Maa X Review: Netizens Praise Kajol's Powerful Performance But Say 'Film Failed To Deliver Horror'

Bollywood actress Kajol's latest film Maa, which hit theatres on Friday (June 27), has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. Released alongside Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa, the mythological horror drama has sparked discussions on social media platforms, with particular praise for Kajol's powerful performance, though the film's storytelling and pacing have come under scrutiny.

While the film has been appreciated for its unique premise and visuals, many viewers have pointed out that the narrative falters as it progresses.

Netizens share their reviews

"#Kajol returns in a bold new avatar with Maa, a mythological horror drama that dares to be different but doesn’t always deliver on its promise," one X user posted.

Kannappa X Review: Netizens Praise Vishnu Manchu's Climax Performance & Prabhas' Cameo But Call First Half 'Boring'

Netizens praised Kajol for anchoring the film with her performance. Her expressions, intensity, and commanding screen presence were highlighted as the film's strongest elements.

“Kajol shines as expected, bringing depth and dignity to her role," another user wrote.

However, screenplay of the film, particularly in the second half, was criticised. Netizens felt the film became bogged down in its mythological world-building, failing to deliver the horror it promised. "The film gets so sluggishly caught up in building mythology that it fails to deliver horror," read another review.

Here's how others reacted:

#Maa Very Well Made 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
A mother's instinct versus the dark forces – #Maa blends emotions, horror, and mythology seamlessly... #Kajol delivers a knockout act... Watch it! #MaaReview

#VishalFuria 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻#ronitboseroy 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/TwzdHI6AVC

— Knight rider (@Bhaveshpaliwa1) June 27, 2025

#MaaReview: Nothing New but #Kajol fantastic performance gives a chance to watch
- Horror mythology concept is good but the execution is bad
- Explanation scenes are Good
- Common Story & Screenplay may affect the film #MaaTheFilm #Maa #Shaitaan pic.twitter.com/fOBOtABq65

— MJ Cartel (@Mjcartels) June 27, 2025

A film is one that doesn't let you blink. It keeps you glued to your seat.

आप भी देखें अपने परिवार के साथ। कहानी एक मां की जब बात अपने बच्चों पर आती है तो एक साधारण सी मां, मां काली बन जाती है।
⭐⭐⭐🌟#JaiMaaKali #Maa@itsKajolD @jiostudios @ADFFilms @tseries #JyotiSubbarayan…

— Uttam (@Utms_786) June 27, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2#Maa is gritty, scary and a valuable franchise to horror films. Amazing vfx provides you an end that you are not expecting.
You will feel the vibe of strangers things at some point.#Kajol carries the film on her shoulders. @itsKajolD is shining bright and is tough… pic.twitter.com/w7hYZYCZOJ

— The Adult Humour (@AdultHumour27) June 27, 2025

About Maa

Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Santha Subbarayan, Maa marks Kajol's foray into the mythological-horror genre.

It also stars Ronit Bose Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Jitin Gulati. R Madhavan makes a brief but notable appearance in a special cameo.

The story of Maa follows a mother-daughter duo, played by Kajol and debutant Kherin, who move to a mysterious village plagued by the disappearance of young girls. The village harbours a sinister forest with a demonic tree believed to feast on the blood of children. When Kherin's character is marked as the next sacrifice, her mother fights both villagers and supernatural forces to save her.