Maa 2025 movie review,
Director: Vishal Furia
Writer: Saiwyn Quadras, Ajit Jagtap, Aamil Keeyan Khan
Producers: Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak
Release Date: 27 June 2025
Language: Hindi (also released in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali)
Genre: Mythological Horror
Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
⭐ Cast
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Kajol as Ambika
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Ronit Roy as Daitya/Joydev
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Indraneil Sengupta as Shuvankar
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Kherin Sharma as Shweta (daughter)
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Surjyasikha Das, Gopal Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya in supporting roles
📖 Storyline: Where Myth Meets Motherhood
Maa tells the story of Ambika, a widow who returns to her ancestral home in Bengal with her daughter Shweta, only to find herself haunted by dark secrets. A demonic force known as a Daitya begins targeting her child, and the village is paralyzed by fear. The film combines mythology, maternal love, and horror, as Ambika draws upon her inner strength — and the divine essence of Goddess Kali — to battle the evil that threatens her daughter.
The emotional narrative emphasizes that when all else fails, it is the power of a mother that rises — both in the physical and spiritual realm.
🎭 Performances: Kajol Leads with Fierce Energy
🔹 Kajol as Ambika
Kajol’s performance is the film’s beating heart. She channels strength, vulnerability, and divine rage with equal command. Whether she’s confronting spirits or breaking down in fear, her portrayal of Ambika keeps the audience emotionally invested.
🔹 Ronit Roy as Daitya
Ronit Roy plays a nuanced villain who balances mystique and menace. His controlled performance adds a supernatural layer to the film’s horror element.
🔹 Indraneil Sengupta and Kherin Sharma
While Indraneil brings quiet depth as the deceased husband, newcomer Kherin Sharma impresses with innocence and realism, making the audience care deeply for her character.
👁️ VFX, Direction & Cinematography
🎥 Direction
Vishal Furia, known for Chhorii, explores horror through myth and ritual. His grip on mood-building is solid, especially in the second half when the emotional and spiritual stakes escalate.
🌌 Visual Effects
The VFX sequences — especially the manifestation of the demon and the climactic Kali scene — are effective though not always seamless. Some visual elements stand out brilliantly, while others feel slightly outdated.
🎞️ Cinematography
Shot in the misty village of Chandrapur, the eerie visuals, shadow-filled corridors, and temple architecture amplify the film’s ancient energy. Kudos to the art direction and production design teams for bringing a mythological feel to a contemporary horror format.
🎼 Music & Sound Design
The soundtrack combines haunting chants, ambient background score, and devotional tracks invoking Shakti. The song “Maa Kali Re” underlines the emotional climax and adds spiritual depth. The use of silence, echoes, and whispers is well-timed to deliver real tension.
✅ Strengths
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Kajol’s Career-Defining Role: She commands the screen and elevates the material.
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Unique Genre Fusion: A rare blend of horror, mythology, and emotion.
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Spiritual Symbolism: Reflects Indian traditions with dignity and power.
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Powerful Climax: The final showdown between mother and demon is emotionally and visually intense.
❌ Weaknesses
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Slow First Half: The initial 30–40 minutes feel stretched with unnecessary buildup.
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Inconsistent VFX: While some scenes are brilliant, others appear dated or incomplete.
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Predictable Subplots: Certain story arcs follow traditional horror formulas.
📰 Critical Reception
According to ABP Live, Maa offers a bold and experimental narrative, though it falters in visual execution at times. The review notes Kajol’s powerful presence and the unique concept as the film’s major strengths.
Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama calls it “a one-of-a-kind mythological horror film” and rates it 3/5, appreciating Kajol’s performance but criticizing the lack of tight writing.
📈 Audience Feedback
Online reactions have been mixed but respectful:
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Twitter/X Users say:
“Kajol nailed it. The Maa Kali transformation is goosebumps-level stuff. 🔥 #MaaMovie”
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Reddit discussion highlights:
“It’s like Pari meets Stree, but with way more mythological symbolism. Loved the second half!”
📊 Overall Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Performances | 4.5/5 |
| Storyline & Script | 3.5/5 |
| Visuals & VFX | 3/5 |
| Music & Sound | 4/5 |
| Overall Impact | 3.5/5 |
🎯 Final Verdict
Maa (2025) is a bold cinematic experiment that blends mythology, horror, and motherhood in a compelling way. Kajol delivers a career-defining performance in a film that will connect with audiences looking for substance, symbolism, and emotion.
While it may not match big-budget horror spectacles in visual grandeur, it resonates deeply with Indian cultural and spiritual themes.
It’s a film for those who believe that a mother’s love is the most powerful force on earth — and sometimes, beyond it.
⭐ Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars
🔗 Internal Link
Explore the evolution of mythological horror in India with our full feature:
👉 How Indian Horror Films Are Blending Spirituality and Cinema
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🔗 External Link
Read the full critic review from ABP Live here:
👉 ABP Live – Maa Movie Review