What went wrong with AKSHAY KUMAR? The Fall and Possible Rise of Akshay Kumar

Bollywood has produced numerous superstars, but few have had as dynamic and multifaceted a career as Akshay Kumar. Once hailed as a bankable star, known for his versatility and referred to as the “Khiladi” of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar’s journey in the Indian film industry has been nothing short of remarkable. However, in recent years, this once-flawless career seems to have hit a rough patch, with multiple flops and controversies that have left fans and critics questioning whether the once-unshakeable ‘Khiladi Kumar’ can ever make a successful comeback. In this blog post, we explore the rise, fall, and potential resurgence of Akshay Kumar in Bollywood.

The Rise of Akshay Kumar:

Akshay Kumar’s journey to stardom is a story of resilience, determination, and an undeniable stroke of luck. Born into a Punjabi family, Akshay started his career as a martial arts instructor, earning a modest ₹5,000 for teaching martial arts. However, when he ventured into modeling, his earnings skyrocketed, and this initial success encouraged him to pursue a career in acting.

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His big break came when he accidentally missed a flight for a modeling assignment, leading him to meet film producer and director Pramod Chakravorty. Chakravorty was so impressed with Akshay that he offered him three films at once, and thus began Akshay’s journey in Bollywood. Before these films materialized, Akshay made a brief appearance in Mahesh Bhatt’s film Aaj (1987) as a karate instructor, playing a role that lasted just 30-40 seconds. Despite the small role, Akshay adopted the character’s name as his screen name and became known as Akshay Kumar.

Akshay Kumar’s career took off with the Khiladi series, which became iconic in Indian cinema. The franchise, which included hits like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Khiladi 786, established Akshay as the “Khiladi” of Bollywood. However, it was his foray into comedy in the early 2000s with Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri that truly showcased his versatility as an actor. Although Hera Pheri was initially only an average success, it eventually became a cult classic, and Akshay’s comedic timing won him legions of fans. His subsequent films in the comedy genre, such as Awara Paagal Deewana, Bhagam Bhag, and Welcome, further cemented his place as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.

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Not content with just comedy, Akshay diversified his portfolio with films that had social messages, including Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, and OMG: Oh My God! These films, addressing topics like sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and religious dogma, resonated with audiences and critics alike. His patriotic films, including Kesari, Baby, Airlift, and Rustom, were all major successes, and Akshay Kumar became known as a producer’s dream—someone who could deliver box office hits across genres.

Between 2006 and 2019, Akshay Kumar enjoyed a period of unprecedented success, delivering numerous cult classics and establishing a massive fan following. He also engaged in significant philanthropy, supporting causes like flood relief, farmer support, and shelter for transgender people, which further endeared him to the public. At the height of his career, Akshay was one of the highest-paid actors in the world, even surpassing Hollywood heavyweights like Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Johnny Depp in earnings.

The Fall of Akshay Kumar:

Despite his phenomenal success, the last few years have seen Akshay Kumar’s career take a downward turn. The actor, who was once known for his consistent box office hits, has delivered a series of flops that have left fans and industry insiders puzzled. While every star experiences ups and downs in their career, Akshay’s recent run of unsuccessful films has raised questions about whether he can regain his former glory.

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Reason #1: Over-reliance on the Same Formula

Credit – AG Review

One of the critical issues plaguing Akshay Kumar’s recent films is his over-reliance on the same formulaic success that worked for him in the past. His films seem to lack the freshness and innovation that audiences have come to expect in today’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape. Many of his recent films have been criticized for weak storytelling, poor character development, and lackluster dialogues, leading to a sense of déjà vu for audiences. Akshay’s choice of films reflects a certain complacency, as he appears to be playing it safe rather than experimenting with new and challenging roles.

Reason #2: Controversies and Damaged Public Image

In addition to the quality of his films, Akshay’s public image has taken a hit due to a series of controversies. His association with the gutkha brand Vimal, despite his earlier stance against promoting harmful products, led to widespread criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. This controversy damaged his credibility, and even though Akshay eventually apologized and withdrew from the Vimal ads, the damage was already done. In a country where authenticity is highly valued, this perceived betrayal did not sit well with fans, further eroding his popularity.

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Reason #3: Alienation of Fans with Religious Sentiment

Akshay Kumar also faced backlash for hurting religious sentiments, particularly with the release of his 2020 film Laxmii. Originally titled Laxmmi Bomb, the film was accused of promoting jihad, and the title was seen as an affront to the Hindu goddess Laxmi. Despite changing the title in response to the outcry, the film failed to connect with audiences, and Akshay’s comments about religious practices further alienated a significant portion of his fan base.

Reason #4: Abandonment of Successful Franchises

Another misstep in Akshay Kumar’s career was his decision to drop out of successful franchises like Welcome, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Hera Pheri. These franchises had garnered a massive following, and Akshay’s absence from their sequels disappointed fans. The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with Kartik Aaryan in the lead role only highlighted the missed opportunity for Akshay, as the film became a superhit. Akshay eventually returned to the Hera Pheri franchise after facing public backlash, but the damage to his relationship with his audience had already been done.

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Can Akshay Kumar Make a Comeback?

While Akshay Kumar’s career has undoubtedly hit a rough patch, it’s not entirely beyond repair. To make a successful comeback, Akshay needs to make some significant changes to his approach to films and public relations.

Step 1: Focus on Quality Over Quantity

One of the primary criticisms of Akshay Kumar’s recent career is the sheer number of films he releases each year. While this prolific output helped him maintain a strong presence in Bollywood for many years, it has also led to a decline in the quality of his films. To regain his standing, Akshay should consider taking a break from churning out multiple films a year and instead focus on selecting high-quality scripts that offer something new and exciting.

Step 2: Experiment with Challenging Roles

To reconnect with his audience, Akshay should consider taking on roles that challenge him as an actor. In the past, Akshay’s willingness to tackle diverse genres and unconventional subjects made him a fan favorite. Returning to this approach could help him regain the trust of his audience and show that he is still capable of delivering performances that resonate with them.

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Step 3: Rebuild Public Trust

Akshay Kumar’s public image has taken a beating in recent years, and rebuilding trust with his audience will be crucial for his comeback. This could involve addressing their concerns directly and demonstrating a commitment to authenticity in his brand endorsements and public statements. By making a conscious effort to regain the trust of his fans, Akshay can repair the damage done by recent controversies.

Conclusion:

The future of Akshay Kumar’s career remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: if he wants to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, he must adapt and evolve with the times. By focusing on quality over quantity, experimenting with new and challenging roles, and rebuilding trust with his audience, Akshay Kumar has the potential to make a successful comeback. Whether he can reclaim his position as one of Bollywood’s top stars will depend on his willingness to embrace these changes and rise to the challenge. For now, the world watches as the ‘Khiladi’ of Bollywood navigates the most critical phase of his career.

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