The Lady Killer’ – Bollywood’s Biggest Box Office Disaster

NEWS CHARIOT (HYDERABAD,JAN.8) : Bollywood film ‘The Lady Killer’, starring Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar, has created history for all the wrong reasons. Directed by Ajay Bahl, this crime thriller failed to capture audience attention, becoming one of the most disastrous releases in Indian cinema history. Despite a production budget of over ₹45 crores and an additional ₹2 crores spent on promotions, the film managed to collect only ₹70,000 in its entire theatrical run.

The movie released on November 3, 2023, but its presence in theaters was so limited that many were unaware of its release. On opening day, only 293 tickets were sold across the country, earning just ₹38,000. With only 12 shows screened nationwide, the film faced insurmountable hurdles.

A major reason for the film’s failure was its incomplete production. The movie relied heavily on voiceovers due to unfinished sequences, leading to a subpar viewing experience. This technical flaw, coupled with minimal promotions and low distribution, ensured that ‘The Lady Killer’ did not even break the ₹1 lakh barrier.

Despite its box office debacle, critics praised the performances of Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Priyanka Bose, highlighting their efforts amidst the film’s challenges. Unfortunately, their strong performances could not salvage the movie.

Now streaming on Netflix, the film is gaining a second life on OTT platforms, allowing audiences who missed it in theaters to give it a watch.

‘The Lady Killer’ serves as a cautionary tale for Bollywood, showcasing how a lack of proper execution and marketing can lead to disastrous outcomes, regardless of a star-studded cast.