Could Any Other Title Define Our Film Better Than ‘Maa’?
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Synopsis
In her latest film 'Maa', Bollywood star Kajol explores the depths of mythological horror. Discover her insights on the emotional layers of this distinctive title, which she believes perfectly encapsulates the film's essence. Join her as she shares why this project stood out to her in a genre often overlooked by the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Kajol emphasizes the emotional depth in 'Maa'.
- The film blends mythology with horror.
- It marks a significant step in Bollywood's exploration of the horror genre.
- High-quality VFX is crucial for modern horror films.
- Stronger scripts and writing are essential for the industry's growth.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) Renowned Bollywood actress Kajol has ventured into the realm of mythological horror with her new film ‘Maa’. She expressed that no other title could have been more fitting for the movie.
When reflecting on the word “Maa,” a term that nearly every child utters first, Kajol shared with IANS: “You articulated it perfectly. It’s the initial word that most children learn to speak, feel, and comprehend—before anything else. The first individual a child seeks out is their mother. It begins there and continues to deepen.”
For Kajol, “Maa” represents both a goddess and her mother, Tanuja.
“To me, both signify the same thing. It began as a working title for the film, but as we completed it, we recognized that the word itself held numerous layers, making it the most suitable title to define our film,” she elaborated.
Bollywood has only occasionally explored the horror genre, with memorable instances scattered throughout the decades—from the cult-classic era of the Ramsay Brothers to the breakout success of Raaz in 2002, and the psychological thriller Bhoot starring Ajay Devgn.
Vikram Bhatt has led the charge with a series of supernatural films, but in recent years, the genre has experienced a revival with innovative projects such as Tumbbad, Pari, Bulbbul, Shaitaan, and now Maa.
What holds the industry back from delving into this genre?
Kajol responded: “Absolutely. That’s precisely why we wanted to experiment with something new. I believe horror necessitates significant resources—particularly for VFX. A substantial budget is essential for it.”
Although “Maa” is classified as a horror film, Kajol emphasized that it is infused with profound emotion.
“This emotional depth is why I agreed to be a part of the film. I wouldn’t have felt the same if it lacked such a strong emotional foundation. It’s not merely a horror film; it’s a mythological horror film,” she stated.
She highlighted that the film offers the right blend of culture while maintaining the essence of a thriller.
“I wouldn’t have taken on this project if it didn’t possess such an emotional core. It’s not solely about horror. As an industry, we’re striving for improved scripts and tighter writing,” she concluded.
Kajol added, “We all desire better scripts—and crafting them takes time. It’s not that no one wanted to engage with the horror genre; it’s more about waiting for the right script to emerge.”
The film is set to premiere on June 27.
Point of View
I find Kajol's insights into 'Maa' to be particularly compelling. Her emphasis on the emotional depth within a horror film reflects a growing trend in the industry towards more substantial storytelling. It will be interesting to see how this perspective resonates with audiences and influences future projects in Bollywood.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Maa' about?
Maa is a mythological horror film featuring Kajol, exploring deep emotional themes intertwined with the horror genre.
Why did Kajol choose to act in 'Maa'?
Kajol was drawn to the film due to its strong emotional core, believing it transcends typical horror narratives.
When is 'Maa' releasing?
Maa is scheduled for release on June 27.
What makes 'Maa' unique?
Maa combines mythological elements with horror, offering a blend of culture and emotion that is rare in the genre.
How does 'Maa' relate to previous Bollywood horror films?
Maa represents a revival of the horror genre in Bollywood, following a trend of innovative supernatural projects.
