After a String of Flops, Akshay Kumar Faces Another Setback with “Khel Khel Mein” Amidst Fierce Competition
Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, has been grappling with a challenging phase in his career. Over the past few years, the actor has seen more failures than successes, with 8 out of his last 12 films underperforming at the box office. Despite entering 2024 with high hopes of reversing this trend, his recent releases have struggled to make a significant impact.
A Rocky Start to 2024
Akshay kicked off the year with “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” an action-packed film that was made on a massive budget. However, the film failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in a significant box office flop. The lack of logic in the story and other aspects led to its rejection by viewers. Adding to its woes, “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” faced stiff competition from Ajay Devgan’s “Maidaan,” which split the audience’s attention and ticket sales, preventing either film from fully capitalizing on their potential. The first week is crucial for any film’s success, but when multiple big films release simultaneously, they cannibalize each other’s earnings, leading to losses.
The Struggles Continue with “Sarfira”
After the disappointing performance of “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” Akshay’s next release, “Sarfira,” also faced challenges. Although his performance in the film was praised, and it garnered some positive buzz, the movie couldn’t escape the fate of his earlier release. The film’s earnings fell short of expectations, despite receiving love from the audience. “Sarfira” was pitted against the South Indian film “Indian 2,” which, despite being a flop itself, managed to draw enough viewers to hurt “Sarfira’s” box office performance. The budget for “Sarfira” was a substantial ₹85 crores, but it couldn’t even break even, adding to Akshay’s string of box office setbacks.
“Khel Khel Mein” – A Comedy with Tough Competition
In the latter half of 2024, Akshay returned to the screen with “Khel Khel Mein,” a comedy that many of his fans had been eagerly awaiting. The film brought Akshay back to his comedic roots, and the response was notably better than his previous outings. However, despite positive reactions, the film was released on August 15, a date that saw it competing directly with Shraddha Kapoor’s much-anticipated “Stree 2” and John Abraham’s “Veda.” The decision to release “Khel Khel Mein” alongside these films proved costly. Despite a budget of ₹100 crores, the film only managed to earn ₹17 crores in its first six days, making it difficult to recoup its production costs.
The Price of Poor Release Timing
One of the biggest mistakes in Bollywood, and one that Akshay Kumar has fallen victim to, is the timing of film releases. Unlike South Indian cinema, which often avoids clashes between big films, Bollywood frequently releases major films simultaneously, leading to divided audiences and reduced ticket sales. Akshay’s decision to release “Khel Khel Mein” on the same day as “Stree 2” and “Veda” was a strategic error that significantly impacted the film’s performance. Had the release been postponed, the film might have enjoyed a better run at the box office, with less competition and more focus on its marketing.
A Glimmer of Hope with “Stree 2”
Amidst the setbacks, there was a silver lining for Akshay Kumar in 2024. His cameo appearance in “Stree 2” received widespread acclaim, and the film’s success brought some much-needed positivity to his career. The buzz surrounding his cameo helped shift the narrative in his favor, with fans expressing their support and admiration. While “Khel Khel Mein” struggled at the box office, Akshay’s appearance in “Stree 2” helped maintain his relevance and provided a boost to his brand, which could prove beneficial for his upcoming projects.
Looking Ahead
Akshay Kumar’s journey in 2024 has been tumultuous, marked by a series of flops and a few strategic missteps. However, his ability to bounce back and his continued popularity among fans suggest that better days could be on the horizon. The love and support he has received from his cameo in “Stree 2” indicate that audiences are still eager to see him on screen. As Akshay gears up for his future projects, there is hope that he will learn from these experiences and make a strong comeback.
In an industry where timing and competition are everything, Akshay Kumar’s recent struggles highlight the importance of strategic planning and the impact of external factors on a film’s success. With the right choices, Akshay has the potential to turn things around and once again reign supreme at the box office.
