How One Kiss Made Bollywood’s Costliest Film a Flop: The Razia Sultan Story
Discover how a controversial kiss scene turned Razia Sultan, Bollywood’s most expensive film, into a box office flop, leaving the industry and investors in heavy debt.
Bollywood has seen many movies that were made with great effort, time, and money, only to flop at the box office. One such film, which is still remembered as one of the biggest disasters, is Razia Sultan. This 1983 film was not only one of the most expensive movies ever made in Bollywood, but it also pushed many financiers and the industry itself into debt.
What Was Razia Sultan About?
Directed by Kamal Amrohi, Razia Sultan aimed to depict the love story of Delhi's only female ruler, Razia Sultan, and her loyal slave Yakut. Starring Hema Malini as Razia and Dharmendra as Yakut, the film took over seven years to complete and was released with high expectations. However, upon release, the movie failed to capture the audience’s interest. Its slow pace, complex storyline, and dialogues left viewers confused, and it quickly sank at the box office.
The portrayal of Dharmendra in blackface as Yakut didn’t sit well with audiences, and many viewers found it distasteful. Furthermore, the film included scenes considered controversial at the time, including a kiss between two female characters, which led to boycotts from conservative groups. This further impacted the movie's already poor performance.
Also Read: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Box Office Day 5: Kartik Aaryan’s Film Inches Closer to Record!
How Razia Sultan Affected Bollywood’s Finances
The failure of Razia Sultan was a severe blow to Bollywood, especially to Kamal Amrohi, who had taken on heavy debts to produce the film. To cover the costs, Amrohi brought in several investors, hoping the film’s earnings would pay them back. Unfortunately, the film's dismal performance left everyone with financial losses, leading to significant debt for many involved.
The flop of Razia Sultan had a lasting impact on Kamal Amrohi's career. He faced a substantial financial loss, and no further films were released under his direction after this setback. For Bollywood, Razia Sultan remains a lesson on the risks of high-budget filmmaking without guaranteed returns.
