter shows promise. The supporting cast delivers adequate performances but lacks consistency in some parts.
Technical Excellence Shines Through
The film excels in visual imagery and practical effects. Makeup work brings mythological creatures to life convincingly without over-relying on digital effects.
Cinematography captures both domestic tranquility and supernatural chaos effectively. The background score enhances horror elements, though it occasionally overwhelms emotional moments.
Production design creates authentic Bengali household settings. The mythological elements feel organic to the story world.
Direction Shows Ambition but Lacks Polish
Vishal Furia attempts to blend mythology with contemporary horror. Unfortunately, the execution feels like a TV serial rather than cinematic experience.
The screenplay has interesting ideas but suffers from predictable plotting. Some scenes feel underdeveloped, while others drag unnecessarily.
I noticed the pacing issues particularly in the first half. The transition between family drama and supernatural horror could have been smoother.
Mixed Reception from Critics and Audiences
Critics praised Kajol’s performance while criticizing the predictable screenplay. Most reviews highlighted technical strengths but pointed out narrative weaknesses.
Professional critics gave the film a 3/5 rating on average. Audiences appreciated Kajol’s return to challenging roles but felt disappointed with the storyline.
The 2.5-hour runtime became a major criticism point. Many viewers felt the story could have been told more effectively in shorter format.
What Works and What Doesn’t
Strengths include Kajol’s committed performance, strong technical aspects, and atmospheric horror sequences. The mythological concept differentiates it from typical horror films.
Cultural authenticity in depicting Bengali family life adds value. The film successfully showcases maternal love and determination.
Weaknesses involve predictable screenplay structure, uneven pacing, and TV-serial-like execution. Supporting characters remain underdeveloped throughout.
The lengthy runtime and inconsistent tone between family drama and horror elements hurt the overall impact.
Final Thoughts
Maa (2025) attempts something ambitious with mythological horror. Kajol’s performance and technical aspects provide solid foundations for the film.
I believe the movie succeeds in showcasing maternal power but fails to fully capitalize on its unique premise. The predictable screenplay and execution issues prevent it from becoming a standout entry.
For Kajol fans and supernatural horror enthusiasts, the film offers enough entertainment value. However, the flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Rating: 3/5
