Bollywood Desk, Delhi Magazine: Bollywood’s queen of performance, Kajol, makes a powerful return with her latest film “Maa”, which hit theatres on 27 June 2025. The mythological horror film has not only gripped audiences with its unique storyline and spiritual symbolism but has also begun to shake up the box office — directly affecting the earnings of Aamir Khan’s emotional drama Sitaare Zameen Par.
A Bold Entry into the Shaitaan Universe
Produced by Ajay Devgn and directed by Avinash Arun, Maa is part of the growing Shaitaan Cinematic Universe. The film follows Ambika, a fearless mother played by Kajol, who confronts dark, demonic forces to save her child. What sets Maa apart is its blend of Indian mythology, maternal emotion, and psychological horror, which is rarely explored with such intensity in Hindi cinema.
Box Office Impact: Maa vs. Sitaare Zameen Par
On Day 1, Maa grossed approximately ₹4.5 crore, showing a strong start for a horror film in a competitive weekend. While Kajol’s film was expected to do well within its genre, what came as a surprise was its immediate impact on Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, which had been enjoying a decent run until now.
Trade experts reveal that Sitaare Zameen Par saw a noticeable dip in footfalls across urban multiplexes and single screens alike, particularly in regions like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune, where Maa drew larger family audiences and horror-film lovers. Several shows of Aamir’s film were either cancelled or merged due to low occupancy — a sharp contrast to its first two weeks.
View this post on Instagram
Social Media Buzz: Praise for Kajol, Decline for Aamir
On platforms like X and Instagram, viewers praised Kajol’s emotionally rich performance. Hashtags like #KajolInMaa, #MaaMovie, and #HorrorWithHeart have been trending since the film’s release. In contrast, netizens have also begun discussing how Sitaare Zameen Par failed to maintain momentum, calling it “emotionally strong but too safe” compared to Maa’s raw intensity.
One viewer posted:
“Saw Maa after Sitaare Zameen Par. Kajol’s performance and the horror elements are next-level. Aamir sir’s film feels pale now.”
Critical Reception
Critics have mostly lauded Maa for its originality, visual storytelling, and rootedness in Indian spirituality. While the second half of the film drags slightly, Kajol’s performance holds the narrative together. Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, despite its noble message and heartfelt direction, has been criticized for lacking novelty and emotional freshness.
Ajay Devgn’s Personal Note
Producer Ajay Devgn wrote a heartfelt note on social media after the release, praising his wife Kajol:
“Your performance in Maa is beyond acting—it’s devotion, it’s emotion. Always in awe of your craft.”
Conclusion: A Genre Shift in Bollywood
With Maa, Bollywood seems to be entering a new era of storytelling — one that embraces mythology, spirituality, and horror without relying on Western tropes. Kajol’s portrayal of a mother driven by divine strength has resonated deeply with audiences, and its box office influence is already visible with the sudden slowdown of Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated release.
Maa may not just be a film — it might be the beginning of a new cinematic trend.
Stay tuned with Delhi Magazine for more updates on box office clashes, film reviews, and cinematic trends from Bollywood and beyond.
