On June 24, 2025, Sonakshi Sinha shared her pride in an exclusive interview as her psychological thriller Nikita Roy gears up to release alongside Kajol’s mythological horror Maa on June 27, 2025, in theaters across India. Directed by her brother Kussh S. Sinha, Nikita Roy stars Sonakshi, Paresh Rawal, and Arjun Rampal, while Maa, helmed by Vishal Furia, marks Kajol’s horror debut. Sonakshi sees the clash as a milestone for women-led films. How? By embracing “healthy competition,” she champions diverse narratives and female empowerment.
In This Article:
A Historic Box Office Clash
The simultaneous release of Nikita Roy and Maa marks a rare moment in Bollywood, with two women-led films vying for audience attention. Sonakshi told , “It’s so cool that we’ve two films led by women releasing side by side. That’s a step in the right direction.” Nikita Roy, originally set for May 30, was delayed due to an India-Pakistan conflict backdrop, aligning its release with Maa. Far from viewing it as rivalry, Sonakshi called it a “good, healthy competition,” noting both films’ distinct genres—psychological thriller versus mythological horror.
Sonakshi’s Admiration for Kajol
A self-proclaimed Kajol fan, Sonakshi praised Maa’s trailer, saying, “Kajol is a phenomenal actress. She’s somebody I’ve looked up to” . Kajol, who attended Sonakshi’s 2024 wedding to Zaheer Iqbal, reciprocates the admiration, creating a supportive vibe . Sonakshi hopes audiences embrace both films, stating, “There’s room for everyone”.
Empowering Female Narratives
In Nikita Roy, Sonakshi plays an investigator debunking supernatural claims and confronting paranoia and buried truths, written by Pavan Kirpalani. This aligns with her career-long focus on strong female roles, seen in Akira and Heeramandi. “I want to be the hero of my films,” she told PTI. Maa, part of Ajay Devgn’s Shaitaan universe, features Kajol as a mother battling a cursed entity. The clash reflects Bollywood’s evolving horror genre, blending psychological and mythological elements.
Pre-Release Buzz and Outlook
Nikita Roy leads with 49.1K BookMyShow interests, 45% higher than Maa’s 33.9K, boosted by Paresh Rawal’s appeal amid the Hera Pheri 3 controversy (Koimoi, 2025). However, Maa’s trailer has stronger IMDb anticipation. Kussh S. Sinha remains unfazed, confident in his film’s “unique, grounded” storytelling. This clash, as Sonakshi celebrates, heralds a new era for women in cinema, proving diverse stories can coexist and thrive.
By – Manoj