When a producer attempts a comeback after years of controversy and dormancy, the stakes are naturally high — both for public perception and industry credibility. For Prerna Arora, once a major player behind hits like Rustom and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, the upcoming fantasy drama Jatadhara marks that very comeback. But her choice of cast — Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha — is already raising eyebrows, and not for the right reasons.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: both Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha have seen a consistent string of underwhelming box office performances. Sonakshi, despite a promising start with Dabangg, has largely failed to sustain momentum in commercial cinema, and her attempts at reinvention haven’t translated into box office success. Sudheer Babu, while respected for his physicality and niche performances in Telugu cinema, hasn’t exactly cracked the pan-India code. In an industry where “comeback” often hinges on marquee value and star power, Jatadhara’s current lineup doesn’t bring either.
Making things worse is the rocky journey of the film itself. Jatadhara has already seen multiple delays, re-announcements, and the release of not one, but three different first looks. For a project meant to reintroduce a major producer to the industry, the inconsistent rollout and lack of real buzz are worrying indicators. By now, any goodwill or curiosity that might have surrounded the project is being replaced by skepticism — and fatigue.
What also raises concerns is the choice of genre. Fantasy dramas require a specific kind of storytelling muscle, heavy reliance on world-building, and actors who can lend credibility to the imagined universe. Think Baahubali, Tumbbad, or Brahmāstra — love them or hate them, they at least featured leads who brought scale or curiosity to the table. Neither Sonakshi nor Sudheer are known for work in the fantasy space, nor have they demonstrated recent success that might offset that lack of experience.
Which brings us back to the question: Was this the right move for Prerna Arora?
From a purely strategic point of view, the answer leans toward no. For a producer with a controversial past and an inactive recent history, the best way to re-enter the game would’ve been with a sharp, contained project with either a breakout newcomer or a bankable name. Or better yet, a solid concept with a fresh directorial voice. Instead, Jatadhara feels like an odd gamble — unproven genre, faded stars, and an inconsistent rollout.
Of course, Bollywood has seen bigger underdogs flip the narrative before. But until Jatadhara actually delivers something beyond recycled posters and vague teasers, this comeback play seems more like a miscalculation than a masterstroke.