It is true that SRK has accomplished an iconic status that even if he does not make a movie the rest of his life, he will never be irrelevant. But it is also true that SRK has still so much potential left that he could continue making amazing movies and entertaining a whole new generation if he chooses.
His greatest enemies are definitely his ardent fans. They would rather make him sit on his laurels for the rest of his life than listen to any constructive criticism that could make him reach his full potential.
As a fan, I did approach this video with a measure of skepticism. There are too many videos out there promising a constructive or honest review but only devolve into bashing. I am pleased to say this video does not do that. It remains respectful, admiring, and loving of SRK from start to end.
It made me think. I realized a few things I hadn't noticed and it also crystallized thoughts that had been abstract at the back of my mind.
SRK did manage to appeal to the masses and the classes. He ruled the romance genre and has a style and signature of his own. Even though he's done some fantastic non-romance movies like Don, Chak De India, and Swades - people do tend to pigeonhole him into romance.
It is fine if fans perceive him one way. The challenge is that many directors too, fall into the trap. They try to mold the character to SRK rather than SRK to the character. There isn't a lot of effort made to transform him into a different character. We all know that make-up and prosthetics do not make a great character. You need a good actor. SRK is a great actor, he could succeed if directors would make him transform. Instead, they not only mold a character to him - they try to blend massy and classy elements that make an unconvincing hodge-podge.
His most successful and likable non-romantic movies are where he played a character and the director didn't try to mix too many genres.
I've enjoyed most of SRKs flop (barring Zero which was such a hot mess). Raees and Fan both had such potential. But Fan would have been much better as a tighter psychological thriller than one with exotic locales and stunt sequences. Raees could have been better if it didn't have some formulaic Bollywood elements and was a true gangster film.
Here's hoping that we have many more SRK films over the years. Not because SRK needs the films and hits, but because I think the world needs to enjoy SRK for years to come.
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