In a candid revelation, filmmaker Kiran Rao has termed her film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ a failure at the Box Office, despite the rave reviews it garnered from critics and audiences alike. Known for her distinctive storytelling, Rao, who is also the ex-wife of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, shared her thoughts in a recent interview with a popular YouTube channel.
Honest Admission of Box Office Disappointment
Kiran Rao’s second directorial venture, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ was eagerly anticipated and received positive feedback upon its release. However, the film did not translate this acclaim into commercial success. Rao expressed her disappointment, stating, “In some ways, both my films, ‘Dhobi Ghat’ and ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ haven’t done great at the box office. Dhobi Ghat did decent business for its time, but 10-15 years later, Laapataa Ladies didn’t perform much better.”
Reflecting on Box Office Metrics
Rao’s reflections highlight the stark contrast between critical acclaim and box office success. She noted, “By box office metrics, we weren’t a success. We didn’t achieve hundreds of crores or even 30, 40, 50 crore. Failure is the way to put it.” This acknowledgment sheds light on the often harsh reality filmmakers face when their creative works do not achieve the expected commercial milestones.
A Sense of Responsibility
Taking responsibility for the film’s underwhelming box office performance, Rao added, “I do feel responsible that the film didn’t do that well at the box office.” This statement underscores her commitment to her craft and her accountability for the outcomes of her projects.
Premiering at Prestigious Film Festivals
‘Laapataa Ladies’ had a promising start, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year. The film’s theatrical release on March 1 was met with positive reviews, yet it only managed to earn a modest INR 25 crores during its entire box office run. Despite its commercial performance, the film’s narrative and execution were praised by those who viewed it.
OTT Release and Audience Reception
After its theatrical run, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ premiered on Netflix on April 26, reaching a broader audience through the streaming platform. The shift to OTT allowed more viewers to experience the film, and the reviews remained favorable. However, the box office results continued to weigh on Rao’s perception of the film’s success.
The Journey of ‘Laapataa Ladies’
The journey of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ from a prestigious film festival premiere to an OTT release encapsulates the complexities of the modern film industry. While the film found appreciation for its content, the box office figures tell a different story. Rao’s openness about this dichotomy provides a refreshing perspective on the challenges filmmakers face.
As Kiran Rao continues to explore new narratives and push creative boundaries, her reflections on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. Despite the box office numbers, the film’s critical success and the audience’s positive reception affirm its value in the cinematic landscape.
