Vshwaksen’s much-hyped “Laila” hit theaters on February 14. However, the film turned out to be a massive disaster at the box office in its opening weekend. The film’s poor box office performance has put both actor Vishwaksen and producer Sahu Garapati in trouble
The film’s opening weekend saw nearly fifty percent of theaters showing zero bookings, while the remaining screens struggled with minimal footfalls. According to trade observers, the collections have been so poor that several theater owners have canceled shows due to a lack of attendance.
The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and audiences, was labeled as cheap, crass, and unwatchable. The dismal reception has cemented its status as one of the worst disasters in recent memory.
Producer incurs losses
Sahu Garapati, the producer, has experienced significant financial losses. According to industry estimates, the losses from Laila’s theater business alone could total around Rs 10 crore. This gives the producer little possibility of recouping his investment.
Vishwaksen’s arrogance
Vishwaksen’s problematic public persona exacerbates the film’s flaws. Despite being recognized for his talent, his off-screen behavior has come under growing scrutiny. His manner of speaking, which is sometimes viewed as unpleasant and condescending, has alienated both audiences and business insiders. Even before Laila was released, there were various difficulties surrounding the picture, many of which were blamed on Vishwaksen’s attitude. However, instead of the film’s content dominating discussions post-release, the focus has shifted to the actor’s arrogance, with social media platforms flooded with trolls mocking his demeanor rather than debating the film’s merits.
A career in crisis?
Vishwaksen’s failures do not stop with “Laila.” His previous two films, Gangs of Godavari and Mechanic Rocky, flopped at the box office, resulting in significant losses for their respective producers. With Laila adding to the list of disappointments, the actor’s career is at a crossroads. Producers who were earlier prepared to fund his projects are now apparently afraid to work with him due to the financial dangers involved.