Aamir Khan Reflects on Laal Singh Chaddha’s Costly Missteps

Aamir Khan has openly admitted that his overconfidence played a significant role in the failure of his 2022 film, Laal Singh Chaddha. The actor revealed that the production budget escalated to an astonishing ₹200 crore, much higher than anticipated, due to several costly mistakes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a candid conversation with film critic Komal Nahta on his YouTube channel, Khan reflected on the financial miscalculations surrounding the film. He stated, “I have a habit of putting every film I produce through an economic filter. Unfortunately, I didn’t put Laal Singh Chaddha through that filter.” This lapse in judgment, he noted, was compounded by the film’s lack of mainstream appeal.

The actor acknowledged that he anticipated a modest box office return, predicting earnings of only ₹100–120 crore. Given this expectation, he believed the budget should not have exceeded ₹80 crore. Instead, the final production costs spiraled out of control. Ultimately, the film grossed just ₹133.5 crore worldwide, with a disappointing opening of ₹11 crore in India.

Production Challenges and Pandemic Impact

Khan highlighted that the pandemic exacerbated the film’s financial woes. He continued to pay his crew during lockdowns, which added to the project’s costs. “We underwent huge losses during that period because I had not stopped my payments. I thought, as a producer, I can’t leave my workers unpaid. That increased our cost,” he explained.

To complete filming, Khan even flew the crew abroad, incurring additional expenses. One notable example was a scene shot in China, which ultimately did not make it into the final edit. “We had shot a huge sequence of him playing table tennis. All this wastage added to the cost,” he said, highlighting how logistical challenges led to further financial strain.

Khan’s experience with Laal Singh Chaddha serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers in an industry increasingly affected by external factors such as the pandemic. The challenges faced during production mirror those encountered by other producers, including Boney Kapoor, who dealt with similar budget overruns on his film, Maidaan.

Understanding Audience Expectations

Khan also acknowledged the film’s narrative structure, clarifying that from the beginning, he recognized it was not designed for mass-market appeal. “There are three things – its premise was a question, the story doesn’t follow the plot but its character, and its sub-plot lasts longer than the main plot,” he noted. These elements contributed to his belief that Laal Singh Chaddha would not resonate with a broader audience.

As the film industry continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, the lessons gleaned from Khan’s experience could influence future projects. The significant financial risks associated with high-budget films, particularly in a volatile market, are now more apparent than ever.

Khan’s admissions offer a glimpse into the pressures faced by filmmakers and the crucial importance of budget management and audience engagement. As the industry looks to recover, the reflections from seasoned professionals like Aamir Khan may prove invaluable for upcoming projects.