October 29, 2024: Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar’s The Lady Killer may have been one of Bollywood’s most underwhelming box-office releases, collecting a mere Rs 60,000. Released on November 3 last year, the film barely reached audiences, showing on only 50 screens across India. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, only 500 people attended screenings, with first-day earnings recorded at around Rs 38,000. Directed by Section 375 fame Ajay Bahl, the movie experienced a quiet release and was absent from major streaming platforms.
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However, The Lady Killer recently found a surprising turn of fate after being uploaded to YouTube, where it garnered appreciation from viewers who finally got a chance to watch it. “It’s a good one, c’mon guys, he (Arjun Kapoor) did a great job. I know he gave so many flops, but this one deserves appreciation,” one viewer commented. Another viewer expressed, “Is it just me who liked this movie? Thought it was a good one.”
What Happened? The film’s limited release and budget issues played a significant role in its lackluster performance. Bollywood Hungama reports that The Lady Killer faced production constraints with over ten days of shooting left incomplete due to budgetary restrictions. The producers ultimately decided to wrap up with what was already filmed, adding voiceovers and editing creatively to fill in missing scenes.
Reason for the Minimal Release Industry sources suggest the film’s theatrical release was primarily to fulfill contractual obligations with an OTT platform, which required a cinema release to secure digital revenue. With lucrative OTT deals on the line, producers had to release the film in theaters, albeit on a limited scale, before making it available to their digital partner.
Despite its disappointing box office performance, The Lady Killer has seemingly found its audience online, proving that sometimes, a second chance on digital platforms can change a film’s destiny.
