Akshay Kumar's 20 ₹100 Crore Hits: A New Record
Akshay Kumar has made history in the Indian film industry by becoming the only star with 20 films that crossed the ₹100 crore mark at the box office. This remarkable achievement puts him ahead of Bollywood giants like Salman Khan, who has 18 ₹100 crore hits, and Shah Rukh Khan. The latest film contributing to this milestone is Bhooth Bangla, which performed exceptionally well despite the ongoing challenges faced by the film industry post-pandemic.
What’s noteworthy is that six of Akshay’s ₹100 crore films were released after the pandemic, showcasing his ability to attract audiences back to theaters during a time when many were hesitant. This resurgence is marked by the success of his recent projects, including Housefull 5 and Kesari 2, which indicate a revival in his career after a difficult period following the lockdowns.
Before this comeback, Akshay faced a series of challenges with films like Samrat Prithviraj, Ram Setu, Bachchhan Paandey, and Raksha Bandhan, which did not perform well at the box office. However, his remarkable adaptability and strategic film selection have played a key role in his continued success. From 2007 to 2019, Akshay enjoyed a prolific golden run, consistently releasing 3-4 films a year, which significantly increased his chances of hitting the box office jackpot.
In contrast, his contemporaries, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, opted for a more conservative approach by limiting their film releases to just 1-2 per year. Aamir Khan, known for his selective film choices, released even fewer films during that period. Akshay’s approach to managing film budgets allowed him to star in a higher number of projects, culminating in his enviable record of 20 films in the ₹100 crore club.
This achievement not only establishes Akshay Kumar as a box-office titan but also highlights his resilience in navigating the dynamic landscape of Indian cinema. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and filmmakers, illustrating the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in achieving success in this competitive industry.