Bhubaneswar: Veteran actor Manoj Kumar had once said, “Akshay Kumar is my true successor.”
Sky Force, a patriotic, action drama, proved the saying true as the film is heading for Akki’s first Rs 100 cr film after 2021.
Moreover, in the last decade, the Bollywood superstar had around 14 nationalism films to his credit. Sky Force box office collections show the film will become Akshay Kumar’s 10th 100cr patriotism film.
AKSHAY – MANOJ – KUMAR!
In those golden years of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was synonymous with patriotism. For which, the legendary star was nicknamed as ‘Bharat Kumar’ of Indian cinema.
His patriotism gene in cinema has been recognized by non other then India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru.
In films then, Manoj Kumar anchors the movies on issues affecting the common man. The legendary star’s journey into cinematic patriotism started from 1965’s Shaheed and reached new height in Purab aur Paschim to Kranti et al.
Manpoj Kumar films were made for the nation. The film Roti Kapda Makan delves into the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment and high inflation prevalent at that time. The hit song "Mehangayi Maar Gayi..." is reminiscent of that turbulence in the society then.
Of late, Akshaya Kumar has been donning such thought-provoking roles portraying the myriads of nationalism on the silver screen. Like Manoj Kumar, the nationalistic films of Akshaya Kumar have been ringing success in the box office.
The Khiladi star's Toilet - Ek Prem Katha had been among the top grosser films in 2017. Almost all the 11 films were either hit or blockbusters.
Though his first 100 cr movie is Housefull- 2 - a laughter blaster, of the 11 films with nationalism fervour, 9 have grossed more than Rs 100 cr.
THE NATIONALIST HERO
The plots in the films of Akshaya Kumar like Holiday, Gabbar Is Back (a vigilante film against the monster called corruption), Airlift, Rustom, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, Gold, Kesari, Mission Mangal and the Sooryavanshi revolves around the nationalism concept.
Film critics agree that the Khiladi star has the ability to enter into another character and engage with the audience.
It is for such phenomenal success of the nationalism films, Akshaya Kumar was crowned as the real successor of legendary Manoj Kumar.
Reason is: Post-Manoj Kumar, no single actor in the world of Hindi cinema had such a stamp of monopoly over the cinematic patriotism in the country. But the void left by Manoj Kumar seems to have been filled up by none other than the Khiladi Kumar.
SKY FORCE BO SHOW
The latest patriotism show from Akshay Kumar – Sky Force – had a good run at the box office. The film in last three days has grossed Rs 73 cr net. And the worldwide net is close to Rs 100 cr (over 92 cr).
Given the good mouth of word spread, it is expected that the Akki starred sky Force will gross Rs 100 cr in its week one.
The film made on a budget of Rs 160 cr, needs Rs 170cr BO business to claim the ‘Hit’ title.
