Kajol’s ‘Maa’ has made a promising start at the box office, especially considering its genre and the competition. After opening with a decent ₹4.65 crore on Day 1 (Friday), the film saw a healthy 29% jump on Day 2, collecting around ₹6 crore, bringing the two-day total to ₹10.65 crore (India nett), according to early estimates by Sacnilk.
Released on June 27, ‘Maa’ is a mythological horror film set within the extended ‘Shaitaan’ cinematic universe and directed by Vishal Furia. The film blends ancient mythology with modern-day horror, showcasing Kajol in one of her most intense roles — a mother who channels the fierce energy of Goddess Kali to fight a demonic curse threatening her daughter.
While critical reception has been mixed, with some pointing to predictable tropes and familiar horror beats, audiences seem to be responding well — especially praising:
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Kajol’s commanding performance
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The high-impact visual effects
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The emotional mother-daughter arc
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And the spiritual-horror hybrid concept
Critics like India Today pointed out that the narrative becomes somewhat formulaic, with a familiar setup involving a cursed past and divine awakening. However, they also acknowledged the film’s ability to immerse viewers in its world, even if it doesn't break new ground in horror storytelling.
Kajol, in her media interactions, described this as her “strongest role ever,” noting how the film's emotional and physical demands pushed her as a performer. She portrays a mother who’s not just battling evil but also confronting her own fears and faith, adding layers to what could have otherwise been a standard horror protagonist.
Given its Saturday jump and potential Sunday surge, ‘Maa’ is likely to cross the ₹15 crore mark by the end of its opening weekend. If the word of mouth continues to spread, especially in smaller towns and among horror-mythology enthusiasts, it could emerge as a sleeper hit in the coming weeks.
