Every few years, Bollywood offers a story of maternal heroism, where a mother becomes both protector and saviour, taking centre stage in a narrative traditionally dominated by male leads. "Maa" enters this lineage with Kajol in the titular role, a choice that immediately draws attention. The film, currently streaming on Netflix, blends horror with mythology to weave a narrative that pits a mother’s fierce love against supernatural forces rooted in Bengali folklore. Set in Chandrapur, West Bengal, the story is anchored in the legend of Raktabeej and the fierce presence of Kali Maa, aiming to merge ancient myth with contemporary familial stakes. On paper, the premise is ambitious: a mother willing to defy mortal and supernatural odds to protect her child, all while exploring broader social themes, particularly the value of a girl child in a patriarchal setting.

Notably, Pori Moni-starrer two films have hit the theatres this year-- "Maa" and "Adventure of Sundarbans". In "Maa", she portrayed the role of a mother, and the film earned accolades as it made its way to the Cannes Film Festival.

In a scene from the upcoming series, the characters where initially supposed to visit the theatre to watch an imaginary film.

After a blockbuster Eid this year, two films, titled "Maa,” directed by Aranya Anawer, and "Adim,” directed by Juboraj Shamim, were released today in theaters. Both films were released in just three halls. There will be nine shows every day for both films. 

Aranyo Anawer's directorial film, "Maa", will have its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival today. Prior to the premiere, the director, Aranya Anawer, and producer, Pulak Kanti, were seen in the streets of Cannes wearing panjabi and lungi.

The movie will be screened under the festival’s ‘marché du film’ (film market), at the Palais de Festivals of Cannes’s theatre, for which the director of “Maa” is currently in attendance.

Pori Moni was 4 months pregnant when she started working on Aranya Anawer's film "Maa." When the film was announced everyone was shocked as they didn't expect Pori Moni donning the role of a mother. 

Dhallywood actress Pori Moni starrer, Liberation War-based film "Maa", directed by Aranya Anwar, is all set to be released on May 19.