Bollywood’s Biggest Flop Ever: This Film Ended Careers and Made Its Lead a Social Media Star

Bollywood has witnessed its share of box office failures, but few films have earned the infamy of being labeled the worst Hindi movie ever. One such film is Deshdrohi, the debut production of Kamaal R Khan, also known as KRK. Released in 2008, Deshdrohi is widely regarded as the biggest flop in Bollywood, so much so that it was banned in Maharashtra for nearly two months.

Deshdrohi failed miserably, both critically and commercially. According to IMDb, the film holds the distinction of being one of the lowest-rated movies ever, surpassing other notorious flops like Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Gunday, and Adipurush. Made on a modest budget of ₹3 crore, the film managed to gross only ₹89 lakh worldwide, cementing its place as a major disaster.

The film faced heavy criticism for allegedly trying to capitalize on the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, a move that angered political groups like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). This controversy led to its ban in Maharashtra, further damaging its prospects.

A Star-Studded Cast That Fell Flat

Despite its failure, Deshdrohi featured a lineup of notable actors. Gracy Singh, known for her role in Lagaan, Aman Verma of Baghban fame, and Hrishitaa Bhatt from Ashoka were part of the ensemble cast. Additionally, Manoj Tiwari and Kim Sharma also appeared in the film.

For some actors, particularly Gracy Singh and Hrishitaa Bhatt, the movie proved disastrous for their careers. Gracy, who once had a flourishing career in Bollywood, struggled to find work after Deshdrohi. She eventually transitioned to South Indian cinema, appearing in a few Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu films. Years later, she made a comeback on television with the spiritual show Santoshi Maa. 

For KRK, however, Deshdrohi marked the beginning of a controversial yet successful career. As the film's writer, lyricist, and producer, KRK came into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Though his acting career didn’t take off, he reinvented himself as a self-styled film critic, gaining notoriety for his bold and often derogatory remarks about Bollywood stars.

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KRK’s sharp tongue and polarizing opinions made him a viral sensation. However, his antics also got him into trouble, including the suspension of his Twitter account. Despite this, KRK remains active on social media, frequently targeting Bollywood actors and sharing his unfiltered views.

A Lavish Life in Dubai

While his Bollywood career ended in controversy, KRK’s personal life paints a very different picture. The actor-turned-critic runs a successful business in the UAE and resides in a luxurious mansion in Dubai. KRK often shares glimpses of his opulent lifestyle, including the interiors of his sprawling home, leaving fans and critics equally intrigued.More than a decade after its release, Deshdrohi remains a cautionary tale in Bollywood. Its failure not only impacted its cast and crew but also highlighted how poorly planned films can damage careers. For KRK, the movie may have ended his acting journey, but it also opened the door to his controversial rise as a social media figure and critic.