If you ever happen to read the comments posted by boarders on articles that review SRK’s movies, lot of comments (though in minority) would say that SRK movies are becoming predictable.
- Every time a Shah Rukh movie is released, there are people who ask “Is his career finished?” (many feel that SRK got saved by the success of ‘Chennai’ Express’).
- Then there are some who think that Salman Khan will overtake him as the world’s box office king? (Again there are many who think Salman already has)
Now it seems, most of them are the global audience, who probably don’t find SRK charming anymore, at least going by the response to Fan, Dilwale & Happy New Year.
In recent years, the overseas collections for Bollywood films has been steadily growing, and considering that SRK has a global fan following, film distributors definitely expect better response to a SRK film.
The movie ‘Fan’ didn’t have the usual song-and-dance sequences that are so common in Bollywood films (is it because SRK was trying to make the film less predictable) but the character of the fan reminds you of the dark characters that SRK has played in films like Baazigar, Darr, and so on.
The much hyped ‘Dilwale’, did a decent collection but the numbers were still disappointing (despite the hit pair of Shah Rukh & Kajol coming together after a decade) and even SRK agreed to it.
The movie ‘Happy New Year’ ran to packed houses in India, but it didn’t appeal to the global audience who look for at least some sense & intelligence in movies.
If you look Shah Rukh Khan’s films that have released in the last decade, barring “Chak De! India.” had any interesting story-line. “My Name Is Khan” had terrorist theme with a social message, but then a lot of Bollywood movies have already been made on that theme.
“Om Shanti Om,” “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” “Dulha Mil Gaya,” “Ra.One,” “Don 2,” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” “Chennai Express,” were all typical Bollywood masala movies, with a thin & predictable soryline.
Considering Shah Rukh khan’s brand & popularity, SRK’s films may do well at the Indian box office irrespective of whether they have good story or not, but his popularity in foreign countries may take a beating in the long run if he sticks to masala movies.
However, SRK doesn’t agree that his movies are getting predictable. He feels that he’s making good movies, and even said in an interview recently that ‘its not possible to please everyone’.
The bottom line is that Shahrukh’s films still succeed, and that what matters in the industry.
Besides, people love him because his success is not just limited to movies. He’s a great anchor, he’s witty and well-informed which can be seen from his interviews, speeches & lectures. He’s also a successful business man and an owner of IPL cricket team.
No doubt he has the biggest fan followers in India (for an actor).
So, for many, Shahrukh will always be the king, who just cannot lose his charm.
