Bollywood is diving deeper into horror, and this time it brings back the emotional power of motherhood to the center of the genre.
In the upcoming film Maa, actress Kajol steps into a terrifying supernatural world to protect her daughter. The official trailer, released on Thursday, gives viewers a glimpse into this emotionally charged horror film that promises thrills, suspense, and heart.
Directed by Vishal Furia, Maa follows a familiar yet chilling formula. Furia, who also helmed the Chhori and Chhori 2 films, brings his signature blend of folklore, horror, and strong female characters back to the screen. And just like the Chhori franchise, Maa centers on a mother who faces off against unspeakable evil to save her child — but with a new twist.
A Unique Tribute to Mothers
One of the standout details in the trailer isn’t just the horror, but how the entire cast and crew pay homage to their own mothers. Instead of using just their own names, the team has included their mothers' names in their credits. For instance, Ajay Devgn is introduced as Ajay Veena Devgn, and director Vishal Furia becomes Vishal Revanti Furia. Kajol, Ronit Roy, and Indraneil Sen Gupta also follow this heartwarming trend.
This gesture isn’t just symbolic — it ties beautifully into the film’s theme, where the strength of a mother becomes the story’s emotional anchor. Fans have already picked up on this thoughtful tribute, calling it a “beautiful and meaningful gesture” in the YouTube comments.
Plot Glimpse: A Mother’s Desperate Fight
The trailer opens with a frantic and frightened Kajol, desperately trying to escape with her daughter. They seem to be running from danger, only to find themselves in a place even more sinister. The setting is dark, isolated, and eerie — a perfect stage for the unfolding nightmare.
Early scenes show the mother-daughter duo on a tense road trip. Kajol’s daughter complains of stomach pain. Kajol gently comforts her, explaining that she’s having her first period. They stop at a hotel, but things quickly spiral into horror.
In one particularly nerve-wracking moment, a strange girl suddenly jumps onto their car windshield, shocking them both. Kajol's character, playing the protective mom, warns her daughter Shweta not to wander off in this unfamiliar place — but as expected in horror films, the warning goes unheeded. Shweta ends up stumbling into a terrifying space inhabited by a bloodthirsty demon.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Take on Horror
Maa draws heavily from folklore and mythology — a hallmark of Indian horror that’s gained popularity in recent years thanks to films like Tumbbad and the Chhori series. In Maa, the central evil is a Daitya, a demon who feeds on the blood of young girls. This ancient legend becomes the backdrop for the supernatural events that unfold.
While the overall premise may remind audiences of past horror stories, what sets Maa apart is its emotional foundation. The entire film is built around the powerful bond between a mother and her child. This gives the horror elements deeper meaning, making the stakes feel real and relatable.
The trailer ends with a powerful line from Kajol:
“Jab tak teri maa tere saath hai, tera koi kuch nahi bigaad sakta.”
(“As long as your mother is with you, no one can harm you.”)
It’s not just a line — it’s the soul of the movie.
Audience Reactions: Hope for Fresh Bollywood Horror
So far, reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised Kajol’s performance and the unique theme of the film. Many appreciated the production’s focus on horror, a genre often sidelined in Bollywood in favor of action or romance.
One YouTube user commented, “These are the kinds of films we need from Bollywood. Great concept, solid script, and amazing background music.” Another wrote, “So happy to see production houses trying something different instead of the same old formulas.”
The decision to highlight the importance of mothers in such a heartfelt way has also resonated with viewers. Several fans expressed how touched they were by the tribute, calling it “refreshing” and “emotionally smart branding.”
When is Maa Releasing?
Kajol’s Maa is all set to release in theatres on June 27. With the combination of folklore-inspired horror, a strong female lead, and a deeply emotional core, this film has the potential to stand out in a genre that’s slowly gaining traction in Indian cinema.
Whether you're a horror fan or someone who loves emotionally driven stories, Maa seems like a film that will offer both. And if the trailer is any indication, Kajol’s performance will be one to remember.
