Despite receiving positive reviews, Loveyapa, starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, struggled at the box office, earning a mere Rs 12 crore. Addressing the film’s underwhelming theatrical performance, writer Sneha Desai reflected on why the audience might not have fully embraced the rom-com.
Desai expressed that box office numbers do not always capture a film’s true impact, emphasizing that Loveyapa presents a fresh and unconventional take on romance. She pointed out that the film resonates strongly with Gen-Z and millennials due to its humor, sarcasm, and contemporary themes surrounding love, nanoships, and infidelity. “Because it is a unique style of rom-com, one that doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional Bollywood formula, it may take time for a wider audience to fully connect with it,” she added.
Hoping for a second wind on OTT platforms, Desai highlighted the shift in content consumption patterns, noting that audiences today have a vast array of choices on digital platforms. She remarked that viewers often gravitate toward larger-than-life spectacles in theatres while preferring more intimate, content-driven films on streaming services. “Maybe a lot of people were shy of sampling the film in cinemas for this reason. It might just open to great numbers when we arrive on digital platforms,” she stated.
Despite the lukewarm box office response, Desai remains optimistic about the film’s future. She believes Loveyapa’s strength lies in its storytelling rather than commercial numbers, adding that it offers a modern, dialogue-driven perspective on relationships that reflects the mindset of younger generations. She also noted that those who have watched the film have come out pleasantly surprised by its narrative and performances, reinforcing her belief that its journey is far from over.
With its upcoming digital release, Loveyapa may yet find the audience it deserves.
