June 27, 2025 - The aim of a horror film is to create fear in the audience — to give them goosebumps through the actions of a devil or ghost. The idea of the mythological horror film Maa, where a powerful mother saves her daughter from evil forces, is interesting. But the story, built only on paper, imagination and mythology, fails to create any emotion. It doesn’t even bring a slight chill of fear.

Story Set in Bengal Village

The story of Maa begins in Chandrapur, a village in West Bengal. After the sacrifice of a newborn girl, the story moves 40 years ahead. Shubhankar (Indranil Sengupta) is leading a happy life with wife Ambika (Kajol) and their 12-year-old daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). One day, Shubhankar receives news of his father's death and returns to the village. But on his way back, a demon kills him.

Three months later, the village head Jaidev (Ronit Bose Roy) calls Ambika to the village to sell their ancestral mansion. Ambika goes there with her daughter. Soon, she discovers that the mansion is cursed.

The Demon and the Cursed Tree

There is a belief in the village about some ruins behind the mansion. People are warned not to go near a particular tree. It is said that a demon lives there and kidnaps girls who experience their first menstruation.

Shweta visits the ruins with Deepika (Rupakatha Chakraborty), the servant’s daughter. After that, the demon kidnaps Deepika. Ambika starts searching for her with help from the police. During the search, she sees many strange and scary things. Deepika eventually returns, but is no longer normal. Soon, other girls possessed by the demon try to take Shweta away.

Why does the demon want Shweta? Can Ambika save her? The story revolves around this mystery.

Is the story connected to Goddess Kali and Raktbeej?

Yes, the story and screenplay, written by Saiwyn Quadras and Ridna Quadras, are inspired by the myth of Goddess Kali and the demon Raktbeej. In the legends, every drop of Raktbeej’s blood created new demons. One drop of his blood is said to have fallen on Chandrapur, creating the demon that haunts the village.

The idea of destroying this demon is good, but the film fails to create real fear or suspense. The concept is strong, but the execution is weak.

Direction Lacks Impact

Director Vishal Furia, known for Chhori and Chhori 2, once again talks about protecting girls in Maa. But the journey of Ambika turning into a strong protector lacks depth. The film takes too long to build the story before the interval.

The demon, who should be scary and powerful, looks more like a ghost from a TV serial. His appearance and actions do not create fear. The VFX is also poor. Most of the horror depends on loud background sounds, which feel forced and outdated. The film fails to surprise or shock the audience. Even the dialogues are not very effective.

However, in the climax, the scene where a helpless mother becomes Goddess Kali is done well. That part manages to engage the viewer. But many questions remain unanswered —

How does the old woman save Shweta from the possessed girls?

Why does Bimal (Dibyendu Bhattacharya), the old servant, start speaking after seeing Ambika?

Why isn’t Ambika scared of strange events?

If no one is allowed near the ruins, how does Deepika know about the tree?

Kajol’s Role Lacks Emotion

The entire film rests on Kajol’s performance, but her acting feels one-toned. Her character does not show much change or growth. Her emotional connection with her on-screen daughter is also not very touching.

Ronit Roy, on the other hand, gets a better role and performs it well.

The film tries to mix all the elements of horror, but the mix doesn’t work. As a result, Maa fails to leave a strong impact.