Box office is an unpredictable bet and yet, movie after movie from South Indian Cinema is breaking old records and creating new ones. The recent example being Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna's Pushpa 2 The Rule. The film is unstoppable at the box office at a time when Bollywood films with industry heavyweights are failing to get enough footfalls. But two young stars from Hindi cinema who have been able to make some noise at the cash counters in the past two years are Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan.
Ranbir Kapoor is known for his versatile acting prowess. His ability to choose scripts that resonate with audiences, coupled with his star power, has kept him relevant and profitable at the box office. His last release Animal stood out in a year lined up with three Shah Rukh Khan films - Pathan, Jawan and Dunki and Sunny Deol's Gadar 2. Kartik Aaryan, on the other hand, has emerged as a new-age heartthrob with a knack for picking commercially viable projects. His films in 2024, such as Chandu Champion and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have performed exceptionally well, showcasing his mass appeal and box office draw, making him win even the big Diwali clash against the multi-starrer Singham Again. His strategic choice of roles and his understanding of audience preferences have cemented his position as a bankable star compared to most of his contemporaries.
While South Indian films continue to make waves, Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan have proven that Bollywood still has its own set of stars capable of drawing in crowds and generating substantial revenue. However, will this success streak continue? Definitely, condition that the two stars give consistent performances and pick projects with relatable storytelling.
Sharing his insights recently in an interview, veteran film critic and trade expert Taran Adarsh opined that Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan have the potential to become the next big stars. However, he had a word of caution and some advice for both of them. Talking about Ranbir's choice of films, Adarsh said that Kapoor should stay away from doing subpar films like Jagga Jasoos as it will leave a stain on his filmography, undermining his talent and hard work. He feels that doing projects that resonate with the masses will hold the Love And War star in good stead.
Next, talking about his other pick, Kartik Aaryan, Adarsh highlighted how doing a franchise film like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3 have helped the young heartthrob reach out to the masses. He feels that being consistent with these kinds of films will work in Kartik's favour. 'Consistency is key for Kartik.'
