Akshay Kumar’s Samrat Prithviraj has started triggering negative vibes even before its release. Unlike any other historic movie, it is expected that this YRF-produced film is going to be more authentic and the reason is that the movie is being directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi who is known for helming the epic serial Chanakya and the movie Pinjar.
However, social media users have slammed the selection of Akshay Kumar in the lead role as they find him a misfit as the Hindu King. According to a user, the YRF head is not happy with the way the movie has been shaped and does not seem to be confident of the movie doing well at the box office, especially after netizens heavily trolled the trailer. Reportedly censor board’s cold reaction has also discouraged Aditya Chopra.
Incidentally, the movie has been made on a big scale with a huge budget of 300 crores. Akshay Kumar obviously was selected for the titular role as he had delivered back-to-back hits with Kesari, Good Newwz, Housefull 4, and more such films. But the taste of the audience has changed after the Corona pandemic especially now that they have another option of OTT platforms for entertainment. Also, the Southern stars are delivering pan India hits which have contributed to the loyal Bollywood fans now opting for South Indian movies for better content.
While Rohit Shetty-helmed Sooryavanshi starring Akshay did well at the box office his last release Bachchan Pandey was a dud. Even his OTT releases like Laxmii, and Atrangi Re failed to woo the audience. Also, many big Bollywood movies like Runway 34, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, and Heropanti 2 have failed to lure the audience to the theaters.
In such a scenario, it is going to be difficult for Samrat Prithviraj to touch the 300 crore target. Moreover, since the budget is so big, the movie will have to cross this target of 300 crores to be declared a big hit. And that is why many social media users as well as die-hard Bollywood fans believe that it will be difficult for YRF and Akshay to pull off a superhit with Samrat Prithviraj.