Yodha Clash Hinders Adah Sharma's "Bastar: The Naxal Story" Opening Day Success

The film "Bastar: The Naxal Story," starring Adah Sharma, struggled at the box office, earning only Rs 50 lakh on its opening day, partly due to competition from "Yodha." Despite its anticipated success, the film faced criticism for its portrayal of Naxalism, stirring political debates.

Image Source -www.indiatoday.in

Amid high anticipation following the success of "The Kerala Story," Adah Sharma, Sudipto Sen, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah unveiled their latest venture, "Bastar: The Naxal Story." The film, poised for success, encountered a stumbling block on its opening day, managing to accrue a mere Rs 50 lakh. This disappointing performance can be attributed, in part, to its clash with the Sidharth Malhotra-starrer "Yodha."

According to data from Sacnilk. com, "Bastar: The Naxal Story" recorded an overall occupancy rate of only 7.97% on Friday, with a significant portion of its earnings stemming from nighttime screenings. Despite significant marketing efforts and considerable buzz surrounding its release, the film failed to meet box-office expectations.

Critics, including India TV's Jaya Dwivedie, offered mixed reviews. Dwivedie described the film as average, acknowledging its attempt to address pertinent social issues but noting its failure to effectively translate them onto the big screen. Nevertheless, "Bastar: The Naxal Story" offers viewers a unique perspective on Naxalism in India, albeit with some shortcomings.

Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Sunshine Pictures and co-produced by Aashin A Shah, the film features Adah Sharma in the lead role and is helmed by director Sudipto Sen. However, even before its release, "Bastar: The Naxal Story" courted controversy with the unveiling of its teaser. Some critics labeled it as a "propaganda" film, sparking heated debates in political circles.

Also Read: US Voices Concern Over CAA, Observing Implementation In India Closely

In response to the criticism, Adah Sharma defended the film, emphasizing the audience's right to choose whether to watch and critique it. She called for respect for differing opinions, regardless of whether they were informed by viewing the film or not. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding its release, "Bastar: The Naxal Story" stands as a testament to the complexities of artistic expression and societal critique in the Indian film industry.

Overall, the film's struggle at the box office amidst clashes with rival releases underscores the precarious nature of success in the fiercely competitive landscape of Indian cinema. As debates continue to rage over its portrayal of sensitive political issues, "Bastar: The Naxal Story" remains a significant addition to the cinematic discourse on Naxalism in India.