Staff Reporter, Mumbai : Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan has recently sparked debate in the Bollywood industry with her remarks on the 2017 film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. She criticized the film’s title and even went as far as calling it a “flop,” a statement that has not only surprised many but also led to a strong rebuttal from the film’s producer, Prerna Arora.
Jaya Bachchan’s Criticism
Speaking at the India TV Conclave, Jaya Bachchan expressed her dissatisfaction with the film’s name. She said, “Just look at the title of the film; I would never go to watch a movie with such a name. Is that even a proper name?”
She then asked the audience how many people would be interested in watching a movie with such a title. When only a few hands were raised, she remarked, “Out of so many people, only four want to watch it? That’s very sad. This is a flop.”
Her statement has since gone viral, attracting mixed reactions from the film fraternity and audiences alike.
Producer Prerna Arora’s Response
Responding to Jaya Bachchan’s remarks, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha producer Prerna Arora expressed disappointment. She defended the film’s success and emphasized that its title was a bold and meaningful choice.
“First of all, I am a huge fan of Jaya Ji. I can watch her films like Guddi, Abhimaan, and Mili anytime. That’s why it was hurtful to hear her call our film a flop. Ma’am should check the box office figures. Our film was one of the top five highest-grossing films of 2017.”
Arora further explained the thought process behind the title, acknowledging the risks involved but asserting that it was a necessary decision.
“We were initially unsure about having the word ‘toilet’ in the title, especially before ‘Ek Prem Katha’ (A Love Story). But in the end, we went with it because it was unique and carried an important message. What is cinema if it only sticks to the expected?”
Box Office Success and Social Impact
Contrary to Jaya Bachchan’s claim, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was a major box office success. Made on a budget of ₹75 crore, the film grossed approximately ₹311.5 crore worldwide.
Beyond financial success, the film played a crucial role in spreading awareness about sanitation issues in rural India. It aligned with the Indian government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and contributed to the national conversation on hygiene and ending open defecation.
Public and Industry Reactions
Jaya Bachchan’s comments have drawn mixed responses from both the public and industry insiders. Many fans have defended the film, highlighting its positive impact and questioning the validity of her criticism.
Some have also pointed out the irony, noting that her husband, Amitabh Bachchan, starred in Piku—a film centered around digestive issues. This comparison suggests that unconventional themes can still resonate with audiences and be commercially successful.
