'Maa' Review Roundup: Kajol Shines In A Haunting Horror-Myth, But Hints Of 'Stree', 'Bulbbul' Linger

Kajol’s much-awaited comeback to the silver screen with the horror-mythology, Maa, hit theatres on June 27, 2025, and early reactions are in. Directed by Vishal Furia, Maa has sparked a wide range of reactions, and while most of them are positive, opinions are divided on the storytelling. The latest addition to Ajay Devgn’s growing horror universe, following the success of Shaitaan, Maa attempts to merge ancient folklore with modern horror sensibilities, with its dark mythological themes, chilling visuals, and emotional undertones. While Kajol’s performance has been unanimously praised, the film itself has drawn a mixed response.

The plot in brief

Maa, the latest addition to Ajay Devgn’s horror universe, is a mythological horror film centred on ‘Ambika’ (played by Kajol), a literature professor and a devoted mother. The story begins when she sets out on a journey with her daughter, ‘Shweta’, to her husband’s ancestral village after his mysterious death. Upon reaching the village of Chandrapur in West Bengal, they discover a terrifying secret: the entire village is cursed by a demonic force linked to a haunted banyan tree and an ancient legend involving Goddess Kali and the demon, Raktabija.

Girls in the village mysteriously disappear during their first menstruation, and to her horror, ‘Ambika’ realises that her daughter is next. This leads up to a series of supernatural events as ‘Ambika’ gradually transforms from a grieving widow to a fierce warrior who can go to any extent to protect her child, channelling the power of Goddess Kali. Viewers and critics have praised the film for blending emotional themes of motherhood with chilling horror elements.

Maa X reviews

Maa has earned quite a positive impression among viewers on the very first day. According to viewers’ reviews on X (formerly Twitter), Kajol seems to be the biggest takeaway, who has outshone the emotional weight of the story through her impressive acting. Users found a new version of Kajol and appreciated the depth beyond the horror narrative. Some have even made comparisons to Khauf, Stree, Chhorii 2, and Bulbbul, hinting at similar undertones.

One user rated it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, “#Kajol delivers a powerful performance—her Kali avatar gives chills! The mytho-horror blend is refreshing, and the visuals impress. But the pacing drags in the second half, and some jump scares feel recycled. Worth a watch for Kajol alone.” Another user chimed in, saying, “#MaaTheFilm is a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. With its standout climax, mind-blowing visuals, and haunting background score, this one’s a must-watch.”

However, not all responses were glowing. A few pointed out weaknesses in the storyline and pacing. One tweet read, “#MaaReview: Nothing new in the storyline, but Kajol’s fantastic performance makes it worth a watch. Good VFX, average screenplay.” Reviews were also divided regarding the Shaitaan connection in the post-credit scene. Some users are calling it a ‘decent flick’ with ‘lagging direction and screenplay’.

What are the critics saying?

India Today reviewed Maa as a film that ‘follows quite a predictable arc’ but commended its visual aesthetics and strong setup. On the other hand, The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film feels like ‘Chhorii 2 on a backpacking trip across West Bengal’. The review criticised the film’s first half for being slow and overly familiar in its tropes, such as lost villages, cursed trees, and demonic rituals.

Some critics noted that the subplots were either stretched or underdeveloped, causing a loss of narrative focus. Regardless, Ronit Roy and Indraneil Sengupta were appreciated in their supporting roles, though the film largely rides on Kajol’s shoulders. Currently, Maa has a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on Google.

Final verdict

Kajol’s performance in Maa is undoubtedly the highlight and is already being considered one of the most powerful roles of her career. As ‘Ambika’, Kajol brings intensity, emotion, and grace to a role that, critics say, could easily have been overshadowed by special effects or religious symbolism. The strong VFX, mythological backdrop, and intense climax also work. All in all, Maa can be worth a watch for those who like atmospheric horror or want to witness one of Kajol’s career-best performances.

Are you planning to watch Maa this weekend? Let us know if Kajol’s performance made you believe in horror with heart.

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