Kajol Feels Grateful for Channeling Goddess Kali’s Power in ‘Maa’; Calls the Experience Visceral and Unforgettable
Veteran Bollywood actress Kajol has called her role in the newly released film Maa one of the most spiritually profound and emotionally intense experiences of her career. Reflecting on a key sequence in the mythological horror film — the hypnotic and powerful song titled “Kali Shakti” — Kajol shared how deeply she was affected by the chance to portray divine feminine energy.
The film, which hit theatres on June 27, marks a bold new chapter in the mythological horror genre, and Kajol’s performance has already started drawing attention for its depth and intensity.
"Kali Shakti" Was a Hypnotic Experience: Kajol
Speaking to IANS, the 50-year-old actress recalled the atmosphere on set during the filming of the spiritual and rhythmic number “Kali Shakti.”
“I hope so… But yeah, I think when you were shooting the song also, it was such a visceral song that I think everybody on set felt it. Everybody who was dancing on set felt it. Everybody who was around.”
She added that the song has a "hypnotic effect", describing the mood on set as one of collective energy and reverence.
“You go into this little daze when you're listening to that song,” Kajol explained. “So yeah, supremely grateful that I got that chance.”
Unveiling Goddess Kali: A Moment of Awe
One of the most spiritually charged scenes in Maa, according to Kajol, was the moment when the cloth covering the statue of Goddess Kali was lifted for the first time.
“I think one of the most amazing things in the film, which I will say, I think one of the fabulous shots is when I remove the cloth from the statue of Kali Maa,” Kajol said. “I think she was just so beautiful.”
She recalled how the statue remained hidden under wraps during the initial days of shooting. When it was finally revealed during the scene, the impact was powerful not only for the audience but for Kajol herself.
“I remember standing on set and somebody took off the cloth for a shot because she was covered up for the first four days. I couldn't see what the statue looked like. So eventually when I saw it, I literally had that little awestruck feel to it.”
Every Day in Front of Kali: A Sacred Set Experience
Kajol further revealed that seeing the statue every morning during the shoot of Maa felt almost devotional.
“I was so grateful that I was here in front of Ma. And I was working in front of her. It was such a unique experience.”
The actress, who has taken on a wide range of roles across genres during her decades-long career, said this one stood out as emotionally transformative.
About ‘Maa’: A Spin-Off with Supernatural Depth
Maa is a mythological horror thriller directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and serves as a spinoff to the 2024 psychological horror hit Shaitaan.
Set in the same universe, Maa explores dark mythology, ancient curses, and spiritual awakenings, blending Indian folklore with contemporary storytelling.
Key Cast:
- Kajol as the protagonist mother
- Ronit Roy
- Indraneil Sengupta
- Kherin Sharma
Plot Summary: Horror Rooted in Legacy
The story follows a mother and her daughter who travel to her late husband’s hometown. What begins as a routine visit soon spirals into a nightmare as the two uncover an ancestral curse linked to Goddess Kali, exposing them to a demonic force that threatens their lives.
Through its chilling narrative and mythological elements, Maa bridges horror with heritage, showcasing a narrative where feminine rage and divine protection merge.
Kajol’s Role: Mother, Warrior, Devotee
In the film, Kajol plays a layered role — a mother haunted by the past, a protector standing against supernatural forces, and a symbol of divine femininity, reflecting Kali's fierce yet nurturing nature.
Her performance, especially in “Kali Shakti,” is not just a dance sequence but a spiritual enactment of empowerment, echoing ancient Shakti traditions.
Cultural and Cinematic Impact: Why ‘Maa’ Stands Out
With the rise of content rooted in Indian mythology, Maa adds to a growing list of films that tap into cultural archetypes — from Kantara and Tumbbad to the Brahmāstra series.
What makes Maa unique is its female-led narrative, and its exploration of horror through the lens of motherhood and myth.
Kajol’s role connects audiences to the protective yet fearsome force of Kali, offering a nuanced portrayal of feminine strength in times of crisis.
Reader Takeaway: Mythology Meets Emotion in Modern Bollywood
Kajol’s spiritual and emotional connection to the role in Maa shows how Indian cinema is evolving, embracing mythological storytelling with psychological and emotional depth. For audiences, the film is more than horror—it’s a reflection on belief, power, and the roles women play in protecting and preserving spiritual legacies.
Maa not only showcases Kajol’s continued relevance and depth as an actor, but also stands as an example of how divine feminine energy is being reclaimed and reimagined on screen.