'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' Review and Release Live Updates: Kajol's film has a slow start on Day 1 at the box office
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 27, 2025, 17:30:00 IST
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'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' Review and Release Live Updates: Kajol's film has a slow start on Day 1 at the box office
It’s a great day for film lovers, as two very different but exciting movies have hit the big screens today, 27 June 2025. Kajol’s horror thriller ‘Maa’ and Brad Pitt’s sports drama ‘F1: The Movie’ are now playing in cinemas, offering something for everyone.
Maa is Kajol’s first full horror film, and it’s more than just scares—it’s a supernatural story rooted in mythology. Directed by Vishal Furia, Kajol plays Ambika, a brave mother trying to protect her daughter from a deadly curse. After her husband’s strange death, she travels to his village, Chandarpur, searching for answers. But what starts as a simple trip turns chilling when her daughter vanishes near a haunted forest, leading to tense events and growing suspicion.
If horror’s not your thing, Brad Pitt’s F1: The Movie brings speed, emotion, and drama. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 star who left racing after a major crash in the 1990s. Now, he’s called back by his old teammate Reuben to save a failing team, Apex GP. Sonny teams up with a fiery young driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and faces the challenge of proving himself again in a new racing world.
Maa promises emotional horror, while F1 brings action and heart. Both are gripping and worth a watch. Stay tuned here for reviews and updates as these films light up the big screen!
17:30 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol beats her previous opening right from morning shows
Kajol’s MAA reportedly opened to a strong start at the box office, recording 66 percent better occupancy than her previous film with just the morning shows. The impressive day-one turnout suggests solid audience interest, marking a promising beginning for the emotional drama and a notable improvement over her past theatrical openings.
16:46 (IST) Jun 27
Audience praises Kajol’s powerful performance in MAA
— BabbuJMehra (@BabbuJMehra)
15:31 (IST) Jun 27
Netizens think Ajay Devgn has executed a sequence for 'Maa', shower praise
— jammypants4 (@jammypants4)
13:55 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol's film has a slow start at the box office on Day 1
'Maa' which hits the theatres today has begun on a slow note on day 1. It's facing competition from Aamir Khan starrer 'Sitaare Zameen Par'. On Friday, the collection of the movie till afternoon was around Rs 69 lakhs but of course, the numbers will grow further by the end of the day. It all depends on word of mouth for the film.
13:10 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol praises husband Ajay Devgn for his hands-on approach as a producer
Actress Kajol is gearing up to play a doting mother who will go to any extent to protect her child in her forthcoming mythological drama, "Maa".
The much-awaited drama is being produced by her actor husband, Ajay Devgn under his home banner Devgn Films.
During an interaction with IANS, Kajol called Ajay a really good producer. The diva said, "He is a really really good producer, he is an excellent producer. He is one of those very much hands-on producers. So, from scripting to the VFX, to the music, he has really gotten his hands dirty and made sure he is a part of all of it and made sure it all works- even till the marketing for that matter. So yaa, he is a really really good producer."
Over the years, Kajol has shared screen space with Ajay in many blockbuster hits such as "Hulchul", "Gundaraj", "Ishq", "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha", "Dil Kya Karein", "Raju Chacha", "You Me Aur Hum", "Toonpur Ka Superhero", and "Tanhaji".
13:09 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol on ‘Maa’: No other title could have more aptly defined our film
Bollywood star Kajol has stepped into the world of mythological horror with ‘Maa’, which the actress said that no other title could have more aptly defined the movie.
Talking about what comes to her mind thinking of “Maa”, a word that nearly every child learns to say first, Kajol told IANS: “I think you put it really well. It’s the first word that most children learn to say, to feel, and to think—before anything else. You know, the first person a child turns toward is their mother. So it starts from there and just goes deeper and deeper.”
For Kajol, Ma means goddess and her mother Tanuja as well.
“To me, both are the same. It was actually a working title for the film, but by the time we finished it, we realized that the word itself had so many layers that no other title could have more aptly defined our film than that one word.”
Kajol 'grateful' that she would come on Maa set and see Godess Kali
Kajol said that she is grateful that every morning she would come on set and see Godess Kali.
“I was so grateful that I was here in front of Ma. And I was working in front of her. It was such a unique experience.”
“Maa”, a mythological horror, released in theatres on June 27. The film also stars Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, and Kherin Sharma. It is a spinoff to the 2024 film Shaitaan, being set in the same universe.
The story follows a mother and daughter who visit the late husband’s hometown, only to uncover a demonic curse, which threatens their lives.
12:22 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol on channeling divine feminine power for song ‘Kali Shakti’ in ‘Maa’
Bollywood star Kajol has showcased deep gratitude for portraying powerful feminine energy in her latest release “Maa” during a hypnotic song sequence titled “Kali Shakti”. She went on to explain how she was awestruck by the unveiling of Goddess Kali’s statue.
Asked if she has showcased the amazing feminine power, when it comes to Kali, on screen, Kajol told IANS: “I hope so… But yeah, I think when you were shooting the song also, it was such a visceral song that I think everybody on set felt it. Everybody who was dancing on set felt it. Everybody who was around.”
“You know, you go into this little daze when you're listening to that song. It has this hypnotic effect to it. So yeah, supremely grateful that I got that chance.”
12:01 (IST) Jun 27
Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa takes lead over Kajol’s Maa in morning shows
It’s a clash of genres and star power at the box office today, as two contrasting films — Vishnu Manchu’s mythological action epic Kannappa and Kajol’s mythological horror Maa — hit theatres across India. And going by the initial figures, Kannappa has taken a clear lead in the morning shows.
Early box office data shared by Sacnilk reveals that Kannappa has managed to pull in Rs 1.36 crore from it’s morning shows, while Maa opened with a comparatively modest Rs 31 lakh in the same time. The significant difference in collections highlights how Kannappa has capitalized on its mass appeal, visual scale, and genre advantage to draw in audiences, particularly in the South Indian circuits along with the presence of names like Prabhas, Mohanlal, Kajal Agawal and Akshay Kumar. .
11:51 (IST) Jun 27
Maa Movie Review: An atmospheric watch that delivers chills in flashes
After her husband’s sudden death in his hometown of Chandarpur, West Bengal, Ambika (Kajol) returns to his ancestral haveli to sell it. But the village is plagued by a demonic curse—and demands the sacrifice of her daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma) to end it. Will the mother save her child?
While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, the film delivers a mythologically rooted horror tale that makes for a decent one-time watch.
11:32 (IST) Jun 27
‘F1’ Twitter Reviews: Brad Pitt’s racing drama hailed as ‘pure cinematic adrenaline’; F1 fans warn, 'Don’t expect accuracy’
Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated racing epic F1 has finally hit the theatres in India and around the world. Early viewers are already racing to X to tweet all about the film and share their reactions and honest reviews of this high-octane racing spectacle.
Directed by Top Gun: Maverick filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, F1 sees Pitt going behind the wheel as a veteran Formula One driver returning to coach a rising star. With a massive $200 million budget and real-life F1 legend Lewis Hamilton on board as a producer, the expectations were sky-high. But as the early reviews roll in, it’s clear the film is dividing audiences — and sparking some passionate debate among racing fans.
On the positive side, many are hailing F1 as a pulse-pounding cinematic spectacle. One user gushed, "F1 delivers pure cinematic adrenaline! Brad Pitt shines, the races are heart-pounding, and the story of grit, strategy, and competition is a win."
Not everyone crossed the finish line impressed with this adrenaline-pumping film. One viewer wrote, "Next time I'm asked the worst film I've ever seen, at least I can now confirm it's #F1TheMovie."
10:51 (IST) Jun 27
Nysa’s hilarious reaction to mum Kajol’s fierce ‘Maa’ look: ‘When she comes home from work’
Kajol steps into bold new territory with ‘Maa’, a horror film mixing supernatural tension with mythological power. The makers had dropped the high-energy song ‘Kali Shakti’, showing Kajol in a fierce, goddess-like form. Sung by Usha Uthup, the track celebrates a mother’s rage and strength. Fans loved Kajol’s intense performance, but it was her daughter Nysa Devgan’s reaction that truly stole the show.
Sharing the video on Instagram Stories, Nysa joked, “When she comes home from work and am still sleeping @kajol,” playfully teasing her mum’s fierce expressions. Kajol clearly found it funny too. She reposted Nysa’s story with the caption, “Definitely my daughter,” along with laughing emojis.
10:32 (IST) Jun 27
‘F1: The Movie’ hailed as 'exhilarating' and 'pulse-pounding'
Kajol’s horror debut ‘Maa’, directed by Vishal Furia, has received glowing reviews from netizens on X. Audiences have praised its gripping mix of horror, emotion, and mythology. Kajol’s performance is being called “fearless”, “amazing” and a “knockout act”. Taran Adarsh wrote, “#Maa blends emotions, horror, and mythology seamlessly... Kajol delivers a knockout act.” One user shared, “Kajol delivers a powerful performance—her Kali avatar gives chills!” Despite some criticism about slow pacing and reused jump scares, most viewers called it a must-watch. The film’s mythological plot and Furia’s strong direction have also been widely appreciated. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Kubbra Sait calls Kajol’s ‘Maa’ gritty, scary and unmissable
Kubbra Sait took to Instagram Stories to share her thoughts on Kajol's horror film Maa. She wrote, "Watched Maa last night. It's gritty, scary, and a valuable franchise to horror films! MAAAD VFX and provides you an end that you aren't expecting. Chills that will make you contemplate looking out of the window at night." Praising Kajol's performance, she added, "@kajol is shining bright and is tough to take your eyes off her." She continued, "The second half of the film I don't think I blinked! I watched in awe and fear... @ronitboseroy is just so good... CONGRATULATIONS @danishdevgn... @furia vishal you kept my eyes wide open."
09:10 (IST) Jun 27
How Lewis Hamilton helped make ‘F1: The Movie’ feel real
‘F1: The Movie’, starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, added a fictional 11th team to the real Formula 1 paddock during filming in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Since the project began in 2021, Lewis Hamilton’s name has been closely linked to it. The seven-time world champion is a producer and helped convince F1 bosses and drivers to welcome Hollywood. Hamilton guided Kosinski and Bruckheimer to keep the film authentic, reported Skysports. Kosinski said, “He was involved in obviously all the technical details, just fascinating advice from him.” For example, at Hungary, Hamilton advised, “if Brad's going to let someone pass during a blue flag... he's going to only do that at turn six.” Hamilton also inspired a scene where Hayes explains why he races, adding a “spiritual side” to the story. Kosinski said, “We couldn't make the film without him.”
08:45 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol on a mother’s real fear and how it shaped her role in ‘Maa’
Kajol revealed a fear many mothers quietly carry—the struggle of letting their children go while still wanting to protect them. Her thoughts connect deeply with her role in the upcoming film ‘Maa’, where she plays a mother battling ancient forces to save her daughter.
Speaking to ANI she shared, "My children are much older now. I have taught them a lot of skills. So now I will have to trust my upbringing. Look, I have taught you for so long, now it's time for you to learn your lesson and to practise it."
She also believes that listening is key when parenting teenagers."Sometimes just listening to them makes them also see your point of view and makes you also see their point of view. So, I guess listening is the most powerful parenting tool," she said.
08:23 (IST) Jun 27
Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ eyes $100 million global debut on opening day
Brad Pitt is back on the big screen with ‘F1’, a thrilling racing drama expected to race past $100 million worldwide on its opening day. Pitt plays a retired Formula One legend who comes back to mentor a young driver, played by Damson Idris. Variety predicts a domestic box office of $50 million to $60 million, though estimates vary between $35 million and $60 million. Internationally, ‘F1’ aims to earn over $75 million across 77 markets, thanks to the sport’s huge global fanbase. Distributed by Warner Bros. for Apple, this film is a key test for Apple’s streaming-first studio to prove itself in cinemas. With a production budget over $200 million, ‘F1’ must attract big audiences to cover costs.
07:58 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol shared that Ajay Devgn helped film key action scenes in ‘Maa’: ‘He’s obsessed with VFX’
Kajol opened up about a behind-the-scenes moment from the sets of ‘Maa’, where Ajay Devgn was seen directing her during what looked like a key climax scene. In a chat with Pinkvilla, she revealed how creatively involved Ajay was in the film, the ‘Dilwale’ actress said, “Yeah, it's probably the climax. Short parts of the climax. Creatively, yes, of course. He's the producer. So he sat down on the script and he's been part of the whole process of the film. But, Vishal is definitely the director of the film, no two ways about it.” Kajol then added that Ajay also handled a few key scenes involving action.
“But yes, the parts of the action were shot. Ajay did shoot parts of the action for the climax and all that. And of course, there's the VFX also, which is a completely different ball game altogether. I think you don't realize how big a deal sitting down on the VFX is till you're part of that world. And Ajay is very much obsessed with it.”
07:45 (IST) Jun 27
Tom Cruise cheered on Brad Pitt at ‘F1: The Movie’ London premiere
Tom Cruise came to cheer his friend Brad Pitt at the London premiere of 'F1: The Movie' on Monday. The event brought two Hollywood icons together under one roof. Cruise supported the cast and crew and posed for photos with Pitt on the red carpet. The two superstars, who ruled the box office in the 1990s and early 2000s, chatted, laughed, and shared a hug. Later, an excited Cruise posted photos of the night on Instagram, saying, “Great night at the movies with my friends!! You guys crushed it!!” The official 'F1: The Movie' page re-shared Cruise’s post with a nod to his famous role in 'Top Gun', writing, "Maverick and Sonny". In 'Top Gun', Tom Cruise played Lt. Pete Mitchell, whose call name was Maverick.
'Maa' advance box office predictions for Day 1 show Kajol’s horror film aiming for a good start despite clashing with Akshay Kumar's 'Kannappa'. While 'Housefull 5' and Aamir Khan’s 'Sitaare Zameen Par' draw big crowds, 'Maa' expects Rs 4.50 to 6.50 crore net on its first day, says Pinkvilla and Koimoi. If it hits the higher end, it could beat Shahid Kapoor’s 'Deva' (Rs 5.78 crore) and enter the top 10 Bollywood openings of 2025.
Ajay Devgn launched a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" ticket offer on X, saying: “Chandarpur ke darr ka maza sabke saath hi aayega! Buy 2 tickets, get 1 free - Advance Booking Open Now. Hurry! Offer valid till this FRIDAY. #MaaTheFilm - in cinemas tomorrow, 27th June.” Certified UA 16+, 'Maa' runs 2 hours 15 minutes, promising a tight horror story with myth and motherly love
07:13 (IST) Jun 27
Brad Pitt ‘blown away’ by driving McLaren F1 car for ‘F1: The Movie’
Brad Pitt called driving a Formula One car an "extraordinary" experience as his film, 'F1: The Movie', opened in UK cinemas. Pitt, who plays F1 driver Sonny Hayes, recently drove McLaren’s 2023 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Despite having driven modified F2 cars during filming, the 61-year-old was "blown away" by the F1 car. "Oh my God, what a rush," he said in a video on McLaren’s social media. "A lot bigger horse than I’ve been on." On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt shared the thrill: "I got to hit 197mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight." He added, "You’re so focused, but you’re not white knuckling. You’re just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary."
06:57 (IST) Jun 27
Ajay Devgn revealed why Kajol is the perfect fit for ‘Maa’s powerful mother role
Ajay Devgn is returning to the world of horror, not as an actor this time, but as a producer. He’s co-producing the upcoming mythological horror film ‘Maa’, which stars his wife Kajol in the lead role.
At the trailer launch, Ajay joked, “Who could he imagine in a horror role besides me?” Kajol burst out laughing while sharing the stage with him. Ajay added with a smile, “Any husband would cast his wife,” prompting chuckles from the audience. ‘Maa’ follows the story of a mother who uses supernatural powers to protect her daughter from dark forces in a haunted haveli.
Speaking about why he chose Kajol for the role, Ajay said, “The character of the mother was so strong, who else could we imagine in the role but her.”
06:56 (IST) Jun 27
Is 'F1: The Movie' based on a true story?
Sonny Hayes, the main character in 'F1: The Movie', is fictional and not based on any real F1 driver. His story is inspired by the classic tale of a fallen hero seeking redemption. Hayes is shown as a tough, rootless veteran who has spent years racing in smaller competitions. His return to Formula 1 is both a personal and professional challenge. Although the story is made up, the film was shot on real Grand Prix tracks and includes footage of actual F1 drivers and team bosses, giving it a realistic feel. Brad Pitt, who plays Hayes, mentioned the film draws from real events in F1 history, like the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal, but the character himself is not based on a real person. The film captures the spirit and drama of F1 racing while telling a fictional story
06:56 (IST) Jun 27
‘Maa’ gets UA 16+ rating and a 2-hour 15-minute runtime
The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has given ‘Maa’ a UA 16+ rating. This means the film is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above, and parental guidance is advised for those younger. The movie has a total runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes), promising a gripping watch for horror fans.
‘Maa’ stars Kajol in the lead, along with Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Jitin Gulati. It is directed by Vishal Furia. The film is set in the same universe as ‘Shaitaan’, which featured Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R. Madhavan.
06:55 (IST) Jun 27
‘F1: The Movie’ – Cast, crew and runtime
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, ‘F1: The Movie’ has a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes (155 minutes). The Brad Pitt-starrer follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a former racing driver returning to the F1 world. The film is set to be an exciting watch for both regular viewers and Formula 1 fans.
Brad Pitt plays the lead role of Sonny Hayes, while Damson Idris stars as Joshua Pearce. Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon play Ruben Cervantes and Kate, respectively. The movie also features Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, Samson Kayo, and more in supporting roles. With its high-speed drama and strong cast, ‘F1: The Movie’ promises a thrilling ride for all motorsport lovers.
06:55 (IST) Jun 27
Kajol calls horror film ‘Maa’ an emotionally exhausting experience
This isn’t the first time Kajol is playing a mother on screen. She first played the role in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…’ back in 2001, and later appeared in films like ‘We Are Family’, ‘Helicopter Eela’, ‘Tribhanga’ and ‘Salaam Venky’. But ‘Maa’ was different, Kajol said. It took a much heavier emotional toll on her compared to her earlier roles. In a chat with IANS, she said, “It took a lot from me because of the fact that it's a horror film.”
She added that she doesn’t watch horror movies herself, so she wasn’t fully ready for what the role demanded. “I didn't realise that when I would be doing a horror film, there would be such a pitch to the entire film because I am not a horror watcher... there's an emotional pitch... there's so much happening. And yes, it was very, very draining as an actor also. Very emotionally draining as an actor to constantly keep that pitch 24x7 all the time in every shot.”
It’s a great day for film fans! Whether you enjoy a good scare or prefer the rush of a sports drama, two exciting films have released today, 27 June 2025. Kajol’s horror thriller ‘Maa’ and Brad Pitt’s racing film ‘F1: The Movie’ are now showing in cinemas. Both movies bring completely different worlds to the big screen, and viewers are in for a thrilling movie experience.
Kajol steps into horror with ‘Maa’
‘Maa’ marks Kajol’s first full horror film, and it’s not just any horror—it’s a mythological supernatural thriller directed by Vishal Furia. She plays the lead role of Ambika, a strong mother who must protect her daughter from a deadly curse. The story begins after Ambika’s husband dies in a mysterious, otherworldly incident. In search of answers, Ambika and her daughter visit his hometown, where they uncover a dangerous legend.
The film takes place in the fictional village of Chandarpur. Their simple road trip quickly turns into a nightmare when they make a stop at a lonely hotel near a dark forest. Things go from bad to worse when a local girl named Dipu offers to take the daughter to a haunted place—and then disappears. This sets off a tense chain of events, and suspicion begins to fall on the mother and daughter.
Brad Pitt returns to the track in ‘F1:The Movie’
If you prefer action and drama over horror, ‘F1: The Movie’ offers an entirely different experience. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who once had a promising career. But after a serious crash in the 1990s, he disappeared from the racing scene.
Years later, he’s asked to return by his former teammate Reuben Cervantes, who now runs the struggling Apex GP team. The team is in trouble—they haven’t scored any points in two whole seasons. Desperate for results, Reuben brings Sonny back and pairs him with a young, talented, and hot-headed rookie, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film follows Sonny as he tries to make a comeback, not just in racing, but in life. The team is counting on him to help turn things around. At the same time, he must work with a new generation of racers, including Joshua, who brings both speed and drama to the story.
Which one will you watch?
Both ‘Maa’ and ‘F1: The Movie’ offer strong stories and powerful performances. If you're in the mood for spooky horror with a deep emotional bond between a mother and daughter, ‘Maa’ is the perfect pick. If you want adrenaline-pumping racing scenes, second chances, and action with a heart, then ‘F1 The Movie’ is your go-to. Both ‘Maa’ and ‘F1: The Movie’ are now showing in cinemas across the country.
Stay tuned here for live updates and reviews as these two exciting films hit the big screen!