Bollywood’s Biggest Flop: This Arjun Kapoor Film Made Only Rs 60,000, Sold Just 293 Tickets

In the annals of Bollywood history, some films achieve legendary status for their box office success, while others, unfortunately, become infamous for their colossal failure. In the latter category, "The Lady Killer," starring Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar, has earned a place as one of the biggest box-office disasters in Indian cinema.

Released on November 3, 2023, "The Lady Killer," directed by Ajay Bahl, was a crime thriller produced by Bhushan Kumar under the T-Series banner. The film's premise, which revolved around a man who gets into a relationship with a bedridden former prince's daughter and decides to murder the prince, initially generated some intrigue, but it failed to translate into audience interest.

Made on a substantial budget of ₹45 crore, "The Lady Killer" struggled immensely at the box office. On its opening day, the film grossed a mere ₹38,000, selling only 293 tickets across the country. The film's total collection barely touched ₹60,000, making it one of the worst-performing films in Bollywood history.

Several factors contributed to the film's dismal performance. Reports suggest that the film was released incomplete, with the climax not fully shot. Director Ajay Bahl initially confirmed this but later changed his stance. It was also reported that the film had a limited release with only 12 shows nationwide.

According to trade insiders, the film's token release was due to a deal with Netflix for its streaming release in December 2023. To fulfill the requirements of the deal, the film needed a theatrical release in November, even if it was incomplete and lacked promotion.

The lack of promotion also played a significant role in the film's failure. The trailer was released just five days before the film's release, and the lead actors, Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar, were absent from promotional events.

Critics panned "The Lady Killer" for its weak screenplay and gaps in the narrative. However, some praised the performances of Bhumi Pednekar, Priyanka Bose, and Arjun Kapoor, as well as the background score and cinematography.

Following its disastrous theatrical run, "The Lady Killer" was rejected by OTT platforms. Eventually, the makers released the film on T-Series' YouTube channel, where it has garnered over 2.4 million views, with mixed reactions.

Despite the film's failure, Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar continue to secure roles in other projects. However, "The Lady Killer" serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of a complete script, adequate promotion, and a well-executed release strategy. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where even a high budget and popular actors cannot guarantee success.

While "The Lady Killer" may be remembered as a box-office bomb, its journey from theatrical flop to a viral sensation on YouTube demonstrates the evolving landscape of film consumption and the potential for a film to find an audience, even after initial rejection.