Maa Review: A Chilling Bollywood Mythological Horror Recap

Welcome to The Movie Time, your go-to hub for spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of 2025’s cinematic thrills! Today, we’re diving into Maa, a Hindi mythological horror film that spooked theaters on June 27, 2025. Directed by Vishal Furia and starring Kajol, Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma, this Shaitaan spinoff delivers demonic chills in rural Bengal. Does it terrify or fizzle out? Stream it on JioHotstar, join the buzz on X with #MovieTimePicks, and let’s unravel this eerie tale!

The Rise of Bollywood Horror

Bollywood’s horror genre has evolved from campy classics like Ramsay Brothers to modern hits like Tumbbad and Shaitaan (2024), blending mythology with psychological dread. Maa (transl. Mother), a spinoff of Shaitaan, taps into India’s rich tantric folklore—rituals involving mantras and offerings to invoke supernatural powers, often tied to rural traditions, explained for global readers as mystical practices akin to occultism. Directed by Vishal Furia (Chhorii), it grossed ₹51.64 crore worldwide, per Wikipedia, with strong openings in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali markets, per Filmibeat. Released alongside War 2 in June 2025, it’s a standout for Kajol’s intense performance, per Rotten Tomatoes. Let’s explore this haunting journey!

A Demonic Curse Unleashed: Plot Recap

Maa follows Ambika (Kajol), a devoted mother, her husband Shubankar (Indraneil Sengupta), and their 12-year-old daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) in Kolkata, West Bengal. The story kicks off with Shubankar’s sudden death after visiting his ancestral village, Chandrapur, following his father’s passing. A tantric curse, tied to a local superstition about sacrificing female children, claims him, per 123telugu.com. Ambika and Shweta travel to Chandrapur to sell their eerie bungalow, only to face paranormal horrors. A menacing priest, Raghava (Ronit Roy), warns of a demonic entity tied to the village’s dark past.

The first act sets a creepy tone. The bungalow creaks with ghostly whispers, and Shweta sees visions of a charred figure. Flashbacks reveal Chandrapur’s history: a tantric cult sacrificed girls to appease a demon, per Filmibeat. Ambika, skeptical but protective, clashes with Raghava, who insists on a ritual to save Shweta. Strange events escalate—Shweta sleepwalks to a cursed well, and Ambika finds ancient symbols carved in the walls. A local ally, Vikram (Vivan Bhathena), uncovers Raghava’s ties to the cult, hinting at a conspiracy.

The second act deepens the dread. Ambika’s nightmares reveal Shubankar’s death was no accident—he was possessed during a botched ritual. Raghava’s true motive unfolds: he plans to sacrifice Shweta to revive the demon. A chilling sequence in a Durga Puja pandal—temporary shrines for the goddess Durga, a vibrant festival explained as India’s celebration of good over evil—sees Ambika fend off possessed villagers. Shweta’s possession symptoms intensify, with eerie chants echoing, per IMDb. Vikram’s research into tantric texts reveals a counter-ritual, but it requires Ambika to confront her grief.

The climax unfolds in the bungalow’s basement, a tantric altar glowing with demonic energy. Ambika, wielding maternal fury, battles Raghava in a ritual showdown, using a sacred locket to weaken the demon. Shweta’s possession peaks, her voice warping into growls, but Ambika’s chant breaks the curse. The 135-minute film ends with the bungalow burning down, Ambika and Shweta escaping, and Raghava’s fate ambiguous, hinting at a sequel, per X buzz. A post-credits scene ties to Shaitaan, fueling YRF’s Devil’s Universe hype. The Bengal setting, with misty villages and festival chaos, grounds the horror, per Bollywood Hungama.

The Good: Kajol’s Powerhouse and Mythical Chills

Vishal Furia’s direction crafts an atmospheric horror fest, blending tantric folklore with maternal grit, per Filme Shilmy’s 4/5 rating. Kajol’s Ambika is a tour de force—her raw emotion in the climax, screaming mantras, trends on X, per Filmibeat. The Bengal setting—foggy fields, creepy bungalows—creates a haunting vibe, shot by Pushkar Singh, per 123telugu.com. Rakhi Khanna’s score, with eerie chants and pulsing drums, sets a chilling tone, trending on Spotify. The Durga Puja sequence, with its vibrant pandals, adds cultural depth, explained as a festive yet eerie backdrop.

The film’s 135-minute runtime builds steady dread, with twists like Raghava’s cult ties keeping viewers hooked, per Firstpost. The Shaitaan universe connection, per Wikipedia, excites fans, with Rotten Tomatoes’ 85% score praising Kajol’s “career-defining” role. X calls it a “Kajol masterclass,” with the basement showdown a “visual banger.” The horror leans on atmosphere over cheap scares, making it a global draw, per India Today. Its multi-language release (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali) boosts accessibility, per BookMyShow.

The Not-So-Good: Predictable Plot and VFX Flaws

Maa falters with a predictable storyline, leaning on familiar horror tropes—cursed villages, possessed kids—per India Today’s 2.5/5 review. The script, per Bollywood Hungama, drags in the first half with repetitive flashbacks, stretching the 135-minute runtime. VFX, especially the demon’s Groot-like design, feels cartoonish, drawing X critiques and The Hollywood Reporter’s jabs. Raghava’s villainy, while intense, lacks depth, per Filmfare’s 2.5/5 rating. Emotional beats, like Shweta’s trauma, feel underdeveloped, per News 24. Tighter editing or a fresher narrative could’ve sharpened the chills.

Performances: Kajol Steals the Show

Kajol delivers a knockout as Ambika, her fierce maternal instinct and terrified resolve shining, per Rediff.com. Her pre-climax mantra scene is a tearjerker, trending on X. Ronit Roy’s Raghava is chilling, his sinister calm gripping, though his arc feels thin, per Firstpost. Kherin Sharma’s Shweta balances innocence and eeriness, her possession scenes haunting, per IMDb. Indraneil Sengupta’s brief role as Shubankar adds warmth but fades fast. Vivan Bhathena’s Vikram is solid but underused. The ensemble’s chemistry, especially Kajol-Shweta, grounds the horror, per Filme Shilmy.

Technical Aspects: Atmospheric but Flawed

Pushkar Singh’s cinematography captures Bengal’s misty, ominous vibe—creaky bungalows, foggy wells—per The Week. Rakhi Khanna’s score, with tantric chants, builds dread, trending on Spotify. Sandeep Francis’ editing is sharp in action scenes but lags in flashbacks, per 123telugu.com. Sound design—whispers, demonic growls—immerses, ideal for JioHotstar streaming. Production design, from rural altars to Durga Puja pandals, feels authentic. VFX flaws, like the demon’s design, draw criticism, per The Hollywood Reporter, but the overall polish holds.

Audience Reaction: A Kajol-Driven Hit

X is buzzing with Maa love, with fans hailing Kajol’s “god-tier performance” and the basement climax, per Filmibeat. The Durga Puja sequence and post-credits Shaitaan tease trended in India, spawning memes, per BookMyShow. Some call the plot “predictable,” per X, but its ₹51.64 crore global haul signals success, per Wikipedia. JioHotstar’s multi-language release boosted streams, per Times of India. Critics praise Kajol but split on the script, with Firstpost’s 3.5/5 calling it “gripping but flawed.” The Devil’s Universe hype fuels sequel talk.

What’s your favorite Maa moment? Vote below!

• Durga Puja pandal chase

• Basement ritual showdown

• Kajol’s mantra climax

• Shweta’s possession scene

Top 5 Moments in Maa

For Bollywood horror fans, here are the film’s most chilling scenes:

1. Basement Ritual Showdown: Kajol’s mantra-fueled battle with Raghava is heart-pounding, trending on X.

2. Durga Puja Chase: Ambika’s fight through festival chaos is visually stunning, per Filmibeat.

3. Kajol’s Mantra Climax: Her tearful chant to save Shweta grips, per Rediff.com.

4. Shweta’s Possession: Kherin’s eerie growls chill, per IMDb.

5. Post-Credits Tease: The Shaitaan link sparks sequel buzz, per X.

Final Verdict: A Kajol-Powered Horror

Maa is a chilling Bollywood horror with Vishal Furia’s atmospheric direction and Kajol’s stellar performance. Its Bengal setting and tantric thrills shine, but a predictable plot and VFX flaws dim its scare factor. A must-watch for Kajol fans and horror buffs, it’s a solid Shaitaan spinoff.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

A gripping, Kajol-driven horror that’s big on atmosphere but light on innovation, perfect for a JioHotstar binge.

Why Watch (or Skip) Maa

Watch if: You love mythological horror, Kajol’s intensity, or Shaitaan’s universe. Ideal for fans of Tumbbad or Chhorii.
Skip if: You dislike predictable plots or weak VFX.

Stream Maa on JioHotstar, catch it in theaters, and share your take on X with #MovieTimePicks! Explore more Bollywood reviews at The Movie Time.

Tags: Maa, Kajol, Ronit Roy, Hindi movie, 2025 movies, Vishal Furia, JioHotstar, movie review, movie recap, mythological horror, Shaitaan

 

Ronth Review: A Gripping Malayalam Crime Thriller Recap

Welcome to The Movie Time, your ultimate hub for spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of 2025’s cinematic masterpieces! Today, we’re diving into Ronth, a Malayalam crime thriller that hit theaters on June 13, 2025, and began streaming on JioHotstar from July 22, 2025. Directed by Shahi Kabir and starring Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew, this intense police drama unfolds over one harrowing night. Does it deliver raw suspense or falter under its weight? Stream it on JioHotstar, join the buzz on X with #MovieTimePicks, and let’s unravel this gritty tale!

The Legacy of Malayalam Police Dramas

Malayalam cinema, or Mollywood, is renowned for its grounded storytelling, from Drishyam’s cunning twists to Nayattu’s raw police drama. Ronth (transl. Patrol), directed by Shahi Kabir (Ela Veezha Poonchira), continues this tradition, building on his cop-centric scripts like Joseph and Nayattu. Released on June 13, 2025, it earned ₹5 crore in its first three days and a “Certified Fresh” 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, per Filmibeat and Rotten Tomatoes. Its digital debut on JioHotstar in multiple languages (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada) broadened its reach, per Times of India. For global readers, the film’s Kerala setting involves R&AW-like police operations, with sub-inspectors handling gritty night patrols, explained below. Let’s dive into this haunting cop saga

A Night of Tensions: Plot Recap

Ronth follows Sub-Inspector Yohannan (Dileesh Pothan), a jaded veteran, and rookie constable Dinanath (Roshan Mathew) during a single night patrol in Kerala’s Thrissur district. The story opens with a tense car chase through foggy backroads, where Yohannan’s steely calm contrasts Dinanath’s nervous energy. Tasked with routine checks, they respond to a domestic dispute, where Yohannan’s restraint defuses a volatile husband, Jincy’s (Carmen S. Mathew) abuser. Dinanath, idealistic and quick-tempered, bristles at Yohannan’s cynicism, setting up their clashing dynamic.

Flashbacks reveal Yohannan’s trauma—a botched case costing a colleague’s life—while Dinanath grapples with guilt over a family tragedy. The first act escalates when they stumble on a suicide scene, which Yohannan suspects is a murder cover-up. A chilling clue—a bloodied knife—points to a local gang, led by DYSP Jacob J. (Arun Cherukavil). A subplot involves Jincy, whose cryptic warnings hint at a larger conspiracy. The patrol takes them through desolate alleys and haunting forests, captured vividly by cinematographer Manesh Madhavan, per The Week.

The second act intensifies as a life-threatening call—a gang ambush—traps the duo in a warehouse. Dinanath’s impulsive heroism saves Yohannan, but their trust frays when Yohannan hides evidence to protect a corrupt superior. A standout sequence sees them navigate a riot during Thrissur Pooram, Kerala’s vibrant temple festival with drums and fireworks, explained for global fans as a cultural spectacle. Dinanath’s probe into the suicide uncovers a trafficking ring, tying to Jacob’s gang. Yohannan’s moral conflict peaks, torn between duty and guilt.

The climax unfolds in a rain-soaked graveyard, where Yohannan confronts Jacob, revealing his own past complicity in a cover-up. Dinanath, wounded in a shootout, forces Yohannan to choose justice over loyalty. The 125-minute film ends with Yohannan turning in evidence, facing suspension but finding peace. Dinanath recovers, their bond solidified. A post-credits tease hints at a Nayattu crossover, sparking X buzz. The raw, realistic portrayal of Kerala’s police life grips, per Filmfare.

The Good: Raw Realism and Stellar Performances

Shahi Kabir’s direction crafts a slow-burn thriller that haunts, not thrills, per Filmfare’s 4/5 review. Dileesh Pothan’s Yohannan is a career-best, his weathered stoicism and quiet guilt gripping, especially in a confession scene, per The Week. Roshan Mathew’s Dinanath balances zeal and vulnerability, his shootout heroics trending on X. The film’s realism—gritty patrols, moral dilemmas—sets it apart, reflecting Kabir’s police experience, per The Hindu. Manesh Madhavan’s cinematography, with desolate nightscapes and Thrissur’s bustling Pooram, is breathtaking. Anil Johnson’s score, with haunting violin riffs, amplifies tension, trending on Spotify.

The 125-minute runtime feels deliberate, easing viewers into the night’s dread, per Onmanorama. Cultural elements, like Kerala’s Pooram festival (a vibrant temple event with processions), add authenticity, explained for global fans as a communal celebration. The Nayattu connection enriches the YRF Spy Universe, per IMDb. X fans praise its “grounded storytelling,” calling it a “Mollywood masterclass.” The film’s exploration of police trauma and morality resonates globally, earning praise for its “quiet power,” per Gulf News.

The Not-So-Good: Slow Pace and Somber Climax

Ronth falters with its deliberate pacing, with some early scenes—routine patrols—feeling sluggish, per X critiques. The tragic climax, while impactful, leaves unresolved threads, like Jincy’s full story, frustrating some viewers, per IMDb. Jacob’s villainy feels underdeveloped, a missed chance for deeper menace. The somber ending, though realistic, lacks the open-ended ambiguity some fans craved, per user reviews. Minor technical flaws, like uneven sound mixing in riot scenes, draw nitpicks, per BookMyShow. A tighter edit or bolder antagonist could’ve sharpened the impact.

Performances: A Powerhouse Duo

Dileesh Pothan delivers a masterclass as Yohannan, his subtle glances and gruff restraint conveying years of trauma, per The Week. Roshan Mathew shines as Dinanath, his fiery idealism and raw pain (especially post-shootout) earning X praise. Lakshmi Menon’s debut as Jincy is haunting, her brief role leaving a mark, per IMDb. Arun Cherukavil’s Jacob is menacing but underused. Supporting players like Sudhi Koppa (ASI Sadanandan) and Krisha Kurup add depth, though some roles feel thin. The leads’ chemistry—tense yet evolving—grounds the drama.

Technical Aspects: A Gritty Triumph

Manesh Madhavan’s cinematography is a standout, capturing Kerala’s eerie nights and vibrant Pooram with stark beauty, per The Week. Anil Johnson’s score, with minimalist violins and pulsing drums, builds dread, trending on Spotify. Praveen Mangalath’s editing is sharp in action scenes but drags in quieter moments. Sound design—sirens, festival drums—immerses, perfect for JioHotstar streaming. Production design, from grimy police jeeps to Thrissur’s temples, feels authentic. Minor sound mixing issues in crowd scenes draw X complaints, but the polish shines.

Audience Reaction: A Mollywood Hit

X is ablaze with Ronth love, with fans praising Pothan’s “award-worthy” turn and Mathew’s “fiery zeal,” per BookMyShow. The graveyard climax and Pooram riot trended in India, spawning memes. Some call the pace “slow,” but its ₹5 crore opening and 7.9/10 IMDb rating signal success, per Filmibeat. JioHotstar’s multi-language release boosted its reach, per Times of India. Critics laud its “unflattering police portrait,” with Filmfare calling it “deeply unsettling.” The Nayattu connection fuels sequel hype.

What’s your favorite Ronth moment? Vote below!

• Pooram festival riot

• Graveyard climax showdown

• Yohannan’s confession

• Dinanath’s shootout heroism

Top 5 Moments in Ronth

For Mollywood fans, here are the film’s most gripping scenes:

1. Pooram Festival Riot: The chaotic chase amid drums and fireworks is electrifying, trending on X.

2. Graveyard Climax: Yohannan’s confrontation with Jacob in the rain is raw and intense.

3. Yohannan’s Confession: Pothan’s emotional breakdown stuns, per The Week.

4. Dinanath’s Shootout: Mathew’s heroic stand in the warehouse grips, per IMDb.

5. Post-Credits Tease: The Nayattu crossover hint sparks sequel buzz.

Final Verdict: A Haunting Cop Drama

Ronth is a gripping Malayalam thriller with Shahi Kabir’s unflinching direction, Dileesh Pothan’s stoic brilliance, and Roshan Mathew’s fiery heart. Its raw realism and Kerala backdrop shine, though a slow pace and somber climax temper its thrill. A must-watch for fans of grounded police dramas, it’s a Mollywood gem.

Rating: 3.9/5 Stars

A haunting, realistic thriller that’s big on emotion but light on pace, perfect for a JioHotstar binge or theater revisit.

Why Watch (or Skip) Ronth

Watch if: You love gritty cop dramas, Mollywood’s realism, or Pothan-Mathew’s chemistry. Ideal for fans of Nayattu or Training Day.
Skip if: You dislike slow-burn narratives or somber endings.

Stream Ronth on JioHotstar, catch it in theaters, and share your take on X with #MovieTimePicks! Explore more Mollywood reviews at The Movie Time.

Tags: Ronth, Dileesh Pothan, Roshan Mathew, Malayalam movie, 2025 movies, Shahi Kabir, JioHotstar, movie review, movie recap, crime thriller, police drama