“Jawan” is minting millions worldwide!
Brands buy 1,00,000 tickets for “Jawan”!
“Jawan” is set to break “Pathaan’s” record?
SRK new film: Do you think our focus is really on that? Irrespective of the promotional gimmicks, ignoring the rather below average songs, there is one thing that not many have seen in the past few months. If they know it, they would rather see to it that the masses don’t know about it.
Ever thought why Bollywood’s “King Khan” is sticking to safe, solo releases, despite having a rather decent clash record amongst the three Khans? Why did Shahrukh Khan not think of a possible 11 August or 28 September release? Let’s find out.
SRK and Clashes: Kabhi Haan, Kabhi Naa!
When it comes to the glitzy world of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as SRK, isn’t just the King of Romance but also quite the tactician in the world of box office clashes. Surprisingly, this megastar has a rather impressive record when it comes to facing off against other big releases. Out of 34 clashes, he’s managed to emerge victorious in 29 of them, even if it’s on paper.
What sets SRK apart is his undeniable strength in the overseas market. He’s not just a Bollywood superstar; he’s a global phenomenon. Over the years, he’s managed to outshine stalwarts like Mithun Chakraborty, Akshay Kumar, and even Salman Khan, which speaks volumes about his enduring appeal.
The journey of these victories can be traced back to SRK’s first official clash, which was with none other than Salman Khan, who was then a rising star much like today’s Ranveer Singh. The year was 1992, and on the fateful day of July 3rd, SRK’s “Chamatkar” clashed at the box office with Salman’s “Jagruti.” It was a test of two newcomers’ mettle, and SRK’s portrayal of a simpleton coupled with the movie’s quirky plot led “Chamatkar” to become his second commercial success after his debut in “Deewana.”
Since then, Shah Rukh Khan not only positioned himself as a popular actor but also proved to be a master at marketing his image. Even if his films weren’t always considered “perfect entertainers,” his ability to promote them effectively gave him an upper hand in the competitive Bollywood landscape. Shah Rukh Khan’s box office prowess is a reflection of his deep understanding of not just acting but also the business of cinema.
Also read: 7 Most inaccurate historical movies of all time
Why the “Darr” Now?
One can’t deny that SRK’s filmography is studded with gems that have smashed box office records and left audiences mesmerized. But behind these triumphs, there have been instances where his films found themselves in the midst of fierce competition, and Shah Rukh Khan had to eat a slice of humble pie.
Let’s rewind to the year 1996. Shah Rukh Khan had set his sights on the 26th of January for the release of his movie “English Babu, Desi Mem.” The stage was set for what seemed like a promising success. However, fate had a different plan.
Enter “Bandit Queen,” a film directed by Shekhar Kapur and featuring non-commercial actors like Seema Biswas, Manoj Bajpai, Nirmal Pandey, and Govind Namdeo, and based on the legend of the dacoit turned politician Phoolan Devi. Against all expectations, “Bandit Queen” emerged as the dark horse that raced ahead. It wasn’t about the stars; it was about the story. This unexpected turn of events proved that star power doesn’t always guarantee victory at the box office.
Skipping ahead to October 2001, we find another clash that raised eyebrows. SRK, known for his knack of experimenting with diverse roles, came forth with “Asoka,” a historical drama that had been much anticipated. The stage was set for a grand battle on the silver screen. But the opponent in this bout wasn’t someone one might have predicted.
It was none other than Sunny Deol, an actor known for his intense performances and strong, rustic roles, and who was already riding high on the stupendous success of “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha”! Sunny Deol’s “Indian” was the contender that stood opposite “Asoka.” A commercial entertainer going against a historical epic was an intriguing face-off in itself.
What followed was a twist that baffled many. “Indian” managed to capture the audience’s attention and overshadowed “Asoka.” It was a reminder that, at times, the familiar and relatable can triumph over the unconventional. Sunny Deol’s mass appeal and the action-packed storyline of “Indian” resonated with the audience, edging out SRK’s historical venture by miles!
Also read: 7 Most accurate historical movies in Indian cinema: A breath of fresh air
The Changing Tides
However, the above examples were just exceptions, not the general trend. The real chinks in the armor of SRK’s stardom emerged in 2012, SRK’s “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” faced off with Ajay Devgn’s “Son of Sardaar.” Despite SRK’s best efforts, and some nasty commercial tricks at play, the latter managed to chip away at the former’s collections. This clash marked a change, indicating SRK’s unchallenged reign was no longer guaranteed.
The years of 2015 and 2017 echoed this shift. Ranveer Singh, then a newcomer, wowed audiences with “Bajirao Mastani.” On the other hand, SRK’s “Dilwale” struggled against this unexpected competition, and barely managed to survive at the box office.
In 2017, Hrithik Roshan’s “Kaabil” took on SRK’s “Raees.” The underdog surprised everyone by standing tall, giving a tough fight to the established star, and making him pant at the box office, a rarity.
Then came 2018, when SRK’s “Zero” faced an unlikely adversary. Prashant Neel’s debut, “Kolar Gold Fields: Chapter 1”. We don’t need rocket science to know what happened next.
Probably that’s why since 2023, SRK is insisting for solo releases. Be it “Pathaan” or “Jawan”, none want a competition with anybody, for the fear of the SRK power being diminished. They remind us that stars too must adapt to the evolving industry. You just can’t expect to cruise through the tides of box office by just waving your hands, can you?
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