Is Shahrukh Khan’s star power on the wane?

Article by Habib Ahmed

Let me start off by saying, Shahrukh Khan hasn’t really been at the top of his games since Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which released more than 3 and a half years ago.

  • He has not delivered a single blockbuster since 2009.
  • None of his films have crossed the 120 crore mark in the domestic market, despite all of his films (except My Name Is Khan) releasing during the Holiday season.
  • Back in his prime, the quality of his films were way better than what it is today. Post Rab Ne.., none of his films have sustained at the box office for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

Let us analyze:

Shahrukh Khan Movies

Shahrukh Khan Movies

My Name Is Khan (2010): This was probably the most awaited film of 2009 and many were expecting it to cross 100 crore, as Aamir Khan’s last two releases had done 116 crore (Ghajini) and 202 crores (3 Idiots). It took a good opening and was critically acclaimed too, in fact the Karan Johar film was one of the best reviewed movies of 2010. However, this film crashed in the second week and ended with lifetime collections of Rs 74 Crore. Even Akshay Kumar, who was going through a rough patch, was able to deliver a solid-hit when Housefull grossed 75 crore during the IPL season.

Verdict: HIT

Ra.One: Like most SRK movies, this too was one of the most awaited flicks of the year. Due to the sheer amount of money spent. the hype behind it and the 5 day extended Diwali weekend; the trade was expecting this to cross 200 crore. Ra One opened well, it’s second day after release was a record for the highest single day collections (surpassed later by Ek Tha Tiger). But unfortunately, the film crashed after a week due to mixed/negative word of mouth. This film DID NOT CROSS 120 CRORE if you exclude regional collections.

Verdict: Above Average to HIT (some say the film has lost several crores)

Don 2: SRK’s first Christmas release took a good opening, although the trade expected the opening to be a lot higher. The film sustained for 2 and half weeks, did well at multiplexes but was a non-starter at single screens. However, its overall collections was once again below expectations as the film collected Rs 112 crore.

Verdict: Hit

Jab Tak Hai Jaan: SRK, Katrina, Yash Chopra, A.R. Rahman — it could not have gotten bigger or better. But who would have expected that the collections after the initial weekend would be on the same level as Son Of Sardar, even though the Ajay Devgan starrer released on fewer screens? Like every other SRK film, this too got good reviews, but 106 (BOI) or 120 (official) whichever figure you take, it was still below the mark.

Verdict: HIT

Chennai Express: This year SRK takes Salman’s EID slot. But he has a bigger challenge on his hands, as Akshay Kumar’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Again is also slated to release on the same day (August 8th). If both films have the same number of screens, then OUATIM 2 might just take a better opening as it’s the sequel to one of 2010’s most loved films and has great recall value too.

That brings me to the big question – Is Shahrukh Khan the ‘numero uno superstar’ that he once was between 1995 – 2009? Is his star power on the wane?

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95 Comments

  • srk still at top in overseas but not in domestic n worldwide. Emergence of Salmania have hurt him badly, moreover srk has been centre of controversaries. He is still a star but not as big as AK n SK. Srkians accept the fact n move on !!!!

  • I salute ur stupidity Habib . seriously SRK not no. 1 ??? the star who has been called d most powerful movie star , the star who has a fan following outnumbering D one of Tom Cruise .. u gotta b dreaming .. SRK has acted in evry genre except for horror .. he has proved his worth at everything .. B it romance , comedy, action or Negtive roles. since u considerng hs performnce aftr 09 .lemme tel u , those movies except fr ra.one hd far better stories as compared to ready n bodyguard .. salman hs mad 100 cr muvis in a row by js makng remakes of south films . dabangg franchise being d only originl .. if ur star powwrr is based on d number game n past records den even u n al srk haters know it dt if muvis liek k3g, ddlj(btw sstl runnng in maratha mandir), k2h2 , rreleased nw .. d box offfice wd b shatterd .. comparng d past and present sallu hs very few gd muvis. he is js avng hits nw since wantd.. wat abt hs muvis like survaynshi n otr muvis whch din do well .. salman hsjs risen nw .. he is nowr close to even himself in quality of films considerng hs films ljk maine pyar kiya whch ws awesome .. srk hs workd hard fr eevry bit of starpower and fan followin dt he hs . he hs earned it . n he ws number 1 n still is ..

  • This has to be the most shittiest and stinking piece of writing I’ve read so far. Your jealousy is shown like a bright star thru this. Dont forget your ‘other two khans and Akshay kumar’ nowhere near SRK. And this my dear, is a reality. Now for your argument I can write countless reasons and HISTORY. But it’s worthless. Yes ofc he aint perfect but then hes a human why are you humans so obeessed with him man? writing about his ‘downfall’ since 2000? Really now? Even tho I am a Bachan fan but the ONLY man who stands near all the legends or can atleast is fkn SRK. Now, you can justify bringing movies like Wanted and Dabangg, continue Ms,Nothing At All. Im surprised by the amount of shitty things people are commenting. Now its okay if youre tired of seeing him at position 1 for the last 20 YEARS.

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