A battle of supernaturals: Kajol's Maa V/S Sonakshi Sinha's Nikita Roy

On June 27, 2025, the Hindi box office is about to witness a fascinating face-off — one that’s not between action heroes or romantic leads, but between two women-led supernatural films. Kajol’s Maa and Sonakshi Sinha’s Nikita Roy are both slated for release on the same day, marking a rare occasion when two horror thrillers with prominent female leads will go head-to-head.

While the horror genre in Hindi cinema has traditionally been niche, surviving on loyal but limited audiences, the last few years have seen a gradual revival of interest in supernatural narratives. Thanks to films like Stree (2018), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), and more recently Shaitaan (2024), the genre has been quietly reinventing itself, mixing horror with humor, folklore, or psychological thrill. This June’s clash is not just a battle between two films, but a reflection of a growing trend in Bollywood’s content landscape.

The Contenders: Maa and Nikita Roy

Kajol, who was last seen in the emotional drama Salaam Venky, returns to the big screen with Maa, a supernatural thriller produced by her husband Ajay Devgn’s banner. Directed by Vishal Furia, he film promises an unsettling blend of familial drama and supernatural horror. Kajol, known for her versatility, will be seen in a character grappling with the line between madness and possession.

On the other hand, Nikita Roy directed by Kussh S Sinha, marks his feature directorial debut. The film stars Sonakshi Sinha in a role far removed from her earlier glamorous or action-oriented avatars. The narrative, interspersed with occult rituals and cryptic folklore, leans heavily into classic horror elements — creaking mansions, shadowy figures, and ancestral secrets.

Both films are banking not only on their star power but on the promise of atmospheric horror that appeals to contemporary audiences who have begun to appreciate psychological and supernatural thrillers beyond jump scares.

A Growing Appetite for the Supernatural

This box office clash arrives at a time when Bollywood seems increasingly fascinated with horror and supernatural themes. The success of Abhay Verma and Sharvari led Munjya, a horror-comedy from the makers of Stree, reinforced the appetite for horror rooted in Indian mythology and folklore. Released last year, Munjya opened to solid numbers and positive word of mouth, proving that audiences are eager for stories that blend scares with cultural references.

Moreover, the horror genre's viability was firmly reestablished with the blockbuster success of Shaitaan in 2024. Starring Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, and Jyotika, the film dealt with black magic and demonic possession and grossed over Rs 148 crore at the domestic box office. Its sequel, Shaitaan 2 is already in the works. In fact Ajay Devgn is also planning another horror film for his nephew Amaan Devgn who was launched this year with Azaad.


Several more projects tapping into the supernatural are in the pipeline. Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thama, a horror thriller based on a legend, is slated for a Diwali 2025 release. Shraddha Kapoor , Rajukkmar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurrana and Pankaj Tripathi will return in Stree 2, one of the most anticipated horror-comedies of the year.

What’s Behind Bollywood’s Horror Revival?

The renewed interest in horror can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, horror films have always offered producers a low-to-mid budget model with high returns. The genre’s inherently immersive nature ensures a theatrical pull, as audiences still seek the collective experience of being scared in a dark cinema hall.

Secondly, today’s horror films are increasingly driven by narratives rooted in Indian settings, folklores, and superstitions. From the ghost of Stree to the demonic entity in Shaitaan, the genre is localizing its monsters, making them more relatable and hence more terrifying.

Thirdly, filmmakers are blending horror with other genres — comedy, thriller, or emotional drama — broadening their appeal. Stree was as much a comedy as it was a horror film, while Shaitaan was a family drama interrupted by an unholy force. This fusion model allows horror films to tap into multiple audience segments.


The Star Power Factor

While the horror genre often leans on fresh faces or character actors, the current wave sees mainstream stars lending credibility to these films. Kajol, who seldom ventures into horror, choosing Maa suggests the genre's growing clout. Similarly, Sonakshi Sinha or Ajay Devgn or Shraddha Kapoor have also ventured into the space.

Actors bring established fanbases and acting heft, which can help draw in audiences who might otherwise be hesitant about horror titles. The promotional material for both films has emphasized their strong performances and atmospheric storytelling, steering clear of campy horror tropes.