Vishal Furia’s Maa, a Jio Studios production, is set to join the Shaitaan Universe. Released on June 27th, the film stars Kajol in the leading role, with supporting performances from Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Surjyasikha Das, and Gopal Singh.
Story
Set in the eerie landscapes of Chandrapur, West Bengal, this film is a chilling blend of mythology, fantasy, and horror. Its dark heart lies in an age-old royal custom: the ritualistic sacrifice of every royal girl child to Goddess Kali, a desperate plea for protection against a monstrous entity terrorizing the region.
Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), a royal scion, and his wife Ambika (Kajol) have painstakingly kept their daughter, Shweta (Kherin Sharma), hidden for 12 years, far from the ancestral palace and its gruesome tradition. But their carefully constructed secrecy crumbles.
Upon his father’s demise, Shuvankar returns to Chandrapur, only to meet a sudden end himself, leaving Ambika and Shweta stranded. Forced by circumstances, Ambika reluctantly journeys back to the very place she feared most, her daughter Shweta unknowingly drawn by a morbid curiosity to the family’s now-for-sale palace.
As Ambika steps onto the cursed grounds, she confronts a horrifying legacy, witnessing inexplicable and terrifying events. The remainder of the narrative plunges into her desperate struggle as a mother to shield her daughter from the monstrous evil that awakens around them.
Performances
Kajol’s performance as Ambika is a clear highlight, particularly in her convincing depiction of a divinely chosen individual. Her characteristic ability to emote powerful maternal instincts further enhances her role, putting her in a position to practically shoulder the film’s success and potentially uplift Devgn Films.
Unfortunately, the contributions from the remaining cast, including Ronit Roy, are largely unremarkable. This general mediocrity seems to be a consequence of a shallow script and sub-par VFX, which ultimately compromise the film’s believability.
Behind the scenes
Director Vishal Furia deserves significant credit for skillfully balancing horror with emotional depth in Maa. He commendably interweaves unsettling horror elements with deeply human moments, successfully striking the right balance between eerie atmosphere and genuine connection.
The film’s music also stands out. Usha Uthup’s voice on the mythological track ‘Kali Shakti’ powerfully elevates the mood, especially with its impactful visuals featuring Kajol. Another song, ‘Humnava,’ offers a soothing contrast while effectively complementing a key subplot.
Final Verdict
While Maa does exhibit some pacing issues—particularly in Ambika’s drawn-out search for the demon Amsaja in the haunted jungle—its narrative strength lies in its intricate subplots. Though they may at first appear disjointed, these threads skillfully connect, adding considerable depth and intrigue to the story.
Maa diverges from standard horror; instead, it offers an emotionally rich portrayal of motherhood set against a backdrop of mythological mystique. This makes it a commendable watch for those interested in unconventional horror, proving that while it might not deliver jump scares, it leaves a powerful, enduring mark.
