At the trailer launch of the upcoming mythological horror film Maa, lead actress Kajol and actor-producer Ajay Devgn lent their voices to an increasingly relevant issue in the film industry—supporting eight-hour work shifts, especially for working mothers. Their comments come in the wake of speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit, reportedly due to scheduling and time commitment concerns.
“I love the fact that we could work less and get paid,” Kajol remarked with her trademark candor, underlining how structured, humane work hours could benefit both productivity and well-being. Ajay Devgn added, “It’s not that it’s not going well… most honest filmmakers won’t have a problem with it. Apart from being a mother or a working mother, working for 8 hours—people have usually started doing that.” He noted that while practices vary, there’s a growing understanding across the industry for balanced work schedules.
The conversation served as a fitting backdrop for Maa, a film that delves into the primal force of motherhood. Directed by Vishal Furia, Maa marks Kajol’s debut in the horror genre and is set in the supernatural universe established by Shaitaan. The story follows a mother’s desperate, fearless battle to protect her child from sinister otherworldly forces, further anchoring Kajol in emotionally charged, women-driven narratives.
Set for a pan-India release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali on June 27, 2025, Maa is shaping up to be both a compelling cinematic experience and a cultural moment. The support voiced by its lead stars for better working conditions adds a real-world layer to a film already centered on strength, sacrifice, and survival.