MAA Review: Kajol’s Mythological Horror Is Much More Than A Haunting Tale Of Love, Power And Evil

Film:
MAA

Director: Vishal Furia

Writers: Ajit Jagtap, Aamil Keeyan Khan, Saiwyn Quadras

Cast: Kajol, Ronit Dolly Bose Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Dibyendu Gayatri Bhattacharya, Kherin Kavita Sharma

Platform: Theatre

Runtime: 135 mins (2 Hours 15 mins)

MAA Review

The film begins with the Kali Pujo and the birth of twins in Chandrapur, West Bengal. The twins are one boy and a girl, and the girl is sacrificed in the name of a curse by the devil (Daiyetya). The scene shifts to 40 years later, that boy, Shubhankar Dasgupta (Indraniel Sengupta), is now married to Ambika (Kajol). And they have a daughter named Shweta (Kherin Kavita Sharma). However, the Dasgupta family is unaware that a girl child has been born in their house. Shubhankar’s father passed away, so he visits his hometown years later for the antim sanskaar. On his way back, he becomes a victim of the curse that his family continues to have.

It’s been 3 months since his death, now the sarpanch Joydeb Bandhopadhyay (Ronit Dolly Bose Roy) calls Ambika as Shubhankar wanted to sell this house as his last wish. Having no choice, Ambika had to drive to Chandrapur with Shweta. On reaching there, the curse and the devil both begin their reign of fear. What is this curse, and how will it break? Who is this devil? How will ‘MAA’ Kajol save her daughter and everyone? To know what happens next, read our review of MAA.

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What Works

The acting by the lead and supporting actors was a definite spot on. The little girl who plays Deepika portrayed her role excellently. The film’s theme of Maa Kali, her devotion, and mythological subjects was a good addition. Kajol does prove to be the best choice for the role of MAA. Emotions in the movie can truly be felt, and combining the mythology of Maa Kali and Raktabeej is a creative aspect. Anchored in rich cultural lore and enhanced by an eerie, atmospheric tone, the film strikes a balance between the sacred and the supernatural.

What Doesn’t Work

The VFX tech used is not good in certain scenes. There are times when the horror effect in the film feels forced, with bad music and camera angles. While representing a language is appreciated, the accent of some actors while speaking in Bengali makes it sound unnatural and off.

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Technical Analysis

Direction

Vishal Furia has done a good job in terms of the plot, which could potentially connect to the audience. The film includes a good number of elements and touches an emotional base. As promised, the story alongside the acting has been gripping, with an intense supernatural plot with a fierce love of a mother. In some scenes, the camera angle could have been better. The film delves into themes of maternal power, ancient curses, and supernatural conflict. Its emotional impact is palpable, and the creative integration of Maa Kali and Raktabeej mythology adds a unique depth.

Writing & Screenplay

The dialogues are heart-touching in some scenes, be it when a mother fights for her child or when the devil is revealed. The screenplay is patchy in some places, maintains momentum and succeeds in keeping one engaged. Centred on love, sacrifice, and unspoken resilience, the characters’ relationships enrich the chilling narrative.

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The movie captivates audiences through layered storytelling, haunting visuals, and psychological intensity. Maa intensely blends mythology with horror, weaving ancient legends into a haunting cinematic experience.

Music

The songs of the film are excellent. Usha Uthup’s signature deep, resonant vocals bring unmatched gravitas to the track, Kali Shakti. The song has the power to evoke spiritual, emotional, and intense consciousness in the film. Humanava is a sweet track featuring a mother and daughter love.

Star Performances

Kajol evokes devotion and a mother’s will to go to any length for her child. Her passionate portrayal embodies a fierce explosion of rage, power, and divine wrath. Every movement, adorned with sindoor and infused with the essence of Maa Kali’s relentless energy, radiates an intense, unstoppable force from the actress. Ronit Dolly Bose Roy plays the role of the sarpanch par excellence. His transformation in the film is beyond imagination.

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Indraneil Sengupta plays a decent role, even though his character did not have much screen presence. The child actress, Kherin Kavita Sharma, playing Shweta, did a great job with her expressions. Dibyendu also has a short role, but he does a good job portraying Bimal, the househelp for over 50 years at Dasgupta’s house.

Conclusion

To conclude the review, MAA is a definite game-changer in the horror and mythological genre. It’s not just a story of a mother trying to save her child; it’s also the emotions and spiritual path that the makers try to convey through the film. The devotion of Maa Kali has been portrayed well. The representation of culture was accurate, minus the actors trying to talk in Bengali.

MAA is a must-watch if you are interested in witnessing a combo of mythology with horror. The creative aspect of the film lies in emotions, storyline, well-curated and powerful dialogue. The acting of the entire cast is commendable.

We hope our review of MAA will help you decide to watch it.

Watch The Trailer Of MAA

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.