Umrao Jaan returns to big screen, Rekha's classic to compete with Kajol's Maa in box office face-off
Theatres will see a rare box office face-off between two women-led films on June 27 as Rekha's Umrao Jaan returns in a 4K restored version, clashing with Kajol's upcoming horror drama Maa. While one is a celebrated classic, the other is a new entry in the expanding Shaitaan universe. Both aim to attract very different cinema audiences.
Classic restored
Umrao Jaan, originally released in 1981 and directed by Muzaffar Ali, has been digitally restored in 4K. The restoration was led by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). PVR Inox will re-release the film under its Timeless Classics banner.
Limited vs wide release
While Umrao Jaan will return to theatres with limited shows, Kajol's Maa is expected to get a wider release across more screens. Maa, directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Kumar Mangat Pathak, is marketed as part of the Shaitaan universe, giving it a potential advantage at the box office.
Two films, one day
Despite the contrast in genre—period drama versus mythological horror—both films highlight strong women-led narratives. Umrao Jaan explores the life of a courtesan-poetess in 19th-century Lucknow, while Maa offers a horror-driven storyline rooted in mythology.
Cultural legacy
Rekha's performance in Umrao Jaan earned her a National Award for Best Actress. The film also features Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Raj Babbar, and others. Known for its iconic soundtrack by Khayyam, the film's songs like Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti continue to trend on social media even today.
Social media buzz
The re-release may find new traction among younger audiences discovering the film for the first time. With Umrao Jaan already popular on Instagram for its music clips, the big-screen comeback could revive its digital appeal alongside its box office run.
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