Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar starrer Samrat Prithviraj, which was made on a massive budget, failed to impress the audience and turned out to be a colossal box office failure. The Dr Chandrapakash Dwivedi directorial was Yash Raj Films’ second major flop in a row after Ranveer Singh headlined Jayeshbhai Jordaar.
Based on the Braj language epic poem The Prithviraj Raso, Samrat Prithviraj reportedly carries a budget of Rs 300 but is expected to wrap under Rs 100 crore at the ticket windows. With the producers incurring heavy losses, a recent report has surfaced stating that the makers of the film have put the blame for its failure on Akshay Kumar.
YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra is reportedly irked with his leading man for not showing more commitment towards the project. “He wouldn’t listen. The film required a dedicated concentration. He wouldn’t even grow a real moustache, as he was doing other project simultaneously. When playing someone so historically important, why couldn’t he have done just this one project, and given his best to it?” a source was quoted as saying by National Herald.
The captain of the ship Dr Dwivedi, in an interview a few days ago, reflected upon the failure of his ambitious film. “We failed to understand the mood of the people. We made the film on a big scale, but people could not connect with the film. Still don’t understand what is wrong with them. The writers did their work with utmost sincerity. We have not tampered with the facts of history. We understand this responsibility very well,” he told The Times Of India.
After two back to back failures, YRF will be hoping to bounce back with Ranbir Kapoor starrer Shamshera, which is slated to release on July 22. The first teaser of the Karan Malhotra directorial has been unveiled and the film looks promising. It features Vaani Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt as well.
As for Akshay, he will next be seen in Aanand L Rai’s Raksha Bandhan alongside Bhumi Pednekar. The film will hit the screens on August 11.
