The Indian box office witnessed an unexpected yet exciting clash as two contrasting films—Vishnu Manchu’s mythological action drama Kannappa and Kajol’s emotional family-centric film Maa—released on the same day. Despite strong anticipation for both, it was Kannappa that emerged ahead in the morning show collections, drawing larger crowds and creating a more impactful buzz.
Let’s dive deep into what made Kannappa surge ahead, how Maa is still holding strong, and what this clash reveals about audience preferences and star power in 2025’s evolving cinematic landscape.
🔹 The Premise: Two Films, Two Worlds
Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu, is based on the legendary tale of Bhakta Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva. The film boasts lavish sets, VFX-heavy sequences, action choreography, and divine elements, appealing to fans of mythology, spectacle, and devotion.
On the other side, Maa, starring Kajol, is a poignant mother-son drama directed by Revathy. It explores maternal love, loss, and strength—intimate, heartfelt themes that resonate with family audiences, especially women.
The box office clash brought two very different storytelling styles to the same screen, sparking comparisons in reception, revenue, and reach.
🔹 Morning Shows: Kannappa Takes the Early Lead
According to early reports from major cities including Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, Kannappa had an occupancy rate of around 45-50% in morning shows, especially in Telugu-speaking regions. The buzz was particularly strong in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where Vishnu Manchu enjoys a loyal fanbase.
Meanwhile, Maa opened more modestly, with morning show occupancy averaging around 20-25%, performing better in urban multiplexes, especially in Mumbai and Delhi NCR. The film’s emotional subject and limited appeal in single-screen theatres could explain the comparatively slower start.
🔹 Star Power and Genre Preference
A big factor working in Kannappa’s favor is the mass appeal of mythological dramas. Indian audiences have always embraced stories rooted in culture and devotion, and when combined with modern VFX and cinematic scale, these films attract both older and younger viewers.
Vishnu Manchu, already a known face in the South, has also roped in actors like Mohanlal, Prabhas (in cameo roles), and extended promotions with Shiva temples across India—creating a spiritual connection that amplified interest.
In contrast, Kajol’s Maa is content-rich and performance-driven, but not exactly a mass entertainer. While her acting chops are undisputed, the genre relies heavily on word-of-mouth to grow over time. Films like Maa often start slow but gather momentum, especially among women and older audiences.
🔹 Reviews and Audience Reactions
Kannappa:
- Viewers have praised the visual effects, background score, and devotional intensity.
- Vishnu Manchu’s performance has been called his best till date.
- The film’s high-octane action combined with spiritual themes has struck a chord with younger viewers and religious communities.
Maa:
- Kajol’s performance is receiving critical acclaim, with emotional scenes being called “gut-wrenching.”
- The screenplay has been described as simple, yet powerful, focusing on relationships rather than spectacle.
- However, some viewers felt the pacing in the first half was slow, affecting initial impressions.
🔹 Regional Advantage: Kannappa’s Domination in the South
In Telugu-speaking markets, Kannappa is dominating the screens, with wider releases and higher screen counts than Maa. This regional advantage plays a crucial role, especially in opening day revenues.
In contrast, Maa was released in limited theatres across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, focusing more on multiplexes and premium cinema circuits in metro cities. The strategic release may work in the long run but has limited its initial burst.
🔹 Marketing Strategies: Mythology Meets Modern
Vishnu Manchu’s team left no stone unturned in promoting Kannappa. From temple visits, teaser drops during major festivals, to regional language dubs and collaborations with devotional influencers, the promotional strategy smartly merged religion and cinema.
Kajol’s Maa opted for a minimalistic, emotion-driven marketing campaign, relying heavily on her interviews, trailers focusing on motherhood, and screenings for women’s groups and NGOs. While authentic and noble, it lacked the scale and “event film” energy that Kannappa brought to the table.
🔹 Trade Projections: What’s Next?
Despite Kannappa’s stronger start, analysts believe that both films have room to succeed, given their very different target audiences.
Trade Expectations:
- Kannappa is expected to cross ₹10–12 crore on Day 1 in domestic box office collections, with strong advances for the evening and night shows.
- Maa may collect ₹3–5 crore on Day 1, but could see a strong surge over the weekend with word-of-mouth and emotional connect.
If Maa holds well over Saturday and Sunday, it could even challenge Kannappa in the long run in terms of critical acclaim and urban collections.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Two Victories in One Day?
While Kannappa is leading in terms of morning shows and initial footfall, the true box office winner will be determined in the coming days.
This clash represents two very different styles of filmmaking:
- One focuses on grandeur, devotion, and myth, attracting masses and fans of religious cinema.
- The other dives deep into emotional storytelling, championing performances and grounded narratives.
In a country as diverse as India, there is space for both. What’s encouraging is that both Kannappa and Maa are receiving love from their respective audiences, which shows that Indian cinema is evolving to accommodate both spectacle and soul.
