In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan made a triumphant return to the big screen, reclaiming his throne at the Box Office and setting the stage for the rise of a new superstar, Ranbir Kapoor, whose movie “Animal” concluded the year on a high note with an impressive Rs 850 crores.
As we enter 2024, the absence of the Khans, including Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, raises questions about the entertainment industry’s trajectory. The responsibility to carry forward the success of 2023 now rests on the shoulders of Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and Hrithik Roshan.
Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi shared insights, stating, “The fact that the three Khans don’t have film releases in 2024 is fairly okay. Ultimately, the baton has to be passed on.” He emphasized the need for the next generation of superstars to take over and ensure the Box Office’s continued success.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede predicts that 2024 might belong to Akshay Kumar, with three significant releases – ‘Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan,’ ‘Sky Force,’ and ‘Welcome To The Jungle.’ He believes Akshay Kumar will be the winner of the year.
High-profile South Indian films are also planning pan-India releases, including ‘Pushpa 2,’ Junior NTR’s ‘Devara,’ and Prabhas’ ‘Kalki 2898.’ Trade analyst Ramesh Bala highlighted the potential dominance of South Indian content in the box office in 2024.
Bala emphasized the importance of regular big hero movie releases for theaters, especially single screens, and suggested that the gap between releases should be maintained. He expressed concerns that without consistent big movies, Hollywood could seize opportunities in the Indian market.
In conclusion, while the Khans are absent in 2024, the industry is gearing up for a year with potential blockbusters from stars like Akshay Kumar and a strong presence of South Indian films eyeing pan-India releases. The dynamics of the box office will likely be shaped by the performance of these releases and the industry’s ability to maintain a steady flow of significant films.