Vishal Furia's "Maa," starring Kajol and Ronit Roy, has arrived in theaters, adding to the growing landscape of Indian horror films. The film attempts to blend horror with mythology while tackling themes of patriarchy and exploring the divine feminine. However, despite its ambition and heartfelt intentions, "Maa" ultimately falters in its execution, failing to leave a lasting impression.

Kajol delivers in her role as a mother in protector mode. However, Ronit Roy's performance feels strained, and his Bengali accent appears forced. While "Maa" has its heart in the right place by taking on patriarchy head-first and attempting to explore the divine feminine, the storytelling is where it falters.

The film's CGI is standard and unmemorable. The first half of the movie feels too loose, while the second half becomes muddled. The crucial battle between good and evil, personified by a birthing demon and a divine mother, requires a more focused and sharper narrative. Instead, the film offers a lot of buildup without a sufficient payoff.

Although "Maa" is technically part of the "Shatan" universe, it lacks the impact of "Shatan: The Madhavan" and "Ajayv Gan" thriller. "Maa" is an ambitious and heartfelt film that is flawed. If you want to see Kajol unleash her divine fury, watch it but don't expect a horror masterpiece.