Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, once a consistent box office powerhouse, has recently faced a series of disappointing releases. After the significant failure of ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ earlier this year, Kumar's latest film ‘Sarfira,’ a remake of the Tamil hit ‘Soorarai Pottru’ has also struggled at the box office. Sarfira’ has only garnered Rs 21.5 crore domestically, as reported by Sacnilk, even after 12 days in theaters.
Akshay Kumar on his recent failures at box office
Despite these setbacks, Kumar remains optimistic and views these challenges as learning experiences. Reflecting on his recent flops, he told Forbes India, “Behind every film there is a lot of blood, sweat and passion that goes in. It is heart-breaking to see any film fail. But you have to learn to see the silver lining. Every failure teaches you the value of success and increases the hunger for it even further. Luckily, I learnt to deal with it earlier on in my career. Of course, it hurts and impacts you, but that won’t change the fate of the film. It’s not something which is in your control… what is in your control is to work harder, make amends and give it your all to your next film. That’s how I channel my energy and try to move on to the next, focusing my energy where it matters the most.”
On selecting his films post-Covid
Kumar was asked if his film selection process had changed post-Covid. He responded, "The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the film industry. With audiences being more selective about their cinema outings, it has become crucial to choose projects that offer something completely entertaining and unique. I’ve become more mindful of the content, ensuring that it resonates with the current times and provides an experience that justifies a trip to the theatre. It’s about finding stories that not only entertain but also connect deeply with the audience.”
Dedication and discipline
Kumar also talked about his biggest strength that had helped him to be on top evev after decades in the industry. "My biggest strength has been my discipline and work ethic. I literally work on a time-table… I sleep, eat and work at a particular time, and shoot for a specific number of hours. I have followed this for years. Staying fit—both mentally and physically—has also played a crucial role in my longevity in the industry. The motivation comes from a genuine love for what I do and to continue making films on which so many livelihoods depend. Also, the support and love from my fans fuel my passion and commitment in this journey,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kumar will star in the comedy film 'Khel Khel Mein,' set for release on August 15. The movie boasts an ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal.