Maa isn’t just another horror flick on the list. It’s a film that creeps under your skin and lingers like a question you can’t quite shake off. With Kajol at the forefront in a genre that doesn’t often spotlight female leads, Maa boldly intertwines maternal instincts with the supernatural, creating an experience that’s both personal and unsettling. Yet, despite its unique approach and heartfelt performances, the film’s journey at the box office has been anything but smooth.
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Join Telegram ChannelIn its opening week, Maa pulled in a respectable Rs 26 crore net—pretty good considering its genre and tone. But the real challenge came in the second weekend. Up against heavyweights like Jurassic World: Rebirth, Metro…In Dino, and the powerhouse that is F1, Maa faced a bit of a dip on its second Friday, raking in just Rs 1 crore. However, what happened next was quite unexpected. A 60% surge on Saturday brought its Day 9 total to Rs 1.60 crore, indicating that while audience interest may have splintered due to so many choices, it certainly hadn’t vanished.
The true strength of Maa lies in the quiet moments between the scares. Director Vishal Furia doesn’t just rely on jump scares; he builds a moody, emotionally charged atmosphere where the horror emerges from a mother’s instinct to protect her child from unseen threats. Kajol, known for her powerful performances, taps into a softer yet haunting rage here. It’s a portrayal that doesn’t shout for accolades but settles in like a fog—always present, always subtly chilling.
From a commercial perspective, the film has had a bittersweet run. While it hasn’t broken any records, its numbers are still commendable given the fierce competition from other big-budget films. Industry insiders suggest that if Maa had launched during a quieter period, its earnings could have reached Rs 40–50 crore. Still, thanks to pre-sold non-theatrical rights and a global theatrical share nearing Rs 20 crore, the project remains in a financially secure position.
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What makes Maa’s perception a bit tricky is its branding. It’s not just labeled as “a Kajol film”; it’s also being viewed as part of the Shaitaan universe. That legacy brings along certain expectations for louder, more mainstream content. However, Maa opts for a more subtle, layered approach, which might have caught some viewers off guard who were expecting a thrill ride, but it has certainly pleased those who appreciate a slow-burn kind of terror. Instead of feeling like a horror extravaganza, it unfolds more like a ghost story passed down through generations.
Ronit Roy and Indraneil Sengupta add depth to the narrative, creating a believable atmosphere filled with fear and faith. The cinematography enhances this eerie vibe, relying on natural light, shadows, and a sense of stillness rather than flashy visual effects. It’s the kind of horror that embraces restraint—a bold yet admirable choice.
As the second Sunday approaches, Maa is on track to surpass the Rs 30 crore mark. While it may not be a blockbuster, it’s certainly not a flop either. It gracefully occupies that middle ground—earning praise, delivering genuine scares, and making just enough of an impact amidst the July release frenzy.
Kajol is set to move on to Sarzameen, which features Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan, and is slated for a streaming release on July 25. Yet, Maa will remain a significant chapter in her film career—not for its box office numbers, but for the bravery it took to take on such a story.
Maa may not roar, but it resonates—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
