Have you ever asked yourself this question: “How does Akshay Kumar still get back-to-back film offers even though his movies have been consistently flopping?” Well, I certainly have. And every time a new Akshay Kumar film is about to hit the screens, the same thought pops up in my mind.
Post-pandemic, Akshay Kumar has done around 20 films, out of which 15 were released in theatres. If we exclude Sooryavanshi and OMG 2, which were successful, the rest have mostly been flops, underperformers, or outright disasters. Yet, despite this track record, he still has seven more films officially announced and lined up for release. So, what’s going on here?
Let’s dive deep and decode this Bollywood mystery.
The Basic Rule of the Movie Business
In the film industry, the math is pretty simple:
- If you bring profits, you get more work
- If your films don’t perform, your career slowly fades away
And let’s be honest: the number of flops Akshay has delivered after COVID-19 could’ve easily ended the careers of three to four newcomers. Many outsiders struggle to get roles after just two or three underwhelming films, but not Akshay.
Now here’s a comparison to put things in perspective:
- Since the pandemic, the three Khans (Salman, Aamir, Shah Rukh) have done a total of nine films combined
- Akshay Kumar, on the other hand, has done 18 full-length feature films, excluding cameos, with three of those released on OTT platforms
So, the question becomes even more puzzling:
How is Akshay Kumar getting film offers at such a rate despite this box office streak?
Is Akshay Kumar’s Career in Trouble?
At first glance, it certainly seems like it. Most of his recent theatrical releases have either underperformed or flopped entirely. Here’s a breakdown of his post-pandemic theatrical releases:
Hit Films:
Sooryavanshi
- Budget: ₹160 Cr
- Collection: ₹294 Cr
- Verdict: Super Hit
OMG 2
- Budget: ₹60 Cr
- Collection: ₹221 Cr
- Verdict: Hit
Flop or Underperforming Films:
Bell Bottom
- Budget: ₹150 Cr
- Collection: ₹50 Cr
Samrat Prithviraj
- Budget: ₹300 Cr
- Collection: ₹90 Cr
Raksha Bandhan
- Budget: ₹70 Cr
- Collection: ₹61 Cr
Ram Setu
- Budget: ₹150 Cr
- Collection: ₹92 Cr
Selfi (with Emraan Hashmi)
- Budget: ₹100 Cr
- Collection: ₹23 Cr
Mission Raniganj
- Budget: ₹55 Cr
- Collection: ₹45 Cr
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
- Budget: [Estimated High]
- Collection: [Underwhelming]
Clearly, out of 9 major releases, only 2 films were box office hits. Yet he remains one of the busiest actors in Bollywood. So how?
The Real Reason Why Akshay Kumar Doesn't Need a “Comeback”
It turns out, Akshay Kumar operates very differently from most Bollywood stars.
Here are a few key reasons why filmmakers still place their bets on him:
1. Speed of Production
Akshay is known for completing films quickly—often in under 40 days. For producers, this means:
- Lower production costs
- Less risk
- Faster time to release
2. Upfront Deals
Most of Akshay's earnings come from upfront payments and satellite/OTT rights. Even if the movie flops in theatres, the losses are already minimized by:
- Pre-sold digital rights
- Brand endorsements
- Music rights
3. Pan-India Face & Bankable Brand
Despite the flops, Akshay Kumar is still a recognizable and bankable face. His loyal fanbase, family-friendly image, and reputation for punctuality make him a safe bet.
4. Strong Industry Relationships
Akshay maintains solid relationships with producers, directors, and studios. This goodwill goes a long way in keeping offers coming his way.
5. Content Variety
From patriotic dramas and comedies to mythological films and action thrillers—he's tried it all. This versatility, even if not always successful, keeps him relevant in the industry conversation.
Why We Shouldn’t Wait for His “Comeback”
The truth is Akshay Kumar doesn’t need a traditional comeback.
He’s not relying solely on box office numbers anymore. With diversified income streams and a smart business model, Akshay has figured out how to stay in the game even without massive hits.
And let’s face it, we—the audience—still wait eagerly for “that one film” which will bring back the magic of vintage Akshay. But in reality, he never left.
Final Thoughts
Akshay Kumar may not be dominating the box office like he used to, but his relevance in Bollywood hasn’t faded. He has adapted to the changing dynamics of the film industry better than most. While many actors wait months—even years—for the perfect script, Akshay works continuously, smartly navigating the business side of cinema.