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29 March 2024

End of Salman Khan's hit series? Shah Rukh, Aamir surge ahead

Indian Bollywood actor Salman Khan poses for a photograph alongside disabled children during the launch of a campaign for his 'Being Human' foundation in Mumbai on late January 26, 2014. (AFP)

Published
By Bollywood Correspondent

After a gap of one year when Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's movie 'Jai Ho' hit the theatres few trade analysts were confident that it will cross the Rs 200-crore (INR)  mark, while others said a bumper opening is assured.

But after the release reaching that Rs 200 crore (INR) mark seems "a Herculean task".

Directed by Salman's brother Sohail Khan, the film focuses on corruption and the pitiable condition of common man.

Unfortunately, though the film's theme is close to home (India) considering the current socio-political condition, it did not entice audience.

Over the top action, drama aplenty and Salman even growls - but 'Jai Ho' could managed to garner barely over Rs.17 crore (INR) on its opening day at the domestic box office.

Whereas, his previous release in 2012 ,'Ek Tha Tiger' collected around Rs 30 crore (INR) on its opening day. The makers expect the number to gain momentum.

Neither Salman, nor his legion of fans would have imagined a poor box-office collection of 'Jai Ho'.

His chemistry with the leading lady Daisy Shah was a cold dish which didn't excite his fans.

Music has always played a big role in Salman's movie but 'Jai Ho's' music composed by Sajid-Wajid, didn't hit the right note.

'Jai Ho' is strictly worn-out, unimaginative narration about a wronged man who goes berserk in his mission to rid his own life – and that of the nation – of a very powerful tormentor.

Though Salman Khan brought mass entertainers back to life with films, a few months ago in a press conference he said that this space might die soon as it is now being overdone.

Footnote for himself?

A new wave of action-drama entertainers was created by Salman and choreographer-turned-director Prabhu Deva with 'Wanted' in 2009.

The film earned over Rs 160 crore and changed things for the 47-year-old in the industry after a low phase.

Salman's 'Ready', 'Dabangg', 'Bodyguard', 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Dabangg 2' made him one of the bankable stars in Bollywood, and 'Jai Ho' too belongs to the same category.

Tell Salman this and he shots back at Emirates24|7, "'Jai Ho' is not the same genre of movie; it has a message and lot of emotions in it. People are getting the message of the film. And I am happy with the product".

"And if you don't like my movie don't watch", concluded the 'Dabangg' actor.

Well, Salman your ardent fans will still flock the theatres, but if 'Jai Ho' fails we suggest it's time for you to follow your own advice and give these no brainers a skip for the time being.

Headlines Today quoted Salman saying; "If, God forbid, the film doesn't pick up from Monday, I'll take the blame on me."

As Salman sits back and takes the blame, we look at some of the other entertainers in the recent past that headed to the bank loaded. 

Dhoom 3: Featuring Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Uday Chopra in the main roles, the film after eight days raked in Rs 199.08 crore and still counting.

The collection of 'Dhoom 3' ended the year on a good note. It shattered previous records set by '3 Idiots', 'Chennai Express' and 'Krrish 3'.

By the third week of the new year, 'Dhoom 3' had collected more than Rs 530 crore at the box office, making it the first Indian film to gross over Rs 500 crore worldwide.

Chennai Express: Rohit Shetty's film, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, is the second highest grosser of 2013 with Rs 227 crore.

The film shattered records and became the biggest opener ever with Rs 33.12 crore and the fastest film to cross both the 100 crore and the 200 crore marks, till the release of 'Dhoom 3'.

Krrish 3: Starring Hrithik Roshan in the lead role, 'Krrish 3' earned Rs 244 crore from its four-week run.

The film became the highest grosser ever after beating 'Chennai Express' lifetime collection of Rs 227 crore at the domestic box office.

The superhero science fiction film also features Priyanka Chopra, Vivek Oberoi and Kangana Ranaut in important roles.