You can now share your articles (short or long) with thousands of Indicine readers. Mail us (indicineteam at gmail.com) OR use the contact us page (you can write or attach document)
Note: This is a user submitted article
I’m sure this is a question that would be asked often. Yes, the last 3-4 years or so have not been great for Shah Rukh Khan. And when I say ‘not been great’, I mean by the high standards that the superstar has set for himself. Yes, I may buy the argument that he may be going through a ‘bad phase’. Yes, his films have not been able to cross the box office figures of Aamir Khan and Salman Khan. Does this mean that he has lost his charm or the box office pull which he has enjoyed for 23 years. HELL NO.
As people these days only look at the box office figures of stars to judge them, let’s have a look at the figures of some Shah Rukh Khan films in recent years:
- Dilwale- 148 crores
- Happy New Year- 204 crores
- Chennai Express – 227 crores
- Jab Tak Hai Jaan – 121 crores
- Don 2 – 112 crores
- Ra One – 125 crores
I’m not even talking about overseas collections here as it is futile to discuss this. The simple reason being, it has been SRK who took Indian films to a global platform with films like DDLJ, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Till a few years back, people would know about Hindi cinema due to SRK. It’s only the last few years where we see that his films in the ‘domestic market’ are underperforming.
SRK’s selfie with his Fans outside Mannat
In the overseas markets though, he stamps his authority all over. Even a film like Dilwale, which is not considered to be a great film, is among the highest overseas grossers of all time. Okay, people may argue that the SRK-Kajol factor surely helped. But to what extent? It was competing with Star Wars (a big franchise) and our very own Bajirao Mastani. Still, it opened big.
Coming back to the point, his films in his ‘bad phase’ earn more than many stars’ films in their ‘good phase’. To shed light on this, the highest grossing film of Akshay Kumar (Rowdy Rathore) earned 134 crores. Ajay Devgn’s highest earner (Singham Returns) was 140 crores.
My question is, isn’t it too early to say that Shahrukh’s career as a lead actor is waning? To put this into perspective, the opening day collections of his last 3 movies were excellent if not record breaking. Dilwale earned 21 crores with clash. In comparison, last Christmas, PK earned around 27 crores. It was directed by Rajkumar Hirani (who, by the way, has a huge following of his own). It brought together the Hirani – Aamir combo. But still it didn’t open Huge (by Aamir’s standards of course). If it wasn’t for the clash, Dilwale had a good chance to earn 6 crores more out of the 12 crores earned by BM. Let’s not even talk about Happy New Year and Chennai Express. They were record openers earning 44 crores and 33 crores respectively.
In no way am I comparing the two stars. I’m just giving the perspective. The point I’m trying to put across is that isn’t it too early to lose hope and say that SRK’s career is waning? His upcoming releases looks promising. It marks the return of SRK to content-driven cinema. We do know the magic he creates when we get to see SRK the ‘actor’ (read Chak De India, My Name Is Khan, Swades, Kal Ho Na Ho).
This article is not written to defend him in any way. The simple reason being, he is too big a star to need it. By writing this article, I just want to say that it may be too early to say that his career as a lead actor is waning or Dilwale is his ‘Mrityudaata’.
Indicine Username – Kingo, Rocko (Real name: Aditeya)
Disclaimer: This article is a guest post by a reader of Indicine.com. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Indicine.com.
If inability of giving a HGOTY for eight years, inability of giving 120cr without Deepika+ multistarcast, inability of surpassing 80cr mark on non holiday period are the parameters then yes the Overactor rules Bollywood and he is the biggest star of universe… LOL.
At present, idiots are chanting that billu fan is content rich movie hence will collect 200cr/300cr lifetime.
After billu fan release, the same idiots will be chanting “it’s a niche movie hence failed to touch 100cr”….LOL.
Some idiots are continuously chanting that Sultan will be another gundey (director Ali Abbas’s last movie).
If we go by their logic then Raees will be another Lamha (director Rahul dholakia’s previous movie). And will be a disaster for sure just like Lamha… LOL.
Just look at the Bhaitards they are always Barking about the box office collection whole day. And that is the main reason why Lallu is not a good actor. Bhaitards never thought anything beyond 100 cr, 200 cr, 300 cr etc etc. One thing is clear that no one will remember 100 cr, 200 cr, 300 cr films after 20 years all will remember only good films which Flop king Lallu has zero. And other side Akki. ‘s Good films like holiday, Baby, SP 26, Airlift will be remembered ever. BB is Salman’s only good film post 2010 but behind its success all credit goes to Kabir khan and little talented and cutie Harshali. BB could earn more if flop king Salman was not in the film. ?????
@yuvraj and @starwars plz read salman’s article and comment. We don’t read his article. I know you all love srk’s article but at least give him some sympathy- Poor remake no brainer no award winner and MURDERER.
Srk is the superstar of the era! Good article.
We have been hearing this for last 15 years. Akshay, Suresh Oberoi, Hrithik, Abhishek Bachchan,Ranbir Kapoor all had been declared credible replacement of SRK and articles regularly published as if his (SRK) career almost doomed. Results we know all. Every actors has bad phase at a time. Dilwale being an very ordinary film having stiff competition from 8 Filmfare awards winner classic Bajirao Mastani and nonstop protest against the film by activists still manage to collect 148 crore in India and massive 26.68 million US$ (180.90 Crore) in overseas which 3rd highest collection ever by any Indian film, indicates Shahrukh’s star power.
Imagine… if it would had been other way around i.e. Shahrukh Khan as Bajirao and Ranveer in Dilwale….and both films had solo release without any competition and protest or agitation. In that case Bajirao would have crossed 300 Crore mark in India and Dilwale …better not to mention.
So don’t get jealous….you like it or not …as per international media: BBC / CNN / Los Angeles Times / News week / Forbes USA / Google / Wikipedia ….SRK is the most popular …. the biggest movie star …..the second richest entertainer of planet Earth.. You like it or not……
Salman fans be like “wanted se pehle ka record ni dikhta HAHK MPK had highest footfalls” hahaha lultanians plzz tell me kya 1995 k baad seedhe 2008 aa gya.. Tum se naa hoga…
Anyways Fan’s gonna thrash u from head to toe… Now u may leave this planet..
Srk has nothing left to prove. He has already achieved a lot. Srk is the living legend nd definitely one of the greatest actors bollywood ever had if not the greatest. The three living legends of bollywood are
1. Srk
2. Big B
3. Daleep kumar
SRK is brand…we don’t need anyone to tell whether the band is lost or going out
@ 9:25 am,
Rofl……
Very funny comment it was.
Dear intellectual writer…
Chennai Express when released it surpassed Amir and Salman movies..were u sleeping at that time…
SRK is a brand and entrepreneur and class…his is an phenomenon which wud never end…
God bless u
@Starwars: the force awaken
It is a fact that SRK was THE superstar of the 1990s decade. 1993-2008. SRK never saw sustained downfall.
HAHK was huge but MADHURI got lot more credit for becoming FEMALE SUPERSTAR than Salman. this is a hard fact even hardcore Salman fans cannot deny.
Same 1994 saw AAA with other aamir superstar and Salman FLOP at BO.
By 1993, BAAZIGAR and DARR following DEEWANA (1992) has built SRK as a major frontrunning SUPERSTAR of the 1990s decade. Both movies should’ve been flopped or below average as usual
1995 KARAN ARJUN along with DDLJ are ATBB. Even KA success was given lot more to SRK the superstar than Salman because Salman was casted as supporting actor. KA ATBB success is also attributed to SRK-Kajol chemistry than Salman-mamta chemistry which was poor.
1995-1999. Salman may have given hits but SRK fave ATBB and BB with highly critically acclaimed DIL SE which flopped.
1995-1999 also saw Aamir the superstar make a moderate comeback with RAJA HINDUSTANI, GHULAM and SARFAROSH but none became BB like DTPH and ATBB like KKHH.
1990s decade clearly belongs to SRK as he is the SUPER STAR OF THE DECADE.
2000-2009. Salman career just plain flop. Even in 2010, when Salman took risk, wrote and acted in original VEER and did not rely on South remakes, it was DISASTER at BO.
2000-2009 : Aamir’s choices are the best. SRK started making bad choices. SRK the businessman with Red Chillies and back surgeries. SRK rejected to produce LAGAAN. Aamir made very smart choice along with DCH. SRK not doing MUNNABHAI in 2003 because of the back problems was major loss as the
2000 decade clearly belongs to Aamir. Despite SRK giving VEER ZAARA, MOHABBATEIN, KKKG, DON. the only ATBB SRK gave is CDI. While Aamir GHAJINI (first to 100 cr), 3-IDIOTS (first to 200 cr).
Bottom line is…
Salman lost to SRK clealry the 1990s decade.
Salman lost to Aamir clearly the 2000 decade.
No matter what people say!
Aamir lean phase of 90s dont even have BB let alone ATBB.
Salman lean phase of 2000s dont even have BB let alone ATBB.
SRK lean phase of 2010 to present have 1 ATBB and two 200+crore movies!
This only shows what FAN and RAEES can do if they have very good content.
350+ crores in waiting. Open 5 weeks for FAN. RAEES releasing 5 days ahead of SULTAN and will be the only major release available on EID day.
@sunny jokerholik:
So according to your logic airlift, rowdy rathore, omg etc are not Akki movies due to having positive WOM..
Will remember it.
@khan:
In 90’s Bhai had 13 clean hits.
And your queen had only 8 clean hits.
Your queen is not at all comparable to Bhai in that period.
Top Bollywood stars of 90’s are….
1. Salman (far ahead of others).
2. Sunny Deol.
3. Gobinda.
4. Aamir khan.
5. Srk.
The Article fails to mention….
Salman does experimental, british period, non-south remake masala movie and it FLOP. VEER collected 42 crores at BO. FAILS to cross even 50 crores let alone 100 crores.
Aamir does experimental, super-natural thriller in TALAASH. FAILED to cross 90 crores let alone 100 crores.
SRK does 3 experimental films. RA-1, DON-2 and JTHJ. One a sci-fi superhero, another soft hollywood B movie, another 3 hrs early 2000 decade romantic tear jerker.
All Crossed 115-120 crores. 3 hrs JTHJ despite stiff competition from 2 hr masala sardar movie SOS.
Even Bad SRK movie in extreme competition (BM) and bad WOM and political protests gets to 150 crores.
please explain this. If anything SRK is like an aging wine. his PHENOMENON is always growing.
@Tiger-the real king.
Your Bhai already had 1990 and 1991 ahead start to that decade. BAAGHI (1990) HIT. SAAJAN (1991) super HIT and PATHER KE PHOOL (1991) HIT.
SRK lost 1990 and 1991. Despite starting Late he gave more BB, ATBB and stole the decade clearly.
Early 1990s decade 1990-1995 belongs to SRK. DEEWANA, BAAZIGAR, DARR, KHKN, RBGG, KA, DDLJ.
Late 1990s decade 1995 -1999 belongs to SRK. KA, DDLJ, YES BOSS, DTPH, KKHH, KOYLA, BAADSHAH.
Your Bhai lost 1990s decade to only 8 yrs rule of SRK.
Your Bhai and SRK lost 2000s decade to Aamir.
Clean HITs, guest roles, extended cameo, non solo multi starrers blah blah blah blah blah.
SRK is remembered for KARAN ARJUN not Salman. “jaati hu mein” still evergreen. SRK-Kajol KA chemistry still evergreen. Salman was supporting. SRK was leading.
@Sss
Look as long as we have some inbuilt envious fans of Srk like u then trust me you will always allow ppl to laugh at u n criticize Srk. There’s another exact carbon copy of u amongst Akshay Kumar fans who follows your footstep. The earlier you respect other actors the much more stressless for u. I don’t mind you trolling abusing Ajay Devgn but let me tell you something.. NO SALMAN INFLUENCE ON JTHJ OUTCOME. Ajay had been very comfortable with clashes since 2007 esp Diwali season. He is so professional and confident that he needs no advice from anyone! He clashed with Akshay so why not Srk??? hun? okay tell me under whose influence did Ranveer clash with Srk? Slb or Deepika or Priyanka? listen stop talking trash about stuffs u don’t know. Ajay called Salman to feature for his song at d end of d movie not cameo or middle of d movie. Just like how Ajay did for Salman in Ready. The fact many people here are Giving their opinion of Srk tells another of how big and important he is. Don’t ruin anything with such comments. I have respect for Srk pls don’t make me start..you very well know I don’t give any 2nd thought if I want give my own points be it any actor so pls calm down.
Your hatred for Ajay is there stop making up useless excuses okay?
Have you ever open an article of Ajay on Wikipedia? I mean type his name there? good I know you have not..anyday you do and open his biography on wiki you will know that after on 2 actors(apart from Big B and Srk) he has the longest detailed page(every career year from his debut was analysed in DETAILS..) than any actor in bollywood. If you want to doubt or argue then prove me wrong. For Wiki.. he ain’t no Chota mota actor.. He is a huge celebrity. I don’t care what you think about him but be mindful with what you post n stop spoiling his image even though for broadminded fans of Ajay n Srk we all put behind 2012… We respect eachother.
Learn from fans like @Javed @Sweet_heart and @ANK.
Sounds like some haters response to CNN’s SRK as worlds greatest actor.
@Khan : You are definitely a blind srk fan. According to you Salman’s lean or bad phase is between 2000 and 2008 during this time he had (dekh lallu dekh) :
* Tere Naam – One of his best performance though movie was not a huge success. Even Swades was average despite Srk’s best performance (Until CDI)
* No Entry – HGOTY of the year 2005. Take out Salman from it n imagine there are no comical situations.
* Partner – a Blockbuster. If this is not Salman’s movie then I wonder why director started the movie n spending a 10 minutes animation on his character’s childhood & background.
Salman got more acclaims for Karan Arjun than Srk, if Salman was supporting in KA then Srk was supporting too in KHNH, K3G, KANK (your logic) !!!!!!!!!
@Phenom : Your comment itself shows you are obsessed with Salman’s past when he himself has moved on !!!!!!!!!!
SRK – The King of Bollywood. India still loves shi**y movies, but international market(Europe & America) has a better taste, and only SRK can provide us good movies! No matter what… he’s the KING!
Mark my words this year belongs to SRK
@Charudatta 8:00 pm-
I guess you didn’t read the entire article. The title was more of a sarcasm.
@hrithik
PARTNER govinda had equal footage as salman. Where is salman’s solo BB as SRK’S CE ATBB. Govinda comedy timings Govinda- david d combo helped salman in BB. also PARTNER hollywood copy.
Salmans lean period 1999-2009. Just a fact.
SRK between IPL KKR, Red Chillies and overseas stage shows still give BB, OSO as BB.
Only shows how hard SRK works and how lazy overrated stk is.
SRK is most overrated actor of Hindi Films. All his movies in recent years like ra.one, CE, HYN, Dilwale are all crap which deserve to be flop but because of his good marketing and diehard stupid fans his movies become hit at box office.
SKR never won a national award coz of his shit films thats why he buy awards in paid award shows. Recently dilwale won best entertainer of the year in Stardust award…what a joke…
first of all…..why you called him a ‘phenomenon’???
make your facts right….he is in the crime list of indian judiciary for minimum half a dozen cases.
just because he’s a star , he’s not jailed yet.
his off-screen issue only put him in this downgraded status, plus the bad choice of movies.
last thing he has to do is acting in more than 1 movie a year………..please dont!!!
the charisma of being in 4 movies every year, and single handedly taking all of it to superhit/blockbuster status is meant for Akshay kumar only. please dont copy him.
srk, try to comeback to your Don era or atleast ‘swades’ days. you are getting aged, choose wisely, or the end is near.
@khan:
Watch Karan Arjun again and notice credit list. Bhai’s name appears before srk’s name. Do you know why??? Because Bhai is the lead actor of the movie and your queen plays the side role in it (just like Bhai did in KKHH).
Yes, srk will be remembered for crappy disasters like yess boss, badshah, koyla, Maya memsaab etc (as u said)…. LOL.
And remove yrf-dhama from srk’s career (90’s). You will see even Chankey Pandey was miles ahead of him…LOL.
We have been hearing this for last 15 years. Akshay, Suresh Oberoi, Hrithik, Abhishek Bachchan,Ranbir Kapoor all had been declared credible replacement of SRK and articles regularly published as if his (SRK) career almost doomed. Results we know all. Every actors has bad phase at a time. Dilwale being an very ordinary film having stiff competition from 8 Filmfare awards winner classic Bajirao Mastani and nonstop protest against the film by activists still manage to collect 148 crore in India and massive 26.68 million US$ (180.90 Crore) in overseas which 3rd highest collection ever by any Indian film, indicates Shahrukh’s star power.
Imagine… if it would had been other way around i.e. Shahrukh Khan as Bajirao and Ranveer in Dilwale….and both films had solo release without any competition and protest or agitation. In that case Bajirao would have crossed 300 Crore mark in India and Dilwale …better not to mention.
So don’t get jealous….you like it or not …as per international media: BBC / CNN / Los Angeles Times / News week / Forbes USA / Google / Wikipedia ….SRK is the most popular …. the biggest movie star …..the second richest entertainer of planet Earth.. You like it or not