Kajol Delivers Powerhouse Performance in Confused Horror "Maa": Review
Kajol commands the screen in the supernatural horror film "Maa," but her strong performance isn't enough to anchor the movie's erratic narrative, according to reviews.
The film, directed by Vishal Furia ("Lapachhapi"), follows Ambika (Kajol) as she travels with her daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) to a remote, cursed Bengali village, Chandarpur, after her husband's death. Ambika must confront a terrifying family secret and a demonic entity linked to an ancient banyan tree, stemming from the ritual killing of a newborn girl decades prior. The curse targets young village girls on the cusp of adulthood.
While praised for its fascinating visual palette, chilling atmosphere, effective VFX, and solid supporting turns from Ronit Roy (as village head Joydev) and the young actresses, "Maa" struggles with identity. Critics note the film falters by trying to blend too many elements – straight horror, mythology, a mother-daughter fable, and a critique of patriarchy and feudalism – without achieving coherence.
The screenplay, penned by Saiwyn Quadras, is cited as the main weakness, making the film feel "unhinged" and causing it to "fly in multiple directions and never find a steady orbit." Despite Kajol's compelling portrayal of a protective mother pushed to extremes and the film's serious approach to horror (avoiding cheap laughs), "Maa" ultimately "falls flat" when its literal battle between darkness and sanity unfolds.
Produced by Devgn Films, "Maa" offers effective jump scares initially and intriguing themes centered around Kali worship and suppressed femininity. However, the consensus suggests it is best suited for dedicated Kajol fans due to its narrative inconsistencies and failure to fully realize its ambitious goals. The film is now playing in theaters.
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