By Sanjeev Kumar Patro
He is a real racer in bollywood. When it comes to finishing film projects, he is the Usain Bolt – the run machine. Still ranking third in the star power index, this actor was always in a hurry - wraps up 12-13 films in a year. No night life. Like a sprinter, sets his eye on finish line. But for the last 3-years, this Khiladi seems to be in a complete mess.
Despite bravado, fortune doesn’t shine on Akshaya Kumar aka the ‘Khiladi of Bollywood’. The superstar donned roles in myriads of genre, but the crown of glory eluded him. Since the super-hit Sooryavansh in 2021, Akki is starring at a string of flops and disasters for the last three years.
Even his latest movie Khel Khel Mein bombed at the box office. The movie was released along with Stree2, but Shardda Kapoor star power made the Khiladi shine turned pale. The film’s lifetime collection had been only 32.66 cr. And if reports are to be believed, 100 crores were spent in making the film. A collection of mere 2.5cr by Sarfira on its opening day tells the tale of jolted and bolted star power.
Unflinched by the bombings at the box office hustings, Akki thinks, he is the Khiladi, and will bounce back. It’s true he has made his mark in the bollywood as a ‘comeback star’. But can he repeat the magic at 57. The star has recently celebrated his 57th Bday.
Priyadarshan Khiladi Kumar’s Lucky Charm?
Akshaya Kumar delivered 10 consecutive flops after his brand hit Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. Typecasting in similar types of action and stunts roles, Akki was at its wits end when the Khans were steamrolling blockbusters after blockbusters.
The star track of Khiladi Kumar took a magical turn when renowned Malayalam director Priyadarshan launched Hera Pheri with Akshay Kumar in lead role, along with Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal. The image-change sung the song of proverbial success for Khildai Kumar.Made on a budget of 7.5 crores, its lifetime earnings were 12.5cr. Hera Pheri gained the status of cult classic over the years.
Priyadarshan made Akshaya Kumar his lead star in 6 films, and none of them bombed at the box office. From Hera Pheri to Khatta Meetha, Akki delivered three hits like Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiya (another cult classic)..
When Akki’s star power is on the wane, Priyadarshan seems to lend his magical touch to Akki’s career. After 14 years, both have come together to launch a comedy horror movie Bhoot Bangla, fresh after the super success of another horror-comedy movie Stree2.
The star cast seems impressive and notorious too, because when the likes of Akki, Paresh Rawal, Asrani and Rajpal Yadav join forces, then ensure a super duper laugh riot, no less. The film will soon go on to floors and hit the screens in 2025.
Moreover, the first look of Bhoot Bangla Shared by Akki himself looks very teasing with Akshaya’s licking style, on the backdrop of a growling kaali billi (Black Cat) and occult mystiques.
2025: Hero or Zero Moment for Khiladi
It seems year 2025 will judge the Khiladi of Bollywod. It will be a make or break year for the unputdownable Akshay Kumar. The coming year will see many of Akki’s cult classic franchises hitting the screens. The cult franchises are :
- Welcome 3
- Jolly LLB 3
- Houseful 5
- Hera Pheri 3
- Rowdy Rathore 2
Besides, Khiladi Kumar has the films like Sky Force (patriotic action thriller on India’s retaliation following Sargodhia Air base attack in 1965) ), Marathi movie Veer Shivaji, biopic of C Sankaran Nair et al. With such a bouquet of movies, in Akshay’s closet, will 2025 bring out the Khildai in his elements?
