Kajol shines in deeply haunting film Maa

Maa, directed by Vishal Furia, is a powerful horror drama that blends ancient myth with raw emotion. Set in the misty village of Chandrapur, the film follows Ambika, played by Kajol, a grieving widow whose sorrow unlocks dark secrets and a deadly spirit from legend — a Daitya fueled by silence and blood.

Kajol delivers one of her best performances, portraying Ambika with pain, strength, and quiet fury. Her journey from a heartbroken mother to a divine, powerful force mirrors the rage of goddess Kali. Kajol doesn’t shout — her performance is intense and moving, pulling viewers in with every look and gesture.

The film avoids typical horror tricks. Instead, it builds fear through shadows, rituals, and myths. The visuals are stunning, with fire, fog, and silence creating an eerie, sacred mood. A standout moment is the “Kali Shakti” sequence, featuring singer Usha Uthup, which feels like both a prayer and a battle cry.

The supporting cast — including Ronit Roy and Kherin Sharma — add depth without distracting from Kajol’s central performance. While the film’s pacing dips in the middle, and some subplots feel underdeveloped, Maa stays emotionally powerful throughout.

More than just a horror movie, Maa is about motherhood, memory, and spiritual strength. It’s haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable — a rare gem in Indian horror cinema.

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Five must-watch mythological horror films online

Before Kajol’s new film Maa releases, explore five mythological horror films streaming now. Tumbbad (Prime Video) tells of a cursed god and hidden treasure, blending history with horror. Lapachhapi (ZEE5) is a Marathi film about a pregnant woman facing dark village rituals. Pari (Prime Video), starring Anushka Sharma, dives into occult myths and a woman’s eerie past. Bengali film Bhoot Chaturdashi (Hoichoi) follows friends trapped in a haunted site filled with Tantric lore. Lastly, Yakshi Faithfully Yours (YouTube) is a Malayalam thriller based on the deadly legend of a seductive spirit. Each story connects horror with ancient beliefs and traditions.