Akshay Kumar's Samrat Prithviraj fails to recover cost, Yash Raj Films mulls early OTT release

Akshay Kumar 's Samrat Prithviraj , made on an unprecedented budget of Rs 200 crore, has fizzled out at the box office in just the second week of its release. The Yash Raj Films ’ first-ever historical drama has proved to be a major flop, minting meagre Rs 57 crore, not even close to recovering the cost. Therefore, the makers have opted for an early premiere of the film on Amazon Prime Video to minimise further losses.

Despite the hype around Akshay’s film, the film failed to get the expected footfalls at the box office. The number of shows has been cancelled or cut down due to low occupancy as per reports. The film is predicted to make a lifetime total of Rs 65 crore as per trade analysts. Considering the film’s poor business, the production house has decided to release it on OTT in a span of just 4 weeks.

Also Read: Samrat Prithviraj box office Day 7: Akshay Kumar starrer sees further drop, mints Rs 55 crore in its first week 

As per Bollywood Hungama , Yash Raj Films has kept an open-ended contract with prices locked for 4 weeks and 8 weeks for their entire 2022 slate. “If the films fail, the production house will opt for a 4-week window and if it continues to do well in theatre, the premiere date will be extended to expand the theatrical revenue. Samrat Prithviraj is now zeroed in to premiere in 4 weeks," a trade source told the publication.

Directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Samrat Prithviraj is based on the life and valour of 12th century Rajput King Prithviraj Chauhan who fought against merciless invader Muhammad of Ghor to protect India. Besides Akshay, the film also stars newcomer Manushi Chhillar , Sanjay Dutt , Ashutosh Rana , and Sonu Sood. The film was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in theatres on June 3 along with Kamal Haasan ’s Vikram and Adivi Sesh’s Major .