Kajol Stars in ‘Maa’: A Dramatic Journey Through Horror and Deity
Last month celebrated the 50th anniversary of the classic Jai Santoshi Maa (1975), a film that not only captured hearts but transformed theaters into temples. Audiences flocked from nearby villages, paying homage to the divine as Anita Guha graced the screen. This wasn’t merely a sleeper hit; it outperformed blockbuster giants like Sholay and Deewar at the box office.
Fast forward to today, the Kajol-led supernatural horror film Maa draws captivating parallels to this cinematic phenomenon. As Kaali‘s commanding presence flickers onscreen, one might imagine viewers setting aside their popcorn to fold their hands in reverence. The film masterfully navigates between dread and divinity, blending fear with spirituality in a captivating dance.
A Tale of Fear and Faith
Maa is enveloped in the world of Shaitaan (2024), raising expectations of haunting visuals and a stirring soundtrack. The story centers on Ambika (Kajol), her husband Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), and their daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). Shuvankar’s family hails from an old rajbari in Chandrapur, West Bengal—a secretive past he and Ambika are reluctant to share with their inquisitive daughter.
A family tragedy prompts Shuvankar’s inevitable return to his ancestral home, only for him to mysteriously vanish. In the wake of her husband’s disappearance, Ambika receives unsettling news from Chandrapur’s sarpanch, Joydev (Ronit Roy): selling the rajbari was Shuvankar’s last wish. Skeptical yet determined, Ambika and Shweta set out to uncover the truth.
The Eerie Atmosphere
As the narrative unfolds at the rajbari, the film employs classic horror tropes. A creepy banyan tree looms ominously, while the caretaker’s family exudes an unsettling vibe. The presence of ghostly figures, particularly teenage girls peering at Shweta, introduces a layer of suspense and the occasional jump scare.
Director Vishal Furia, known for his work on Chhorii (2023), revisits themes of patriarchy and female empowerment. The haunting cries of infants and the dark tradition of bali echo through the narrative, compelling viewers to reflect on the societal issues lurking beneath the surface.
A Clash of Themes
Maa merges the textures of Bulbbul (2020) with a Maddock horror vibe, exploring themes that feel strangely dated. Despite a commendable build-up, the story’s coherence falters, often resorting to predictable tropes. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous tale of Goddess Kaali, the visual design evokes feelings of déjà vu, with the villain resembling a Night King-esque figure from Game of Thrones.
Impressive set pieces punctuate the film, particularly the thrilling scenes involving a car trapped amidst rogue vines and a harrowing encounter with ghostly girls. The VFX work, executed by Devgn Films, showcases a competency that occasionally distracts from an otherwise lackluster storyline.
A Dissonant Conclusion
While Maa establishes a decent premise, its execution leaves much to be desired. The plot is riddled with confusion and predictability—layers of dramatic exchanges about feminine strength lead to ludicrous moments, including Kajol levitating with hair cascading dramatically in the wind. The villain glibly declares, “You are a mere mortal, woman.” This could either prompt raucous laughter or deep contemplation from the audience, leading them to consider their personal beliefs.
Final Thoughts on Maa
Despite its ambitious attempt to navigate the realms of horror and spirituality, Maa ultimately stumbles. Kajol’s performance shines amid a convoluted plot, yet the film struggles with impactful storytelling.
Rating: 2/5
Directed by: Vishal Furia
Written by: Saiwyn Quadras
Cast: Kajol, Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya
For fans of horror and drama, Maa offers both a cautionary tale and a chance to explore the complex interplay between faith and fear.
