**Maa (2025) Movie Review**
*Maa* is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language mythological horror film directed by Vishal Furia, starring Kajol in the lead role, alongside Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma. Positioned as a spinoff to the 2024 film *Shaitaan*, it’s set in the same cinematic universe and explores themes of maternal instinct, mythology, and supernatural horror. The film was released theatrically on June 27, 2025, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. Below is a detailed review based on available information, critical reception, and audience sentiment, without reproducing copyrighted material.
### Plot Summary
*Maa* follows Ambika (Kajol), a devoted mother living in Kolkata with her husband Shubankar (Indraneil Sengupta) and their 12-year-old daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). The family avoids Shubankar’s ancestral village, Chandrapur, due to its dark history tied to a demonic curse. After Shubankar’s father dies, he visits Chandrapur to handle family matters but meets a mysterious, supernatural death. Months later, Ambika and Shweta travel to the village to sell their ancestral property, only to encounter a sinister force linked to the myth of Raktabija, a demon whose blood spawns new evils. As young girls, including Shweta, vanish after their first menstruation, Ambika channels the power of Goddess Kali to confront the demon, Doito, in a battle to save her daughter and break the village’s curse. The story weaves themes of maternal love, female empowerment, and patriarchy, set against a backdrop of Bengali folklore and horror.
### Strengths
1. **Kajol’s Performance**: Kajol delivers a standout performance as Ambika, embodying both vulnerability and fierce resolve. Critics universally praise her ability to carry the film, particularly in the intense pre-climax and climax sequences, where her transformation into a Kali-like figure is both emotional and commanding. Her fiery dialogue delivery and emotional depth elevate the film’s weaker moments.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maa_%282025_film%29)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maa-movie-review-kajol-salvages-striking-but-familiar-myth-meets-fantasy-horror-2746906-2025-06-27)[](https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/maa-movie-review-kajols-great-but-75157.html)
2. **Mythological Integration**: The film’s use of the Kali-Raktabija myth adds a unique layer to the horror genre, grounding it in Indian spiritual and cultural narratives. The exploration of female infanticide and menstruation as plot elements, though heavy-handed at times, brings a socially relevant angle that resonates with audiences.[](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maa-movie-review-kajol-salvages-striking-but-familiar-myth-meets-fantasy-horror-2746906-2025-06-27)[](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/maa-movie-review-kajol-well-intentioned-film-keeps-first-half-loose-second-half-muddled-10091768/)
3. **Technical Aspects**: The cinematography by Pushkar Singh and the background score by Amar Mohile, Rakhi Khanna, and others create an eerie, immersive atmosphere. Certain sequences, like a car chase attacked by supernatural entities, are visually striking and technically well-executed. The production design, with its vivid depiction of a haunted village and forest, enhances the film’s mood.[](https://www.bollymoviereviewz.com/2025/06/maa-movie-review.html)[](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maa-4/critic-review/maa-4-movie-review/maa-is-a-one-of-a-kind-mythological-horror-film/)[](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/maa-movie-review-kajol-well-intentioned-film-keeps-first-half-loose-second-half-muddled-10091768/)
4. **Supporting Cast**: Ronit Roy shines as Joydev, the village sarpanch, delivering a nuanced performance despite criticism of his exaggerated Bengali accent. Indraneil Sengupta and supporting actors like Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Kherin Sharma provide solid support, though some roles are underutilized.[](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maa-4/critic-review/maa-4-movie-review/maa-is-a-one-of-a-kind-mythological-horror-film/)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maa-movie-review-kajol-salvages-striking-but-familiar-myth-meets-fantasy-horror-2746906-2025-06-27)
5. **Climax**: The final confrontation, where Ambika embodies Kali’s strength, is a highlight, with strong imagery and choreography that deliver goosebumps for some viewers. Posts on X and reviews highlight the climax as a saving grace, elevating the film’s impact.[](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/kajol-maa-hindi-movie-review.html)
### Weaknesses
1. **Predictable Plot and Screenplay**: Critics widely note that *Maa* suffers from a formulaic storyline, leaning heavily on familiar horror tropes and a predictable arc: a mother saving her child from a cursed past. The script, written by Saiwyn Quadras, is criticized for being inconsistent, with a slow first half and a muddled second half that fails to maintain tension or emotional depth.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30496762/)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maa_%282025_film%29)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maa-movie-review-kajol-salvages-striking-but-familiar-myth-meets-fantasy-horror-2746906-2025-06-27)
2. **Lack of Scares**: Despite its horror billing, *Maa* fails to deliver consistent chills. The antagonist, Doito, a tree-like CGI creature, is often described as underwhelming, resembling a less menacing version of Groot from *Guardians of the Galaxy*. Overreliance on jump scares and tacky VFX dilutes the fear factor.[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/maa-review-kajol-1236304490/)[](https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/maa-review/20250627.htm)[](https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/maa-movie-review-horror-is-a-myth-in-this-kajol-drama)
3. **Pacing Issues**: The film’s 135-minute runtime feels stretched, with a sluggish pace in the first half and unnecessary episodes that disrupt narrative flow. Critics suggest tighter editing could have improved engagement.[](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/kajol-maa-hindi-movie-review.html)[](https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-movies/movie-reviews/maa-movie-review-kajol-daughter-are-the-only-spark-in-this-otherwise-dim-directionless-routine-horror-drama/)
4. **Weak Antagonist and VFX**: The demon’s design and execution are a significant letdown, with CGI that feels dated or mid-budget. This undermines the film’s horror credibility, as the creature fails to evoke genuine terror.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30496762/)[](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maa-movie-review-kajols-film-takes-its-time-and-yours-but-forgets-to-bring-the-horror-in-this-mythological-drama-101750994318656.html)[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/maa-review-kajol-1236304490/)
5. **Cultural Stereotypes**: Set in Bengal, *Maa* is criticized for inauthentic portrayals, including exaggerated Bengali accents and stereotypical depictions that feel like caricatures. This detracts from the film’s cultural grounding and offends some viewers.[](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maa-movie-review-kajol-salvages-striking-but-familiar-myth-meets-fantasy-horror-2746906-2025-06-27)[](https://www.addatoday.com/2025/06/maa-movie-review.html)
6. **Forced Connection to *Shaitaan* Universe**: The link to *Shaitaan* feels tacked on, with a digitally-rendered cameo by R. Madhavan that appears haphazard and disrupts narrative cohesion. Critics argue the shared universe concept is underdeveloped and adds little value.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30496762/reviews/)[](https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/maa-review/20250627.htm)
### Critical and Audience Reception
*Maa* has received mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 2 to 3.5 out of 5 stars across sources. Critics praise Kajol’s performance and the film’s mythological ambition but criticize its predictable plot, weak antagonist, and inconsistent execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film is noted for its impressive visuals but criticized for plot holes and lack of emotional engagement. IMDb gives it a 7.2/10, reflecting some audience appreciation, particularly for the climax and Kajol’s acting.[](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/maa_2025/reviews)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30496762/)
Posts on X show polarized sentiment: some users call it a “gripping mythological thriller” with a “phenomenal” Kajol, while others label it “unbearable” and “waahiyat” (terrible), citing a lack of originality. Audience reviews on platforms like BookMyShow highlight strong word-of-mouth for Kajol’s performance and the climax, with 8.6K reviews praising elements like “GreatActing” and “AwesomeStory,” though some call it a “one-time watch” or “boring.”[](https://x.com/taran_adarsh/status/1938409472386277714)[](https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/bengaluru/maa/ET00437726)
Box office reports indicate a slow start, with Day 1 collections estimated at Rs 4.50–6.50 crore, competing against films like *Kannappa* and *Sitaare Zameen Par*. Growth was modest but improved overseas on the first Sunday.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/maa-f1-the-movie-review-release-live-update-kajol-ronit-roy-brad-pitt-kerry-condon-maa-f1-the-movie-review-and-box-office-collection/liveblog/122101525.cms)[](https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/movies/maa.html)
### Themes and Social Commentars
*Maa* attempts to address serious issues like female infanticide, patriarchy, and menstruation taboos, continuing director Vishal Furia’s focus on these themes from *Chhorii* and *Chhorii 2*. The feminist undertone, with Ambika’s transformation into a Kali-like figure, aims to celebrate female strength but is undermined by heavy-handed execution and a lack of narrative depth. Critics appreciate the intent but note that the social commentary feels buried under conventional storytelling.[](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maa-movie-review-kajols-film-takes-its-time-and-yours-but-forgets-to-bring-the-horror-in-this-mythological-drama-101750994318656.html)[](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/maa-movie-review-kajol-well-intentioned-film-keeps-first-half-loose-second-half-muddled-10091768/)[](https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/maa-movie-review-horror-is-a-myth-in-this-kajol-drama)
### Comparison to *Shaitaan*
As part of the *Shaitaan* universe, *Maa* struggles to match its predecessor’s impact. *Shaitaan* benefited from a tighter storyline and a menacing performance by R. Madhavan, whereas *Maa*’s antagonist and pacing fall short. The connection between the films feels forced, with critics suggesting *Maa* functions better as a standalone story.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30496762/reviews/)[](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/maa-review-kajol-1236304490/)
*Maa* is a visually ambitious mythological horror film that shines brightest when Kajol is on screen, delivering a powerful performance as a mother battling supernatural forces. The integration of Kali-Raktabija mythology and social themes like female empowerment and menstruation taboos adds intrigue, but the film is held back by a predictable plot, weak antagonist, and inconsistent pacing. It’s a decent one-time watch for horror fans and Kajol admirers, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its promising premise or live up to the *Shaitaan* universe’s potential.
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