Fri Jun 27 11:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
“Maa” is a new film starring Kajol as Ambika, a mother protecting her daughter, Shweta, from dark, mythological forces linked to her family’s troubled past. When a tragic incident occurs, they travel to their ancestral haveli in rural Bengal, where they uncover secrets of infanticide and a powerful demon. While the film has good intentions, highlighting female empowerment and challenging patriarchal norms, the writing and CGI are underwhelming. The first half is slow, and the second half is confusing, ultimately hindering a compelling narrative.
**News Article:**
**Kajol Battles Ancient Evil in Uneven Supernatural Thriller ‘Maa’**
**Mumbai, India** – Kajol returns to the screen in “Maa,” a supernatural thriller that blends mythology with modern anxieties. The film, directed by Vishal Furia, casts Kajol as Ambika, a mother fiercely determined to protect her daughter, Shweta (Kherin Sharma), from a terrifying family legacy rooted in a dark past.
The story unfolds as Ambika and Shweta travel to their ancestral haveli in Chandrapur, a remote part of Bengal, after a tragic event. There, they encounter Joydev (Ronit Roy) and uncover a history of female infanticide and a malevolent demon, Raktbeej, threatening to unleash chaos.
“Maa” is visually striking, with vivid production design that captures the haunting atmosphere of the Bengal countryside and the eerie secrets hidden within the old haveli. The film attempts to tackle important themes, including female empowerment, challenging patriarchal structures, and addressing taboos around menstruation. A scene depicting an open conversation about periods between mother and daughter is refreshing.
However, critical reception has been mixed. While praised for its intentions and Kajol’s performance, “Maa” suffers from a weak script and uninspired CGI. Early reviews point to a slow-paced first half and a muddled, confusing second half that struggles to deliver a cohesive and gripping narrative. “The writing is bland, and there’s nothing new in the CGI,” one source says. “The film itself falters in the way it keeps its first half loose, and the second half muddled.”
“Maa” features Indraneil Sengupta as Shuvankar and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in supporting roles. It is rated 2 out of 5 stars.
First Piper 