Bollywood has seen many portrayals of mothers — from nurturing and selfless to fierce and indomitable. But with the trailer of Kajol’s upcoming film “Maa”, the industry seems to have taken the concept of motherhood to a whole new level — a supernatural thriller where a mother must fight a demonic force to save her daughter.
With dark tones, emotional depth, and an eerie vibe reminiscent of “Shaitaan”, the trailer has left audiences intrigued, spooked, and curious about what’s in store.
🎬 The Premise: A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
The trailer of “Maa” opens with a calm, emotional tone — a single mother (played by Kajol) is seen leading a normal life with her teenage daughter. However, things quickly turn upside down when an evil supernatural force begins to torment the family. What begins as minor disturbances soon escalates into a full-blown spiritual attack that threatens to take her daughter away forever.
The most gripping part of the trailer is Kajol’s transformation — from a loving mother to a woman prepared to fight dark entities, spirits, or even the devil himself if it means saving her child.
😈 The ‘Shaitaan’ Vibe: Bollywood’s New Obsession?
After the success of “Shaitaan”, Bollywood seems to be exploring the horror-thriller genre with a strong emotional base. While “Shaitaan” touched upon black magic, demonic possession, and psychological manipulation, “Maa” seems to follow a similar path — but through the lens of a mother-child bond.
The visual tone, the background score, and the way the evil forces are introduced strongly resemble the treatment seen in “Shaitaan.” However, “Maa” appears more personal, raw, and centered around a deeply emotional fight rather than just a horror experience.
🧑🍼 Kajol: A Powerful Choice for ‘Maa’
Kajol, known for her dynamic acting and powerful screen presence, is the perfect choice for such a role. In the trailer, her emotions range from fear and confusion to rage and resilience — showcasing the many shades of a mother who refuses to give up.
This role marks a departure from her usual romantic or family drama films. Here, she seems ready to get her hands dirty, scream, cry, fight, and stand against evil forces — both emotional and supernatural.
Her monologue in the trailer, “Main maa hoon… aur maa haar nahi maanti,” is already giving goosebumps to fans.
👧 The Daughter: A Central Character
The daughter’s role, although brief in the trailer, plays a crucial part in the film’s emotional and supernatural arc. She’s not just a passive victim — her reactions to the haunting, her emotional bonding with her mother, and her vulnerability make the audience feel more invested in the plot.
As the central motivation for Kajol’s character, the daughter symbolizes innocence and fear — making the stakes feel real and urgent.
🧙♂️ The Supernatural Elements
The trailer gives enough glimpses of the dark entity that haunts the family. Without showing too much, the makers have cleverly left the identity of the villainous force ambiguous — making room for audience theories and curiosity.
Are we looking at a Rakshas, a spirit, a manifestation of trauma, or something more ancient and mythological? The references to rituals, protective symbols, and a spiritual guru hint at a deeper backstory that will unfold in the film.
This mystery is what makes the trailer so captivating — it doesn’t give away everything.
🎥 Cinematography and Sound Design
From what the trailer shows, “Maa” excels in its technical aspects. The lighting plays a big role — flickering bulbs, dim hallways, sudden shadows — to create a claustrophobic, haunted atmosphere.
The sound design, especially the haunting chants, ticking clocks, and sudden silences, adds to the overall intensity. The background score rises in volume with each emotional beat, building up the tension without overdoing it.
These elements make the trailer not just scary, but emotionally immersive.
🤯 Social Media Buzz and Audience Reaction
Since its release, the trailer has gone viral across platforms. Fans and critics alike are praising:
- Kajol’s intense performance
- The emotional storytelling
- The horror elements that feel authentic and well-executed
- The comparison to “Shaitaan,” but with a more emotional depth
Many users are calling it “Bollywood’s answer to The Conjuring meets Mother India.” That alone says a lot about how well the trailer has landed with viewers.
👁️ What to Expect from the Film?
If the trailer is anything to go by, “Maa” will be:
- An emotional rollercoaster for every parent watching
- A suspense-driven narrative filled with twists and spiritual undertones
- A showcase of Kajol’s career-best performance
- A symbolic fight between good and evil, motherhood and darkness, love and fear
The biggest USP of the film seems to be how it blends supernatural horror with a grounded emotional story, something few Bollywood films have managed to balance well.
🎭 Will “Maa” Redefine the Horror Genre in Bollywood?
Bollywood has often struggled to create truly gripping horror films that are both critically and commercially successful. But with films like “Tumbbad”, “Shaitaan”, and now “Maa”, a new wave of intelligent horror cinema seems to be emerging.
If “Maa” delivers on the promise of its trailer, it could redefine the genre, especially with a strong female lead. It could also pave the way for more female-led horror thrillers, a rarity in Indian cinema.
📅 Release Date and Final Thoughts
While the exact release date hasn’t been officially confirmed, “Maa” is expected to hit theatres in mid-2025. Expectations are high, and with Kajol at the center of it, the film is bound to draw large crowds.
In conclusion, “Maa” looks like more than just a horror film. It’s a deeply emotional, thrilling tale of a mother’s strength, wrapped in darkness, myths, and maternal rage. Whether you’re a horror fan or a drama lover, this is one film that promises something new, bold, and unforgettable.