As Salman Khan celebrates his birthday today (December 27), we reflect on his career trajectory, especially considering the recent underperformance of his last few films. With a packed slate of upcoming projects like Sikandar and others, the question arises: will these films help Salman reclaim his box office dominance, or are there deeper challenges at play?
Salman Khan's recent films, including Tiger 3 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, have not met expectations at the box office, though both opened well. These disappointments have left fans and industry insiders questioning whether the "Bhai" magic still holds the same allure. The lukewarm reception to these films has undoubtedly impacted his career momentum.
Salman's upcoming films, such as Sikandar, Kick 2 (not officially announced) and the highly anticipated Tiger vs Pathaan alongside Shah Rukh Khan, are generating buzz. He also has a film with Atlee that everyone has their eyes on. These projects offer a mix of action, drama, and star-studded collaborations that could potentially reinvigorate his career. Smrity Sharma speaks to trade experts to understand what can be expected from Salman the next couple of years.
Trade expert Rohit Jaiswal says, "Salman has had only one good film post pandemic, that is Antim. Though it didn't do great business at the box office, Salman's acting was appreciated. Also, since some time now his body language has changed. It may be health, age, or may be due to the ongoing issues in his personal life, the whole Lawrence Bishnoi controversy. His body language has become dull." Rohit points out at the superstar's recent cameo in Varun Dhawan's Baby John. "Salman Khan has a great presence, and you want to clap and whistle but woh feeling that it is Bhai onscreen was missing."
Rohit further claims that Sikandar will be a game changer. "It is an AR Murugadoss film. He has also given flops, but with these South directors, even their flop is a good flop. And with Salman's star power, Sikandar will easily pull a Rs 300-500 crore at the box office." He feels that Kick 2 undoubtedly will be a big film but the main film to look forward to will be Salman Khan x Atlee. "Atlee is a star director and when he collaborates with a superstar like Salman, he will make sure professionalism is alive, jo director bole wohi actor kare," he says. The box office expert and film critic is also sure that, "Within one or two years Salman will definitely reclaim the box office. His star power hasn't dimmed but woh jo hawa kam ho gai hai, woh hawa wapas aa jayegi," he signs off.
Another trade excerpt and critic Sumit Kadel feels that the three-four flops that Salman has had in the recent past is not because of his declining stardom but strictly due to the poor choices he made. "In fact, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan opened with a thunderous response on Eid. With Sikandar you will see better response in the theatres. AR Murugadoss is a very good director and has proved himself time and again," he says adding that if Sikandar is well made, there will be no stopping it. A big opening is guaranteed. "Ek superstar ka kaam hota hai opening dilwana aur woh Salman Khan constantly dilwa rahe hain. In fact, Tiger 3 that released on Laxmi puja day opened at Rs 48 crore which is unprecedented. People don't go to watch films on laxmi puja day. And yet, Salman pulled in the audience," he recalls. Sumit Kadel is sure that Murugadoss will present Salman in a never seen before avatar, which will be a crowd puller.
Another film that he is extremely bullish about is the one with Atlee, "It will be huge and do unimaginable business just like Jawan. Salman has made some very bad choices and that is the sole reason why his box office dominance took a hit."
Salman Khan's upcoming films present both an opportunity and a challenge. As he celebrates another year, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Salman can reclaim his throne.
