Kali Shakti: A Cinematic Ode to Divine Feminine Power
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, where mythology and modernity often intertwine, the 2025 mythological horror film Maa stands out as a bold exploration of divine feminine energy. At the heart of this cinematic endeavor lies the electrifying song sequence “Kali Shakti,” a powerful tribute to the fierce and protective energy of Goddess Kali.
Starring the versatile Kajol, Maa delves into the realms of horror, mythology, and maternal strength, with the “Kali Shakti” sequence serving as its emotional and spiritual crescendo. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Maa, focusing on the cultural, artistic, and cinematic significance of the “Kali Shakti” song and its role within the film.
Through a detailed analysis of the movie’s narrative, production, themes, and reception, we uncover how Maa and its iconic song sequence resonate with audiences and contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian horror cinema.
Maa (transl. Mother) is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language mythological horror film directed by Vishal Furia. The film stars Kajol in the title role, alongside Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma. It is a spinoff to the 2024 film Shaitaan, being set in the same universe.
After her husband dies due to a supernatural cause, a mother and her daughter visit his ancestral village, only to discover a demonic curse that puts their lives at risk. Despite having to make difficult choices, the mother, or maa, fights the demon, or daitya, and ultimately triumphs. On June 27, 2025, Maa was released theatrically. It received mixed reviews from critics who widely praised Kajol’s performance but had some criticism for the script. Incidentally the previous film with same title Maa and released in 1991 was also a horror film.
Plot
The film starts with Kali Puja in an ancestral mansion in fictional Chandrapur in West Bengal. A woman gives birth during the puja, and it is announced that her baby is a boy. Then the midwife revealed that she is giving birth to his twin. A woman is leading the kali puja.
Joydev and his friends are watching the proceedings, his friends say he should have been leading the puja because he is the son of the sarpanch. Joydev says that this woman priestess was chosen because the Goddess Kali came to her in a dream. The gender of the second twin is revealed.
The father, the scion of zamindar family, takes the newborn daughter from the new mother despite her protests, to the priestess leading the puja for a sacrifice. The priestess leading the kali puja takes the baby girl to an altar on a rock in front of a huge haunted tree behind the house, and initiates the sacrifice of the infant with a huge sword.
But she stops and says that Kali, the Goddess, cannot ask for the sacrifice of a baby girl. Then Joydev snatches the sword from her, and declaring it his right, sacrifices the girl.
Ambika, her husband Shubankar, and their twelve-year-old daughter Shweta live happily in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, forty years later. It is revealed that Shubankar is same son who had a female twin forty years ago, and is contemplating when to reveal the truth of his family to his daughter.
One day, Joydev (now an old man and also the village sarpanch), informs him that his father has died. Despite her pleading, Shubankar refuses to let his daughter accompany him, as she is stunned to learn she has a grandfather.
Shubankar travels to Chandrapur, his ancestral village, to cremate his father and manage the family estate. He reveals to Joydev his desire to sell the property.
Shubankar dies in a fire accident while driving back to Kolkata under mysterious and supernatural circumstances. It appears that a splinter from the roots of a tree near their ancestral palatial home, the same haunted tree where his twin was sacrificed, caught in his shoe caused the car to catch fire.
Later, grief-stricken Ambika and Shweta travel to Chandrapur to finalize the sale of the ancestral property. There Shweta strikes friendship with Deepika, the daughter of their home’s caretaker. There she insists on visiting the haunted tree (the same tree behind her house).
Deepika initially declines, but she eventually accepts, despite everyone’s warnings not to go because of a rumor that a demon (daitya) lives on the tree. As Shweta approaches the tree, Ambika pulls her back, and then it is revealed that Deepika has had her first period (menstruation cycle).
However, the mysterious disappearance of several village girls shortly after their first menstruation cycle, who are surprisingly returned unharmed, including Deepika, forces Ambika to stay back (she had initially planned to sell off the property and return to Kolkata at earliest) and investigate.
She is helped by a police officer, Sarfaraz, who is unconvinced by rumors of daitya/demon and believes there is a different reason.
Ambika and the police officer Sarfaraz investigate the disappearances. They take the girls who stopped having periods after their first cycle to the doctor, who is shocked that none of the girls have been hurt and that they no longer have periods.
Later, the old servant (the father of the current caretaker, who was present when the twin sister was sacrificed) gives Ambika a manuscript that belongs to Shubankar. On reading the manuscript she discovers that the village is haunted by an ancient curse tied to a blood daitya named Aamsaja.
The legend involves human sacrifices, the Kali Puja ritual, and the haunted tree is believed to hold the malevolent daitya. It is shown that the daitya is actually after Shweta because it wants to have children with her. Ambika tries to flee with her daughter but is stopped by the daitya Amsaja who uses the previously abducted girls to snatch Shweta.
Ambika then takes the help of the police officer Sarfaraz who realises that it is Joydev who is committing the crimes. Then Joydev reveals that he is the human face of the demon Amsaja.
Ambika then has a dream of Goddess Kali and as a ritual she decides to perform Kali Puja in the temple in the home, which is locked, (the puja is only performed when a person in the village has a dream of Goddess Kali, only then the temple is unlocked).
As the influence of the demon, now infested in Joydev’s body grows, Ambika channels the divine wrath of the Goddess Kali, undergoing a spiritual transformation and turning into a fierce matriarchal protector. Amsaja almost kills her, but she confronts the evil force in a final effort to save Shweta and the other missing girls and eliminates him.
But it is revealed by an old priestess (the same woman who had a dream of Goddess Kali forty years ago) that her daughter Shweta was actually carrying the child of the daitya/demon Amsaja, and she must be sacrificed to stop the birth.
Ambika reluctantly proceeds to sacrifice her own daughter for greater good, but just before she kills her daughter, she is stopped by the old woman priestess, who says that she has passed the test Goddess Kali put her through and that the child inside her daughter was no more.
During the end-credits scene, Vanraj, wearing his hoodie, baggy pants, and boots, is seen walking through the ashy remains of the forest, seemingly absorbing whatever was left of Aamsaja’s powers.
Cast
- Kajol as Ambika Dasgupta
- Ronit Roy as Joydev
- Naveen Sandhu as Young Joydev
- Indraneil Sengupta as Shuvankar Dasgupta
- Kherin Sharma as Shweta Dasgupta, Ambika’s daughter
- Jitin Gulati as Police Inspector Sarfaraz
- Gopal Singh as Bikash
- Surjasikha Das as Nandini
- Aashit Chatterjee as Jagdish
- Dibyendu Bhattacharya as Bimal
- Roopkatha Chakraborty as Deepika
- Aayushi Lahiri as Shuvankar’s mother
- Faisal Malik as Bhugwa
- Vibha Rani as Old Priestess
- Yaaneea Bharadwaj as Young Priestess
- Nazneen Madan as Reeti
- Ajitabh Sengupta as Broker
- Aaradhya Tiwari as Possessed Girl
- R. Madhavan as Vanraj (Cameo appearance-“Shaitaan”)
- Tanima Bhattacharya as Woman Doctor
- Prakash Shaw as Joydev’s young friend
- Aayushi Lahiri as Subhankar’s mother
- Susmita Sur as Midwife
- Nazneen Madan as Reeti Therapist
credited from( wikipedia)
The Genesis of Maa: A Mythological Horror
Maa, directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, is a spinoff of the 2024 hit horror film Shaitaan. Released on June 27, 2025, Maa blends elements of horror, mythology, and suspense, set against the backdrop of a cursed village in Chandrapur, West Bengal.
The film stars Kajol as Ambika, a fierce mother battling dark forces to protect her daughter, alongside Ronit Bose Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Jitin Gulati, and a cameo appearance by R. Madhavan.
The narrative is rooted in a chilling premise: forty years ago, during a Kali Puja, twin siblings—a boy and a girl—are born.
While the boy is celebrated, the girl is sacrificed under a banyan tree, unleashing a curse that haunts the village’s young girls. This curse becomes the central conflict, with Ambika embodying the divine fury of Goddess Kali to confront the demonic forces.
The “Kali Shakti” song, composed by Harsh Upadhyay with lyrics by Pranav Vatsa and sung by the legendary Usha Uthup, is a pivotal moment in the film.
Released on June 17, 2025, the track encapsulates the raw power, rage, and devotion associated with Maa Kali, serving as both a narrative device and a cultural homage.
Kajol’s intense dance performance, drenched in vermilion and channeling divine fury, has been widely praised for its emotional depth and visual grandeur.
The Cultural Significance of Goddess Kali
To understand the impact of “Kali Shakti,” it’s essential to contextualize the figure of Goddess Kali in Indian mythology and culture. Kali, often depicted as a fierce, dark-skinned deity adorned with a garland of skulls and wielding weapons, is a complex symbol of destruction, creation, and protection.
She is the embodiment of Shakti—divine feminine energy—capable of annihilating evil while nurturing her devotees. In Bengali culture, where the film is set, Kali is revered as a mother figure, a protector who unleashes her wrath against injustice.
The “Kali Shakti” song taps into this reverence, portraying Kajol’s character as a mortal vessel for Kali’s divine energy, fighting to safeguard her child from a malevolent spirit.
The song’s release during the lead-up to Kali Puja, a significant festival in West Bengal, amplified its cultural resonance. By invoking Kali’s imagery—sindoor, fiery expressions, and hypnotic rhythms—the song connects with audiences on a spiritual level, evoking both devotion and awe.
This fusion of mythology and cinema reflects Bollywood’s long-standing tradition of drawing from India’s rich spiritual heritage to craft narratives that resonate emotionally and culturally.
The Narrative of Maa: A Mother’s Battle Against Evil
Plot Overview
Maa is a story of maternal resilience set against a supernatural backdrop. The film opens with a haunting flashback: on the night of Kali Puja, a village in Chandrapur witnesses the birth of twins.
The boy is welcomed with joy, but the girl is deemed inauspicious and sacrificed under a banyan tree, an act that unleashes a demonic curse. Decades later, the village is plagued by mysterious incidents targeting young girls, who are tormented by a daitya (demon).
Ambika (Kajol), a mother living in the village with her husband Shuvankar (Indraneil Sengupta), discovers that her daughter is the latest target of this malevolent force.
As the curse tightens its grip, Ambika’s desperation to protect her child awakens a primal, almost divine strength within her, culminating in the “Kali Shakti” sequence where she channels the goddess’s power to confront the demon.
The film blends horror with mythological elements, incorporating rituals, folklore, and supernatural phenomena. While it aims to be a horror thriller, it also explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil.
The “Kali Shakti” song marks a turning point in the narrative, where Ambika’s transformation from a vulnerable mother to a fierce protector mirrors Kali’s dual role as nurturer and destroyer.
The Role of “Kali Shakti” in the Narrative
The “Kali Shakti” sequence is not merely a musical interlude but a narrative fulcrum that elevates the film’s emotional and thematic stakes. As Ambika prays to Kali Maa, her dance—drenched in sindoor and imbued with raw emotion—symbolizes her surrender to the divine feminine.
The sequence is set against the unveiling of a grand statue of Goddess Kali, a moment Kajol described as one of the most impactful shots in the film. The hypnotic rhythm of the song, combined with Usha Uthup’s commanding vocals, creates a visceral experience that resonates with the characters and the audience alike.
The song’s choreography, designed to reflect Kali’s ferocity, features Kajol performing intense, almost trance-like movements.
Her expressions of rage, strength, and devotion encapsulate the essence of a mother willing to go to any lengths for her child. The sequence also serves as a visual metaphor for Ambika’s inner transformation, as she embraces her own “Shakti” to combat the demonic forces threatening her daughter.
By intertwining mythology with horror, the song bridges the film’s supernatural elements with its emotional core, making it a standout moment in Maa.
Production and Creative Vision
Direction and Cinematography
Directed by Vishal Furia, known for his work in Marathi horror films like Lapachhapi (remade in Hindi as Chhorii), Maa showcases a distinct visual style that blends eerie atmospherics with vibrant mythological imagery.
Furia’s approach to horror is rooted in cultural specificity, using rituals, folklore, and local settings to ground the supernatural in a relatable context. The cinematography, led by [Cinematographer’s Name, if available], captures the haunting beauty of Chandrapur’s landscapes, from misty banyan groves to the vibrant chaos of Kali Puja celebrations.
The “Kali Shakti” sequence, in particular, stands out for its dynamic camera work, with sweeping shots of the Kali statue and close-ups of Kajol’s expressive performance creating a sense of awe and intensity.
Music and Sound Design
The music of Maa, composed by Harsh Upadhyay, plays a crucial role in setting the film’s tone. The “Kali Shakti” track, with its pulsating rhythms and devotional undertones, is a testament to Upadhyay’s ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds.
Usha Uthup’s return to Hindi cinema after a hiatus adds gravitas to the song, her deep, resonant voice evoking the divine call of Kali. The lyrics by Pranav Vatsa weave themes of courage, justice, and maternal love, making the song a powerful anthem of feminine strength.
The sound design of Maa complements the music, using eerie whispers, distant chants, and sudden silences to heighten the horror elements. In the “Kali Shakti” sequence, the soundscape shifts from soft devotional chants to a crescendo of percussion, mirroring Ambika’s transformation.
This auditory layering enhances the sequence’s hypnotic effect, drawing viewers into the spiritual and emotional intensity of the moment.
Kajol’s Performance and Collaboration with Usha Uthup
Kajol’s portrayal of Ambika is the emotional anchor of Maa. Known for her versatility, Kajol brings a raw intensity to the role, balancing vulnerability with ferocity. In the “Kali Shakti” sequence, her dance performance is both a physical and emotional tour de force, capturing the essence of a mother’s rage and devotion. Kajol herself described the experience of filming the sequence as transformative, noting the visceral impact of the song and the awe-inspiring moment when the Kali statue was unveiled on set.
Usha Uthup’s collaboration with Kajol adds a layer of authenticity to the track. A veteran singer known for her soulful voice, Uthup’s return to Bollywood after years away was a significant draw for audiences. Her commanding vocals in “Kali Shakti” complement Kajol’s performance, creating a synergy that elevates the sequence to a spiritual and cinematic high point. Fans and critics alike have praised this collaboration, with one fan on social media describing the song as “pure devotion and divine energy” that “gives goosebumps and strength at the same time.”
Production Team and Industry Context
Produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Subbarayan, with Kumar Mangat Pathak as co-producer, Maa reflects the growing influence of Jio Studios and Devgn Films in Bollywood’s horror genre.
Ajay Devgn, who also produced Shaitaan, is noted for his hands-on approach, overseeing everything from scripting to visual effects and marketing. Kajol praised Devgn’s dedication, describing him as an “excellent producer” who ensured every aspect of the film was meticulously crafted.
The production team’s commitment to authenticity is evident in the film’s setting, costumes, and cultural references, particularly in the depiction of Kali Puja and the “Kali Shakti” sequence.
Themes and Symbolism in “Kali Shakti”
The Power of Motherhood
At its core, Maa is a celebration of motherhood, with the “Kali Shakti” sequence serving as its most potent expression. The song portrays Ambika as a mother willing to confront any force—human or demonic—to protect her child.
This mirrors the archetype of Goddess Kali, who is both a fierce destroyer of evil and a nurturing mother to her devotees. The use of sindoor, a symbol of feminine power and protection in Indian culture, reinforces this theme, as Kajol’s character is depicted drenched in vermilion, embodying Kali’s unstoppable energy.
Good vs. Evil
The “Kali Shakti” song encapsulates the film’s central conflict: the triumph of good over evil. By invoking Kali’s divine power, Ambika confronts the demonic curse that has plagued the village for decades.
The song’s lyrics and visuals emphasize courage, justice, and the ultimate victory of righteousness, aligning with the mythological narratives that inspire the film. This theme resonates with audiences, particularly in the context of Kali’s role as a destroyer of malevolent forces.
Feminine Strength and Divinity
The “Kali Shakti” sequence is a powerful ode to feminine strength, challenging traditional portrayals of women in horror films as mere victims. Ambika’s transformation into a Kali-like figure subverts gender norms, presenting a woman who is both nurturing and destructive, vulnerable yet invincible.
The sequence’s choreography, with its fierce and rhythmic movements, underscores this duality, making it a standout moment of empowerment in Indian cinema.
Reception and Impact
Critical Response
Maa received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising its ambition but noting its uneven execution. Kajol’s performance, particularly in the “Kali Shakti” sequence, was widely lauded for its intensity and emotional depth.
The song itself was described as “electrifying” and a “spiritual and emotional experience” by outlets like Firstpost.
However, some reviews, such as one from IBTimes, criticized the film for failing to fully capitalize on its mythological horror premise, calling it “just another horror film” despite Kajol’s fierce portrayal. The “Kali Shakti” sequence, however, was a consistent highlight, with critics noting its visual grandeur and Usha Uthup’s soul-stirring vocals.
Audience Reaction
Audiences responded enthusiastically to the “Kali Shakti” song, with social media posts highlighting its devotional and empowering impact. One fan tweeted, “This song is pure devotion and divine energy! The power of Maa Kali is beautifully expressed — it gives goosebumps and strength at the same time.
Jai Maa Kali!” The song’s release on June 17, 2025, generated significant buzz, with the music video amassing millions of views on YouTube. The trailer and earlier tracks like “Humnava” had already built anticipation, but “Kali Shakti” became the film’s defining moment for many viewers.
Cultural and Industry Impact
The success of “Kali Shakti” underscores Bollywood’s growing interest in mythological horror, a genre that blends cultural specificity with universal themes. The song’s tribute to Goddess Kali resonated deeply with audiences in West Bengal and beyond, reinforcing the enduring appeal of mythological narratives in Indian cinema.
The collaboration between Kajol and Usha Uthup also highlighted the power of cross-generational talent, with Uthup’s comeback being a significant draw for older audiences.
Maa and its “Kali Shakti” sequence also contribute to the evolving portrayal of women in Indian horror films. By centering a strong female protagonist who embodies divine power, the film challenges the genre’s traditional tropes and offers a fresh perspective on feminine strength.
The sequence’s success has sparked discussions about the potential for more mythology-driven horror films, with producers like Ajay Devgn likely to explore similar projects in the future.
Comparative Analysis: “Kali Shakti” in the Context of Indian Cinema
Mythology and Horror in Bollywood
Indian cinema has a rich history of blending mythology with horror, from classics like Veerana (1988) to modern hits like Tumbbad (2018). Maa follows in this tradition, using the figure of Goddess Kali to ground its horror in cultural authenticity.
The “Kali Shakti” sequence draws inspiration from earlier depictions of Kali in films like Nagini (1991) and Kali Maa (2000), but its modern production values and focus on maternal strength set it apart.
Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares, Maa uses mythology to create a sense of awe and dread, with “Kali Shakti” serving as a visual and emotional climax.
Kajol’s Evolution as an Actress
Kajol’s performance in Maa marks a significant evolution in her career, showcasing her ability to tackle complex, genre-driven roles.
Known for romantic and dramatic roles in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kajol brings a new dimension to her repertoire with Maa.
The “Kali Shakti” sequence, in particular, highlights her ability to convey raw emotion through dance and expression, cementing her status as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actresses.
Usha Uthup’s Musical Legacy
Usha Uthup’s return to Hindi cinema with “Kali Shakti” is a milestone in her illustrious career. Known for her distinctive voice and eclectic discography, Uthup brings a unique gravitas to the song, making it a standout in the film’s soundtrack.
Her collaboration with younger talents like Harsh Upadhyay and Pranav Vatsa bridges generational gaps, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new listeners.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its strengths, Maa faced criticism for its narrative inconsistencies and reliance on familiar horror tropes. Some reviewers noted similarities with Furia’s earlier work, Lapachhapi, suggesting that Maa struggled to carve out a distinct identity.
The film’s attempt to blend mythology, horror, and technology was seen as ambitious but not fully realized, with some audiences feeling that the “Kali Shakti” sequence overshadowed the rest of the narrative.
Additionally, the film’s pacing and resolution of the curse were points of contention, with critics arguing that the climax didn’t match the intensity of the song sequence.
Conclusion
Maa and its “Kali Shakti” sequence represent a bold step forward in Bollywood’s exploration of mythological horror. Through Kajol’s powerful performance, Usha Uthup’s soulful vocals, and Vishal Furia’s evocative direction, the film pays tribute to the divine feminine while addressing universal themes of motherhood and resilience.
The “Kali Shakti” song, with its hypnotic rhythms and striking visuals, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Goddess Kali and her relevance in contemporary storytelling. While Maa may not have fully met critical expectations, its cultural impact and the resonance of “Kali Shakti” ensure its place in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
As audiences continue to embrace mythology-driven narratives, Maa serves as a reminder of the strength, fury, and love that define the divine feminine.