The box office is currently witnessing an interesting clash between two mythological narratives: Kajol's horror film, Maa, and Vishnu Manchu's action-drama, Kannappa. Both films were released on June 27, 2025, and while both have seen a dip in collections on their first Monday, Kannappa has outperformed Maa in the first few days.
Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, is based on the story of Bhakta Kannappa, a devotee of Lord Shiva. The film follows Kannappa, an atheist hunter, who transforms into a fervent devotee, ultimately sacrificing his eyes to honor the deity. Vishnu Manchu not only plays the titular role but has also penned the story and screenplay. The film boasts appearances from major stars like Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal.
Maa, directed by Vishal Furia, stars Kajol as a mother who goes to great lengths to protect her daughter from evil spirits. The film incorporates elements of Hindu mythology and delves into the supernatural. The story revolves around Ambika (Kajol), a brave mother who uncovers a demonic curse while searching for answers related to her husband's death, threatening the lives of her and her daughter. The film is a spinoff to the 2024 film Shaitaan, set in the same universe.
Kannappa had a better start at the box office, earning ₹9 crore net in India on its opening day, while Maa collected ₹4.50 crore. On the first Sunday, Kannappa collected ₹7.25 crore, taking its three-day collections to ₹23.75 crore. Maa showed growth over the weekend, with ₹6 crore on Saturday and ₹6.75 crore on Sunday, bringing its three-day total to ₹17.40 crore. However, both films experienced a significant drop in collections on their first Monday. Kannappa minted ₹2.50 crore, taking its four-day total to ₹25.90 crore, while Maa collected ₹2.25 crore, with a four-day total of ₹19.90 crore.
Vishnu Manchu confirmed that Kannappa would not be released on OTT platforms before 10 weeks, a strategic decision aimed at allowing the film to enjoy an extended theatrical run. The OTT rights have not yet been sold. Maa will premiere on Netflix after its theatrical run, but the release date has not yet been revealed. Typically, films debut on OTT platforms 45 to 60 days after their theatrical release.
Both films have received mixed reviews. Kannappa is praised for Vishnu Manchu's dedication and performance, as well as Prabhas's cameo, but criticized for its direction, screenplay, and execution. Maa has been described as a boring horror thriller, with Kajol's performance being a highlight.
As the box office battle continues, it remains to be seen whether Maa can catch up to Kannappa in the coming days. Both films cater to different audiences, with Kannappa appealing to those interested in mythological action-dramas and Maa targeting fans of horror thrillers with a mythological backdrop.
