Set in the eerie village of Chandrapur in West Bengal, Maa explores an ancient and disturbing superstition—female children born into certain families are destined for sacrifice. The plot follows Shubankar (Indraneil Sengupta), who had distanced himself from his cursed village life, living peacefully with his wife Ambika (Kajol) and daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). However, his return to Chandrapur after his father’s death leads to his own mysterious demise.
Following this tragedy, Ambika arrives in the village with her daughter to sell their ancestral bungalow. What begins as a property matter quickly spirals into a dangerous confrontation with age-old beliefs and sinister forces. As she unravels the disturbing legacy, the film poses compelling questions—Is the superstition real, or is there something darker at play? Can Ambika protect her daughter from a terrifying fate?
The emotional core of Maa—a mother’s love and fierce resolve—offers some impactful moments. Kajol is in top form, transitioning effortlessly from a gentle, grieving woman to a fierce protector. Her performance is the backbone of the film, especially during the pre-climax and final act, which are some of the movie’s strongest portions. Additionally, the infusion of myths and village lore adds intrigue to an otherwise familiar story.
However, the film suffers from a lack of originality and a sluggish pace, particularly in the first half. The story feels dated in both structure and tone, making it difficult for audiences to stay engaged. Pacing issues and unnecessary scenes further dilute the impact, and though the second half picks up, its momentum is short-lived.
On the technical front, director Vishal Furia puts heavy emphasis on horror elements and visual effects, which unfortunately leads the story astray. While the background score supports the mood effectively, the cinematography and editing do little to elevate the overall experience.
In conclusion, Maa is a fantasy horror film with a powerful central performance by Kajol but let down by uninspired storytelling and uneven execution. Fans of the genre may find a few redeeming qualities, but for the most part, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression.
