Shah Rukh Khan, after a four-year hiatus, has made a triumphant return with two blockbuster films this year, and there’s another one on the horizon.
Shah Rukh Khan never truly left. During his four-year break following the 2018 film “Zero,” his presence remained in the songs, movies, scenes, Reddit discussions, Twitter threads, and Instagram Reels that kept us entertained during the pandemic. When he did announce his comeback, it was destined to be a spectacular one.
This year, Shah Rukh Khan has already delivered two blockbusters: the spy thriller “Pathaan” directed by Sidharth Anand and “Jawan” directed by Atlee. His third film of 2023, “Dunki,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is anticipated to be the biggest hit of the trio. What factors have contributed to this unexpected winning streak for Shah Rukh Khan? Let’s explore:
Dry Spell: Shah Rukh Khan’s break from movies coincided with a cinematic drought. Just as he returned to acting, the global pandemic hit, shutting down theaters for two years. Shah Rukh’s movie comeback aligned with the resurgence of the moviegoing experience, as the economy rebounded, social restrictions were lifted, and the habit of visiting theaters was reinstated.
No Media Interaction: At a time when fans were eager for Shah Rukh Khan’s presence, he remained elusive. He didn’t grant interviews to publications, news channels, or digital platforms, even skipping the traditional “Koffee with Karan” show. He chose silence, and his occasional #AskSRK sessions became a fun and quirky way to connect with fans.
Sustained Hysteria: Shah Rukh Khan had three releases last year, including cameos in various films. These appearances helped build anticipation for his full-fledged return this year. His releases in 2023 were strategically spaced apart, maintaining the excitement leading up to “Dunki.”
Action Avatar: Shah Rukh Khan expressed his desire to do an action film, and in “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” he transformed his image into that of an action hero. He embraced action like he redefined romance in the past. Instead of relying on his romantic persona, he collaborated with directors to create a fresh action persona.
The Aryan Khan Case: The release of “Pathaan” held special significance as it came after the challenging times his son Aryan Khan faced. This lent an extra layer of relevance to dialogues like “Ye mat poochho desh ne tumhare liye kya kiya” (Pathaan) and “Bete ko hath lagane se pehle baap se baat kar” (Jawan). Shah Rukh Khan continues to bridge the gap between reel and real, offering a unique perspective on action, violence, romance, love, dreams, reality, and the symbiotic relationship between movies and the audience.
