Kajol reflects on folklores, myths and oral culture in India

Do old stories and myths still carry emotional weight in modern parenting? For actress Kajol, the answer is a resounding yes–and that belief shapes the soul of her upcoming film, `Maa`.

In an era where cinematic boundaries are continually being pushed, Kajol steps into uncharted territory with `Maa`, a mythological horror film that marks her debut in the genre.

Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn Films in collaboration with Jio Studios, the film is set for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025, in four languages.

At the heart of `Maa` is the timeless maternal instinct, and Kajol is quick to highlight the emotional gravitas of cultural traditions and storytelling in shaping that instinct.

“I think that there is a huge tradition in our country–not so much myths, but an oral culture,” she said in an interview with ANI.

“Storytelling is a huge part of our upbringing. Our grandmothers passed down beliefs, dos and don`ts that have become rituals today. And that belief system, it has real power. It`s not superstition–it`s emotion, it`s conviction,” she added.

The film, inspired by the story of Kaali Maa and the demon Rakhtabeej, takes a haunting modern turn.

Kajol plays a mother whose seemingly routine road trip with her daughter spirals into a nightmarish battle against an ancient curse.

When asked what drew her to the project, Kajol reveals, “It`s one of my favourite stories actually–of Kaali Maa and Rakhtabeej. I loved the idea of bringing that myth into today`s world. The horror came later, but I had already said yes because the base of the story was so powerful.”

`Maa` blends horror with spirituality, fear with faith.

The crux of the film, Kajol said, lies in the universal theme of a parent`s protective instinct. “The moment a child is threatened, something primal awakens in a parent. You just… become a superwoman,” she said with conviction, adding, “that inner strength–it`s in all of us.”

The narrative, co-written by Saiwyn Quadras, Ajit Jagtap, and Aamil Keeyan Khan, brings this idea vividly to life, with the backdrop of a cursed tree and a centuries-old evil.

Kajol`s character must navigate not only supernatural threats, but also the emotional terror of failing to protect one`s own.

With a supporting cast that includes Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Surjyasikha Das, `Maa` promises to offer more than just jump scares.

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