Kajol’s upcoming horror film Maa just made history – and no, it’s not just because she’s in it. The real twist? The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) gave it a U/A 16+ rating with zero cuts. Yes, that means teenagers can watch this supernatural thriller in theatres starting June 27.
This is almost unheard of. In Bollywood, horror usually equals an ‘A’ rating. Just ask Chhorii 2 (2025), 1920: Horrors Of The Heart (2023), or Bhoot (2020). All were slapped with adults-only certificates. But Maa breaks that curse—literally and figuratively.
Watch the Trailer
What Did the CBFC Say About Maa?
Many expected the film to face heavy edits. Horror, especially when it touches on serious themes, usually gets flagged. According to sources, even a clean film like Sitaare Zameen Par had to tweak words and add a PM quote to pass.
But Maa surprised everyone.
The CBFC’s Examining Committee didn’t delete a single scene, despite acknowledging that some visuals are disturbing. Instead, they simply asked the makers to:
- Extend the disclaimer to make it readable
- Add context about anti-girl child practices and human sacrifices
- Mention the film title in Hindi as per 2021 rules
With that done, the censor certificate was issued on June 20. The final runtime? 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 35 seconds.
Why This Matters for Indian Horror
Horror has always struggled for mainstream respect in India. Most serious horror films are confined to the ‘A’ zone, cutting off younger audiences who love the genre. The only recent exception was Shaitaan (2024), also backed by Devgn Films and Jio Studios—the same team behind Maa.
This move by the CBFC signals a potential shift. Maybe horror doesn’t always need to be “adults only” if the storytelling is strong, the message is clear, and the treatment is responsible.
What to Expect from Maa
Maa blends supernatural horror with a sensitive social issue. While the full plot is under wraps, the trailer has already generated buzz—thanks to Kajol’s intense performance and the chilling premise. With the U/A 16+ tag, it opens the door to a wider audience, especially teens who rarely get serious horror content made for them.
This CBFC decision may seem small, but it’s a big win for Indian horror fans and filmmakers. Maa proves that horror, when done right, doesn’t need to be censored into silence.
Kajol returns to the big screen in a genre that finally got the green light—no scissors required.
Also Read Sitaare Zameen Par Review: Aamir Khan’s Most Unexpected Comeback Wins Hearts
