'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' Producer Claps Back at Jaya Bachchan Over Flop Remark: ‘Ma'am, Please Check Box Office Figures’

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha Producer Responds to Jaya Bachchan’s Flop Remark, Defends Film’s Title

Jaya Bachchan’s comments labeling Toilet: Ek Prem Katha a flop have sparked a strong response from producer Prerna Arora, who has come forward to defend both the film’s success and its title.

Jaya Bachchan's Criticism

Veteran Bollywood actor Jaya Bachchan recently criticized the title of Akshay Kumar’s Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, referring to it as a "flop film" during a conclave. She questioned the choice of the name and expressed her unwillingness to watch a movie with such a title. When she asked the audience if they would watch a film named Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, only a few hands were raised. She concluded, “The film is a flop.”

Prerna Arora's Response

In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, producer Prerna Arora voiced her disappointment over Bachchan’s remarks. She emphasized her admiration for the veteran actress but defended the film's title and success.

"Let me first state that I am a huge, HUGE fan of Jayaji. For me, she is the ultimate. I can watch Guddi, Uphaar, Abhimaan, and Mili anytime and feel happy about life. It is, therefore, very hurtful to hear her say that our film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was a flop. Ma’am should check the box office figures. Our film earned a very handsome profit. It was one of the five biggest hits of 2017," Prerna stated.

Defending the Title Choice

Prerna further explained the reasoning behind the film’s unconventional title, acknowledging that it was a bold choice.

"We weren’t sure about the title at first. It seemed risky to have the word ‘toilet’ in the title, especially before ‘A Love Story.’ But eventually, we settled on the edgy title. As a producer, I have taken risks. What is cinema if it only sticks to the expected? Jaya Ma’am took risks with her role choices all the time. She did Doosri Sita, where she played a woman who murders her abusive husband. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a film I am very proud of. I would love to show it to Jaya Ma’am if she would permit," she added.

Box Office Success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh and starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was a social satire that addressed the crucial issue of sanitation and open defecation in rural India. The film received a positive response from both critics and audiences and achieved significant box office success.

With global earnings of ₹316.97 crore, it became one of the highest-grossing films of 2017. Its powerful social message and entertaining narrative were widely appreciated, leading to its recognition as a commercial hit.

The debate between Jaya Bachchan and Prerna Arora has reignited discussions about artistic choices and the impact of socially conscious cinema. While opinions may differ, the success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha remains a testament to its importance and resonance with audiences.