Farhan Akhtar's recent film, "120 Bahadur," released in theaters in November of last year, has faced a lukewarm reception at the box office. The film's commercial performance has sparked conversations within the film industry, regarding the unpredictable nature of success and failure in cinema. Honey Irani, Farhan's mother and a veteran screenwriter, has shared her perspective on how the actor-director is coping with the film's performance and the emotional impact of such outcomes.
In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, Honey Irani spoke candidly about the challenges faced by Farhan and their family. She acknowledged the disappointment that follows when a project involving immense hard work and investment doesn't meet expectations. "We have all gone through it. He and Zoya both have gone through it," Irani stated. "Of course, it is your personal loss because you have worked so hard on it, and so many people are involved with the film, and so much money is involved. And when that film doesn't work, it pains a lot".
Irani emphasized that moving on from such setbacks takes time. "It will take Farhan time to get over it, and to get over it, you have to move on to the next thing. But it will take time," she said. She has always advised her children to not take success to their head and failures to their heart. According to Irani, sometimes unexpected films succeed, while even well-crafted ones may fail, citing Guru Dutt's "Kaagaz Ke Phool" as an example. She believes that such outcomes are part of life and require analysis rather than emotional reactions.
Despite the film's struggle at the box office, "120 Bahadur" has received positive reviews for its performances and portrayal of bravery. However, according to Sacnilk.com, the film has only earned modest box-office returns, an estimated ₹24 crore worldwide against a reported budget of ₹80–90 crore.
Honey Irani also shared a touching moment from a recent episode of the music reality show "Indian Idol," where she appeared with Farhan and his sister, Zoya Akhtar. She expressed her feelings to Farhan, saying, "I'm sorry because we have never worked together. I mean, I've never worked for you, you've never worked for me. So I hope we'll change that in the future. And also sorry for getting a lot of beating from me. I think I couldn't have asked for a better son. I'm really, really...".
In light of "120 Bahadur's" performance, Irani's insights offer a glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by filmmakers and the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. Her advice to Farhan and Zoya reflects a pragmatic approach to navigating the unpredictable world of cinema.
There are also rumors that Ranveer Singh exited Farhan Akhtar's Don 3 after the success of Dhurandhar.
