Kajol’s much-anticipated mythological horror film Maa, directed by Vishal Furia, hit theatres on June 27 with high expectations. Backed by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Devgn Films and Jio Studios, the film promised a compelling mix of mythology, horror, and emotion. However, while the unique narrative and Kajol’s fierce performance received praise, the film has faced a rocky start at the box office.
Slow Start Despite Star Power
Maa opened with a modest Rs 4.65 crore on its first day. Over the weekend, collections showed some improvement with Rs 6 crore on Saturday and Rs 7 crore on Sunday. However, the momentum didn’t last long. Weekdays saw a consistent drop: Monday brought in Rs 2.5 crore, followed by Rs 3 crore on Tuesday, and Rs 1.85 crore on Wednesday. On its seventh day, the film recorded its lowest single-day earnings at Rs 1.65 crore, bringing the total 7-day domestic collection to Rs 26.65 crore, according to early estimates by Sacnilk.
Occupancy Rates Reflect Audience Hesitation
Despite its emotional narrative and strong performances, the film struggled to draw large crowds. On Thursday, July 3, the Hindi occupancy rate averaged 9.33 per cent. Morning shows began slow at 5.45 per cent, while afternoon and evening shows picked up slightly to 10.16 per cent and 9.98 per cent, respectively. Night shows performed relatively better at 11.72 per cent, but the overall turnout remained low.
Fierce Competition in Theatres
Maa has faced stiff competition from two major releases Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par and Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa. While Kannappa has surpassed Maa with Rs 30.10 crore in collections, Sitaare Zameen Par continues its dominance with a massive Rs 135.65 crore. The fierce competition has undoubtedly affected Maa’s box office performance.
Strong Emotional Core, But Financial Struggles
Kajol’s portrayal of a fearless mother battling supernatural forces to protect her daughter stands at the heart of Maa. The film’s blend of myth, horror, and emotional depth has resonated with a section of the audience. However, the film’s box office journey suggests that critical appreciation doesn’t always translate into commercial success.
Also Read: WILL MAA REACH RS 25 CRORE? Kajol’s Mythological Horror Thrives at Box Office, Outpacing Deva
As it inches towards the Rs 30 crore mark, it remains to be seen whether Maa can sustain in the coming weeks or fade amidst stiffer competition.
