Is Shahrukh Khan's star power on the wane?
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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
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?
Fan Fictions
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