Kajol’s “Maa” Defies Expectations, Nearing Rs 25 Crore Milestone
The cinematic return of acclaimed actress Kajol in the mythological horror-thriller Maa has captivated audiences, demonstrating remarkable resilience at the box office. Despite navigating a crowded release schedule, the film, which premiered on June 27, has maintained a surprisingly steady pace, positioning itself as a notable success for its genre and star. Its impressive run is particularly significant as it has already been lauded as the highest-grossing film led by a female actor this year, further solidifying Kajol’s enduring appeal.
This strong performance is setting Maa up to become Kajol’s ninth-highest-grossing movie, a testament to her draw power even amidst fierce competition. The film is currently holding its own against major releases such as Aamir Khan’s highly anticipated Sitaare Zameen Par and the star-studded Hollywood racing drama F1, featuring none other than Brad Pitt.
Box Office Momentum: “Maa” Surges Past Competitors
On its sixth day of release, July 2, Maa garnered an estimated Rs 1.75 crore in India net collections, according to early industry tracker Sacnilk. This brings its total domestic earnings to a formidable Rs 24.9 crore, putting it on the cusp of the Rs 25 crore mark within its first week. This figure already places Maa ahead of several other 2025 releases, including Emergency (which concluded its run at Rs 20.48 crore) and Fateh (Rs 16 crore).
The buzz around Maa’s continued success is palpable, with projections indicating it is now poised to surpass the lifetime collection of Shahid Kapoor’s earlier 2025 offering, Deva, which ended its theatrical run with Rs 32.7 crore. The film’s robust opening weekend laid a strong foundation, pulling in Rs 4.65 crore on Friday, followed by significant jumps to Rs 6 crore on Saturday and a commanding Rs 7 crore on Sunday.
Audience Engagement and Regional Highlights
Even on a weekday, Maa demonstrated consistent audience interest, registering an overall Hindi occupancy of 10.13% on Wednesday. This figure saw fluctuations throughout the day, with morning shows at 6.03%, afternoon at 11.42%, evening at 10.94%, and night shows peaking at 12.12%. Industry experts anticipate a marginal uplift in theatre footfall over the upcoming weekend, suggesting continued viewer enthusiasm. Notably, the southern city of Chennai recorded the highest theatre occupancy for Maa, underscoring its appeal across diverse Indian demographics.
A Deeper Dive into “Maa’s” Cinematic Universe and Vision
Maa isn’t just a standalone thriller; it is deeply connected to the supernatural cinematic universe first established by her husband, Ajay Devgn’s blockbuster hit, Shaitaan, which released last year. Directed by Vishal Furia and co-produced by Devgn Films, Maa extends this intriguing narrative world. Shaitaan itself was a box office phenomenon, opening with an impressive Rs 14.75 crore and achieving a substantial lifetime domestic collection of Rs 147.97 crore, setting a high benchmark for Maa.
Beyond Kajol’s compelling lead performance, the film features a talented ensemble cast including Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Jitin Gulati in pivotal roles, each contributing to the film’s chilling atmosphere.
Critical Reception: Balancing Bold Themes with Storytelling
Critics have acknowledged Maa’s visual artistry and its ambitious thematic undertones. A review by SCREEN highlighted the film’s vivid production design, particularly noting the gnarled forest and the eerie presence of the ‘daitya’ (demon) Raktbeej. The film’s clear intention to challenge societal norms, especially its focus on “smashing patriarchy” and the refreshing, matter-of-fact discussion around menstruation between a mother and daughter, resonated positively. Kajol’s undeniable screen presence and gravitas were seen as instrumental in carrying these weighty messages.
However, the film also drew some constructive criticism, with some reviewers pointing to a perceived blandness in the writing and a lack of novelty in the extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Despite these observations, Maa’s box office performance indicates a strong connection with its target audience, proving that its blend of mythological horror and social commentary has struck a chord.
