Film: Maa

Cast: Kajol, Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, Dibyendu Bhattacharya

Direction: Vishal Furia

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Storyline 

The story revolves around Ambika and Shuvankar (Kajol and Indraneil Sengupta) who live away from their native village in order to protect their daughter (Kherin Sharma) from a lurking evil force. However, a tragic incident compels them to return, unknowingly inviting danger once again. The evil now seeks to harm their daughter. How Ambika rises to protect her child from this dark force forms the core of ‘Maa’ with several unexpected twists, including a powerful ‘Shaitaan’ revelation, adding intrigue to the plot.

Acting

Kajol is undoubtedly the soul of the film and steals the show with her commanding performance. Her graceful yet fierce portrayal in the action sequences is particularly impressive. Ronit Roy delivers a commendable performance, complementing the story with his strong screen presence. Indraneil Sengupta, playing Kajol’s husband, does full justice to his role. Young Kherin Sharma, as Kajol’s daughter, also shines with a convincing performance as a child actor.

Direction

Vishal Furia, known for his mastery in horror storytelling, once again proves his finesse. Exploring a genre like mythological horror is no easy feat, yet he handles it with depth and conviction, delivering a visually compelling and thematically rich narrative.

Dialogues

While the emotional core of the film is strong, the dialogues, especially for Kajol’s character as a mother, could have been more impactful. This is one area where the film slightly falters. Nevertheless, the overall writing holds up well.

Music

The music beautifully supports the film’s tone and mood. Songs like ‘Kaali Shakti’ and ‘Humnava’ arrive at the right moments and enhance the narrative. Kajol’s intense dance performance, an expression of rage, strength, and divine fury, captures the spirit of Maa Kali. Her movements, drenched in sindoor and symbolic of unstoppable motherly power, leave a lasting impression.

Overall

‘Maa’ is a must-watch for those who enjoy mythology blended with horror. With its unique concept, strong performances, and intense emotional arc, it delivers both thrills and spiritual depth.