Kajol commits fully, but weak writing leaves Maa's mythology-horror mix half-baked.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
No user ratings yet.
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Maa leans negative to mixed, with most reviewers finding the film undermined by weak writing, predictable storytelling, and an underdeveloped screenplay. Kajol's committed central performance is the most consistently praised element across reviews, with several critics explicitly stating the film's watchability rests almost entirely on her presence. Common criticisms include stereotypical characters, a muddled second half, lack of genuine scares, and a failure to meaningfully blend its mythological and horror elements despite an interesting premise.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review
This is a film which is clearly well-intentioned. Smashing patriarchy is a task that films need to keep taking up, and Kajol has the heft to get the job done. But the writing is bland, and there's nothing new in the CGI which is extensively used. The film itself falters in the way it keeps its first half loose, and the second half muddled.
Top critic
Film review
It flies in multiple directions and never finds a steady orbit. Only for Kajol fans
Film review ·
Maa is a gripping mythological horror, which will keep you glued to the big screen
Film review
The concept and story have substance, but the film lacked largely because of its style of storytelling. Besides, the film also has a lot of stereotypes that could have been done without. Overall, it's a one-time watch and needs a lot more to even become a notable film.
Film review
Watch it solely for her performance. She's given her hundred percent to the project and then some. But even her superlative acting can't cover up the cracks of a badly written screenplay.
Film review ·
...as a mother battling dark mythological forces in a visually rich horror setting. Despite impressive effects, the film struggles with predictable storytelling and emotional impact.
Film review
Kajol gives a superb performance as the harangued mother and determined woman who will fight for what is right. Without her, this movie would have been a shipwreck! However, after the interval, logic goes out of the window, with absurd premises and a ridiculous final sequence that undermine what could have been a gripping horror experience.
Film review
What keeps the momentum going is Kajol's fully committed performance that elevates this generic material to a surprising degree of watchability. The experiment of blending mythological lore with thrills and chills is definitely interesting, but Maa delivers only flimsy shock and awe without the backing of a strong script.
Film review
Kajol cannot rescue this fatigued fear fest of a mom on a rescue mission.
Film review
The result is loud, crafty and traditional. But at least mytho-horror sounds more like a cold Greek beverage than an ominous movie genre.
Film review ·
For a film about a potent and fierce goddess, Maa is a resolutely tame affair. The film neither creates emotional engagement with its characters nor has the technical polish to be a convincing scare-fest. Maa is a poor showcase of Furia's feel for the genre.
Film review ·
It unspools like a chapter that you have already crammed, an activity that you have already undertaken, a road that you have already traveled. Despite being shot on location, Maa gives the sense that we are in a make-believe world... the result is surprisingly unengaging.
Credits
KajolAmbika
Ronit RoyJoydev
Indraneil SenguptaShuvankar
Jitin GulatiShekhar
Dibyendu BhattacharyaBimal
Aashit ChatterjeeHindi films like Maa
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
