Maa Review: The horror genre within Indian cinema has been seeing a revival over the past couple of years as films attempted to bring psychological horror together with supernatural elements. Maa, the latest from director Vishal Furia, enters this genre with high hopes but delivers a mixed affair instead. Comparing inevitability to cult favourite Shaitan (2024), this spiritual descendant cannot replicate the same magic before its saviour of a climax arrives.
The movie is the story of a grieving mother played by Kajol who settles in an isolated mansion with her daughter. As she battles her demons, the house begins to disclose its own evil secrets through a chain of paranormal activities. The narrative attempts to confuse the line between psychological trauma and supernatural horror, similar to Shaitan, but is a failure in its execution.
Its greatest weakness is its uneven pacing and borrowed plot. Its opening act is sluggish, with unnecessary jump scares repeating themselves ad nauseam and underdeveloped subplots that test the patience of the viewer. The cinematography does have to be admired, however, for creating a creepy atmosphere, with shadows and composition skillfully employed to build tension. The background score fills out these moments, but occasionally overpowers crucial scenes too.
Where Maa diverges most from its magnificent predecessor is in character development. While Shaitan delivered sophisticated, morally ambiguous characters, this film’s hero follows a more formulaic arc. To his credit, however, ABC delivers a solid performance, expressing grief and rising terror with unflinching candor.
Plus
The Climax – The third act delivers an absolutely jaw-dropping twist that contextualizes previous events and saves the viewing experience.
Lead Performance – ABC supports the film with her highly charged performance as a mother unraveling.
Visual Craftsmanship – The production design and lighting create an unremittingly creepy mood.
Minus
Unoriginal Storytelling – The story borrows very heavily from better horror films without adding anything new.
Pacing Issues – The whole first half is a snail’s pace with time-wasting detours.
Over-Dependence on Tropes – Too many jump scares replace genuine psychological horror.
Also Read: Top 5 Horror Films Based on True Events
Maa is an average but decent entry into the psychological horror movie genre. While it doesn’t match up to Shaitan, the movie’s good climax and the lead performance make it worth watching for genre enthusiasts at least once.
Rating: 2.0/5
Watchable For: The climax twist and the lead performance.
Skip If: You’re expecting Shaitan-level depth.
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