It wasn't a success at that time...but - as Anubhav Sinha rightly stated - there had been big forces who wanted SRK to fail (already earlier which they couldn't achieve)...and the comments in media about a movie made out of a "midlife crisis" (and other 'under-the-belt' comments) made it obvious.
In addition, Anubhav himself felt (and openly said it) that he "let SRK down".
Ra.One indeed was praised (also in USA) for the excellent VFX work (which also got the movie a National Award) - RedChillies VFX departement got international appreciation which peaked with Zero where even Western VFX specialists where flabbergasted by the seamless work (VFX work known but not noticeable).
And Jawan again is praised for this work and the production value.
As for Ra.One: the family still loves the movie...repeat-viewing value 
Jodha Akbar
2