After creating a buzz with its emotional depth and Kajol’s powerful performance, ‘Maa’ has entered its second week in theatres. While the film opened to decent reviews and a warm response during its first weekend, the momentum seems to have slowed a bit as it heads into its second week.
Is this drop natural? Or does it reflect deeper challenges for content-driven cinema in today’s competitive box office environment?
Let’s explore.
🌟 The Plot That Tugs at the Heartstrings
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Revathy, ‘Maa’ is a deeply emotional story centered around motherhood, sacrifice, and resilience. Kajol plays the titular role of a single mother navigating the complex emotional world of raising a child while dealing with trauma from her past.
The narrative, laced with raw emotions, has struck a chord with a certain segment of the audience. But unlike commercial blockbusters, this film relies heavily on word-of-mouth, critical reviews, and audience empathy.
📈 Week One Performance: A Steady Start
In its opening week, ‘Maa’ managed to collect around ₹22–25 crore at the domestic box office, which is a respectable figure for a mid-budget emotional drama in today’s high-octane, big-banner environment. The first weekend showed promise, especially in urban multiplexes where mature audiences appreciated its layered storytelling.
However, the collections started dipping mid-week, especially after the release of a few mainstream films in parallel, which impacted its hold on screens.
📉 Week Two Trends: Decline Begins
As the second week began, box office collections fell by approximately 40–50%, a typical pattern for many films that depend on reviews and niche appeal. On Monday of the second week, the film reportedly earned around ₹1.25–1.50 crore, indicating a sluggish weekday run.
Analysts believe that while critical acclaim helps, the lack of high-scale marketing and mainstream entertainment value may be contributing to the dip.
🎭 Kajol’s Performance: The Brightest Spark
One thing everyone agrees on — Kajol has delivered a career-defining performance in ‘Maa’. Her portrayal of a mother balancing vulnerability and strength has received widespread praise.
Critics have called it her most honest and raw performance in recent years, drawing comparisons to her roles in films like Helicopter Eela and Fanaa, but with more emotional depth and subtlety.
Despite the film’s underwhelming mass reach, Kajol’s acting is likely to earn her awards-season recognition and digital popularity once the film hits OTT platforms.
🎥 What’s Working for ‘Maa’
- Strong Lead Performance: Kajol’s emotional depth has touched the audience.
- Engaging Screenplay: The film builds a genuine emotional connection without melodrama.
- Positive Reviews: Critics and cinephiles are rooting for the film, which helps long-term value.
- Multiplex Audience Appeal: Urban centers with mature viewers are still responding positively.
❌ Challenges and Competition
- Heavy Competition: Action-packed and youth-centric films released around the same time have eaten into ‘Maa’’s screen share.
- Limited Mass Appeal: The emotional, family-oriented narrative doesn’t resonate as strongly with single-screen or rural audiences.
- Lack of Promotional Hype: The film hasn’t had the kind of aggressive promotion that grabs casual moviegoers.
- Pacing Issues: Some critics noted that parts of the film are slow-paced, which might reduce repeat watch value.
📊 Box Office Verdict: Still In the Game?
As of now, ‘Maa’ has not been declared a flop, but it’s also not a blockbuster. It falls somewhere in the moderate success category — a film that wins over the heart but might not break records.
If the film continues to earn in the ₹1–1.5 crore range daily through the rest of the second week, it could wrap up its theatrical run at ₹30–35 crore, which may still be a decent number given its budget.
📺 OTT and Long-Term Impact
With platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime investing in emotional dramas and performance-driven cinema, ‘Maa’ has excellent OTT potential. The film could find a second life online, where audience segments that missed it in theatres might connect with its theme more intimately.
Kajol’s fans and lovers of realistic family dramas will likely discover the film digitally, leading to a new wave of appreciation.
💬 Public Reactions: A Mixed Bag
While many praise the film, some viewers have commented that it’s “too intense” or “not escapist enough” for a big-screen experience. In today’s climate, where audiences often want thrillers, comedies, or fast-paced content, ‘Maa’ asks viewers to slow down and reflect — something not everyone prefers in a theatre setting.
Still, audience reviews on platforms like BookMyShow and IMDb show positive ratings, especially for acting and direction.
🎯 Final Word: Should You Still Watch ‘Maa’?
Absolutely — if you enjoy cinema that touches the soul. While ‘Maa’ may not have the glitz or glamour of a typical Bollywood entertainer, it offers something more valuable: a moving story, sincere performances, and a reminder of the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
If you’re planning your next movie night and want something meaningful — give ‘Maa’ a chance. And if you’ve already watched it, consider spreading the word. In the end, it’s films like these that truly deserve an audience.