Maa 2025 Movie Review
Folk Horror is a sub-genre of Horror which has recently re-emerged from obscurity across the globe with movies like the Witch, the Apostle, Midsommar, similarly in India movies like Tumbbad, Bulbbul, Chhorii, Shaitaan etc. These are not necessarily fast paced, jump scare laden horror movies but mostly slow burn, folklore and mythology themed movies that explore superstition, sacrifice and dark aspects of nature. In the current era when Horror Comedies have found unprecedented box office success, folk horror movies like Maa is a step in the right direction for horror movie enthusiasts.
Maa is not in the same league as Tumbbad and the others listed above but is a good attempt at serious folk horror. The movie stays focused on the mythology with no moments of comic relief as unnecessary detours. It slowly and steadily sets up the battle of good vs evil reminiscent of Maa Kali’s showdown with the Rakshas Rakhtbeej. The end result is a pretty good attempt at folk horror. It is not great and could have been much better but still pretty effective as a serious horror movie.
Technically the movie is pretty strong in its visual imagery, practical VFX, make up, background music and overall cinematography. Kajol comes across as a very potent protagonist and gives a very fiery performance. Ronit Roy also gives a pretty decent performance, as do most of the other supporting cast. Kherin Sharma as Kajol’s daughter feels a bit miscast and unconvincing in her role. Kajol channels a really strongly motherly bond towards her daughter, but Kherin seems a bit bland. There are some pretty effective jump scares and some very well choreographed scary action sequences, however the movie would have benefited from more of such scares and sequences.
Horror enthusiasts, especially those who like well made, slow burn folk horror should like the movie. I hope the movie finds its audience at the box office, especially if we want to watch more serious horror movies in theaters. It would be sad to give it the Tumbbad treatment on initial theatrical release only to rediscover it as a cult classic on streaming later. It is not at the level of Tumbbad or Chhorii or even Bulbbul but is worthy to be in the same sub-genre of good folk horror movies.
