Akshay Kumar has had a challenging time in recent years. Out of the 12 films he worked on, 8 failed to make an impact at the box office. With hopes high for 2024, he began the year with an action film that promised to change his fortunes. However, the film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, despite being made on a hefty budget, performed poorly and was starkly rejected by audiences. Following this setback, Kumar’s next film, ‘Sarfira’, saw him showcasing a different persona, receiving accolades for his acting, but unfortunately, it also faced a disappointing fate at the box office despite positive reviews.
The Flop Streak Continues
Akshay Kumar’s next venture, ‘Khel Khel Mein’, is a comedy film that marks a return to the style his fans longed for. In comparison to his previous work, this film has gained considerable attention and has been well-received. Within six days of its release, the film grossed ₹17 crore, placing it second among three competing films that released simultaneously. The star-studded cast includes notable names like Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Amy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal, with a budget of ₹100 crore.
A Major Mistake Leads to Downfall
One of the biggest challenges for Akshay Kumar and the Bollywood film industry, in general, has been the issue of films clashing at the box office. Unlike South Indian cinema, which tends to avoid this issue, Bollywood frequently sees multiple films released at the same time, especially during festive seasons. This leads to a significant division in ticket sales, resulting in losses for all films involved.
Box Office Clash Consequences
The first film of the year for Akshay Kumar, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, struggled not only because of its narrative and action sequences but also due to its clash with Ajay Devgn’s ‘Maidaan’. The initial week after a film’s release is crucial for earnings, and when films release simultaneously, it often leads to diminished returns. This issue continued with his next film, ‘Sarfira’, which, even though it received favorable responses, didn’t achieve average box office numbers due to competing films like ‘Indian 2’. With a budget of ₹85 crore, this clash resulted in a substantial financial loss for Kumar.
Upcoming Films and Their Challenges
Despite experiencing setbacks with two films, Akshay Kumar did not learn from the past and has faced another potential disaster by releasing ‘Khel Khel Mein’ on the same day as Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Stree 2’ and John Abraham’s ‘Veda’, both anticipated films. The decision led to difficulties in achieving even the budget of the film. Stuck at ₹17 crore, the film’s earning potential has been severely limited because had Kumar postponed its release, he could have ensured a better box office performance.
Room for Optimism
However, there’s a silver lining for Akshay Kumar as his cameo in ‘Stree 2’ has received an overwhelming response. Since the release of this film, his popularity has surged, and despite one film suffering losses, the love from fans may well benefit his upcoming projects. In an industry as dynamic as Bollywood, the tides can turn swiftly, and the support from the audience remains pivotal for a successful comeback.
Key Highlights
| Film Title | Release Date | Budget | Box Office Collection | Co-stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bade Miyan Chote Miyan | January 2024 | ₹100 crore | Pitiful | Ajay Devgn |
| Sarfira | March 2024 | ₹85 crore | Averagely Received | Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor |
| Khel Khel Mein | August 15, 2024 | ₹100 crore | ₹17 crore (and counting) | Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu |
