Cinema VinesBollywood star Preity Zinta has spoken openly about the disappointing box‑office performance of her return to the big screen with the period drama Batwara 1947. The film, which saw Zinta share the screen with Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi, was marketed as a high‑profile comeback, but it failed to resonate with audiences, earning just ₹38.80 crore net in India against a reported budget of ₹150 crore.
In an interview with Mid‑day, Zinta said she remains proud of the project, describing it as an “overwhelming experience.” She stressed that an actor’s role is to give their best effort and that the ultimate outcome is beyond their control. “I give my 1000 per cent and then leave the rest to God,” she said, echoing her belief in “karam” (deed) and the idea that one can only do their part.
The film, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under his banner Aamir Khan Productions, is set in Lahore during the 1947 Partition. It follows a Muslim family who flee to Lahore and find themselves sharing a haveli with Durgavati, a Hindu woman played by Shabana Azmi. Tensions rise when an aspiring politician, portrayed by Abhimanyu Singh, turns the dispute into a communal conflict.
Despite its ensemble cast and the anticipation surrounding Zinta’s return, the movie received a mixed to negative response from critics and audiences alike. The modest earnings highlight the unpredictable nature of the film industry, a point Zinta underscored by noting that actors cannot dictate a film’s fate.
Looking ahead, Zinta is preparing for her next project, the spy comedy Vibe, directed by Kunal Kemmu. The film stars Kemmu and Sparsh Srivastava in lead roles, with Zinta appearing as the action‑comedy character Madam H. The trailer has generated buzz, positioning the story around two ordinary friends who unexpectedly become heroes in a high‑stakes mission.
