Veteran actress and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan has stirred controversy with her recent comments on Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, dismissing it as a “flop film.” While speaking at a conclave, she criticized the film’s title, stating that she would never watch a movie with such a name. Her remarks did not sit well with the film’s producer, Prerna Arora, who strongly defended the film’s success.
Reacting to Rajya Sabha MP’s statement, Arora expressed her disappointment, calling the remarks hurtful, especially as she deeply admires Jaya as an actress. She pointed out that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was among the top five biggest hits of 2017 and urged Bachchan to check its box office records before labeling it a flop.
“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, anywhere, 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.”
Jaya Bachchan’s main criticism revolved around the film’s title, which she found unappealing. She questioned whether such a name would attract audiences, even polling the crowd at the event, where only a few hands were raised. She then concluded, “The film is a flop.”
However, Prerna clarified that the title was a bold choice, made to create awareness about a crucial social issue—sanitation.
“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.”
Contrary to Jaya Bachchan’s claim, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was a massive hit at the box office. The Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar starrer earned ₹316.97 crore worldwide, making it one of the biggest successes of 2017.
Apart from its commercial success, the film was widely appreciated for its social message about sanitation and the eradication of open defecation, a topic that was supported by the Indian government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign.
Jaya’s strong stance against the film’s title might be a matter of personal preference, but calling it a flop despite its box office success and social impact seems unfair. Prerna’s response highlights the importance of unconventional storytelling in cinema. After all, should a film be judged only by its title, or by the impact it creates?
