If you’re seeking a chilling twist on Indian mythology right from your living room, Maa—now streaming on Netflix—offers an atmospheric, haunting ride tailor-made for the OTT audience.
Plot: A Mother’s Wrath Unleashed
Set in the ancestral village of Chandrapur, the story follows Ambika (Kajol) whose life is upended when her husband dies due to a mysterious, supernatural curse. Escaping Kolkata for their family estate, Ambika and her daughter Shweta find themselves caught in a web of ancient folklore, missing girls, and demonic powers. When Shweta vanishes, Ambika is pushed to the brink and channels the fury of goddess Kali, showcasing a maternal ferocity rarely seen in Bollywood horror. The narrative cleverly weaves emotional drama with ritualistic terror, culminating in a showdown that tests both faith and survival instincts.
Performances: Kajol Steals the Show
Kajol’s transformation from a grieving widow to a wrathful protector is nothing short of spectacular. She brings fire and nuance to Ambika, seamlessly blending vulnerability with divine rage. Critics and fans alike have praised her performance as “poignant,” “raw,” and “mesmerizing”—a standout in a genre dominated by jump scares and VFX. Ronit Roy adds gravitas in a supporting role, while child actors—though sometimes miscast—generally hold their own against the sinister backdrop.
Horror & Visuals: Between Myth and Mayhem
Director Vishal Furia, best known for “Chhorii,” doesn’t shy away from immersive world-building, giving the film a brooding ambiance with practical effects and ritualistic horror. The film excels in its haunting atmosphere and bone-chilling background score, though some viewers found the initial scares and VFX a bit underwhelming compared to genre benchmarks like Tumbbad or Shaitaan. Still, the magnificent transformation scenes and blood daitya lore anchor Maa as a unique contender in Indian mythological horror.
Script & Execution: A Mixed Bag
The film’s screenplay, crafted by Saiwyn Quadras, keeps viewers invested but sometimes stumbles into predictability and pacing issues. While the mythological angle is refreshingly authentic, some plot twists feel forced, and the climax—though emotionally satisfying—lacks the bite of a truly unforgettable horror finale. Nevertheless, Maa is a brave genre experiment that finds its strongest moments when focusing on the maternal bond over supernatural lectures.
Should You Stream Maa?
Watch for Kajol’s powerhouse performance
Enjoy mythological horror with a desi twist
Ideal for fans of slow-burn atmospherics and folk horror
Not as terrifying as its predecessors, but memorable for its heart and production value
Verdict: Maa may not revolutionize horror, but it’s a strong, visual, and emotional experience that OTT audiences craving a blend of family drama and supernatural thrills won’t want to miss.
