This is the times of social media, it's not 2011, where movies depended on opening or the star power, in that case War2, Sikandar, wouldn't be flops, it shows why Akshaye Khanna or Bobby deol is credited more because after the opening, the films need a bigger factor once spoilers are put. In case of Animal the factors were the nanga scenes of Tripti and Bobby's mute character that went viral, and here it's Akshaye Khanna. So credit where due.
GenZ isn't emotional like watching a 3h movie just for their favorite actors, the viral factor was missing from other big movies this year (War2) and hence despite having stars those movies didn't do much well. Paid negativity is a different thing.
So it's completely on the director what he can show as a shock value, Vanga knew his hock value and Dhar knew his.
Ranbir or Ranveer fans can keep arguing but truth is none of them can pull 500 cr blockbusters just because they're in the movie, they need controversial movies, twisted minded directors like Vanga or Dhar and ofcourse a great star cast here.
And people asking how much will Khanna movie open, well Khanna never did movies for opening days or number games, he was always the loved actor whose movies had an audience and characters are cult, be it Sid, Aatish Kapoor, Manav, Rajvir or now Rahman.
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