Kajol’s Mythological Horror Film 'MAA' Hits Theaters with a Thrilling Blend of Emotion and Terror

The highly anticipated horror film MAA, starring Bollywood icon Kajol, made its theatrical debut today, June 27, 2025, captivating audiences with its unique fusion of Indian mythology, supernatural horror, and maternal resilience. Directed by Vishal Furia and backed by Jio Studios and Ajay Devgn’s Devgn Films, the film has already sparked buzz for its chilling narrative and Kajol’s powerhouse performance as a mother battling dark forces. With a UA 16+ rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, MAA promises a gripping cinematic experience that blends scares with emotional depth.

Set in the eerie village of Chandrapur, West Bengal, MAA tells the story of Ambika (Kajol), a literature professor and devoted mother, who embarks on a road trip with her daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) following the mysterious death of her husband, Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta). Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they uncover a dark secret tied to an ancient demon, Amsaja, and a cursed tree rooted in the mythology of Goddess Kali and Raktbeej. The film’s narrative centers on a haunting tradition of sacrificing young girls to appease the demon, with Ambika tapping into supernatural powers to protect her daughter from this malevolent force.

The story weaves a rich tapestry of Indian folklore, drawing heavily on the legend of Raktbeej, a demon whose every drop of blood spawns new evil, and Goddess Kali’s fierce battle against him. The film opens with a gripping scene where Ambika introduces her students to this mythology, setting the stage for the horror that unfolds. As Shweta becomes the latest target of the demon’s curse, Ambika transforms into a fierce protector, embodying a modern-day “Kali avatar” to confront the ancient evil. Despite some pacing issues in the second half and critiques of familiar horror tropes, the film’s emotional core and Kajol’s fiery performance have been widely praised.

Critics and audiences alike have lauded Kajol’s portrayal of Ambika, with many calling it one of her boldest and most intense roles. Social media reactions on X highlight the film’s ability to blend “horror with heart,” with fans praising its atmospheric visuals and the heartfelt mother-daughter bond. One user wrote, “A mother’s fight with dark forces—scary, emotional, and powerful. #Kajol is amazing, real & fearless. Great story, strong acting, spooky moments.” However, some reviews note that the film struggles with uneven pacing and predictable storytelling, with the second half feeling stretched in parts.

Directed by Vishal Furia, known for Chhorii and Shaitaan, MAA is part of the Shaitaan cinematic universe, co-produced by Ajay Devgn, who also promoted the film with a “buy 2 get 1 free” ticket offer for its opening day. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma, with striking visuals by cinematographer Pushkar Singh and a haunting background score by Amar Mohile. Despite mixed reviews on the execution, the film’s ambitious blend of mythology and horror, coupled with Kajol’s standout performance, makes it a notable addition to Indian cinema’s growing horror genre.

Early box office reports suggest a slow start for MAA, facing competition from Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa and Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, but its unique premise and Kajol’s star power are expected to draw audiences over the weekend. Netflix has reportedly secured the digital rights, with an OTT release anticipated approximately two months after its theatrical run. For fans of horror, mythology, and emotional drama, MAA offers a compelling, if imperfect, cinematic journey.