Even Bollywood’s most bankable star, Akshay Kumar, faced a phase that tested his resilience and determination. Known for his versatility, charm, and ability to churn out hits across genres, Akshay went through a challenging period in his career when he delivered 16 flop movies in a row. While it’s hard to imagine the Khiladi struggling at the box office today, this chapter of his career highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
Despite these setbacks, Akshay Kumar emerged stronger, proving that even the most difficult phases can shape a superstar’s journey. Let’s dive into this fascinating story of highs, lows, and an eventual comeback.
16 Missteps That Shook the Khiladi’s Career
Every actor, no matter how accomplished, experiences a rough patch, and for Akshay Kumar, it came in the form of a streak spanning 16 consecutive flops. This streak, which occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s, is a remarkable case study of how even Bollywood’s brightest stars aren’t immune to box office failures.
This phase wasn’t just about disappointing numbers; it reflected a period of mismatch between Akshay’s choice of roles and audience expectations. Here’s a closer look at the timeline and key details surrounding these films.
The List of 16 Flop Movies
Here’s a chronological breakdown of the 16 movies that marked Akshay Kumar’s streak of flops. Each film came with its unique story but failed to resonate with the audience at the box office.
Akshay Kumar 16 flops in a row list
| Movie Title | Year | Reason for Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Bond | 1992 | Weak script and direction |
| Deedar | 1992 | Clichéd storyline |
| Dil Ki Baazi | 1993 | Over-the-top melodrama |
| Waqt Hamara Hai | 1993 | Inconsistent tone |
| Hum Hain Bemisaal | 1994 | Predictable plot |
| Zakhmi Dil | 1994 | Repetitive tropes |
| Amanat | 1994 | Outdated narrative |
| Maidan-E-Jung | 1995 | Poor direction |
| Tu Chor Main Sipahi | 1996 | Weak humor and unoriginal plot |
| Lahu Ke Do Rang | 1997 | Dated themes and low production quality |
| Insaaf | 1997 | Lack of impactful storytelling |
| Daava | 1997 | Predictable plot points |
| Tarazu | 1997 | Poor screenplay |
| Keemat: They Are Back | 1998 | Weak script and lack of chemistry |
| Aarzoo | 1999 | Overdramatic execution |
| International Khiladi | 1999 | Over-the-top action and lack of emotional depth |
1. Mr. Bond (1992)
- Plot Summary: Akshay played an Indian version of James Bond in this action thriller. The film aimed to capitalize on the spy genre but lacked engaging storytelling.
- Reason for Failure: Weak script, underwhelming action sequences, and poor direction.
2. Deedar (1992)
- Plot Summary: A tale of unrequited love, revenge, and melodrama, Akshay shared screen space with Karisma Kapoor.
- Reason for Failure: Clichéd storyline and lack of novelty in its execution.
3. Dil Ki Baazi (1993)
- Plot Summary: A dramatic love story interwoven with themes of betrayal and sacrifice.
- Reason for Failure: Over-the-top melodrama and stiff competition from other releases.
4. Waqt Hamara Hai (1993)
- Plot Summary: A comedy-action mix with Suniel Shetty, focusing on kidnapping and mistaken identities.
- Reason for Failure: Inconsistent tone and lack of cohesive storytelling.
5. Hum Hain Bemisaal (1994)
- Plot Summary: A revenge drama where Akshay’s character fights against societal injustice.
- Reason for Failure: Predictable plot and lackluster performances.
6. Zakhmi Dil (1994)
- Plot Summary: Another revenge saga that failed to bring anything fresh to the table.
- Reason for Failure: Formulaic storytelling and repetitive tropes.
7. Amanat (1994)
- Plot Summary: A story of love and sacrifice that tried to blend emotional drama with action.
- Reason for Failure: Outdated narrative style and uninspired performances.
8. Maidan-E-Jung (1995)
- Plot Summary: Akshay took on an action-heavy role in this family drama.
- Reason for Failure: Lack of coherence in storytelling and poor direction.
9. Tu Chor Main Sipahi (1996)
- Plot Summary: A cop-and-thief comedy with Saif Ali Khan, full of misunderstandings and action sequences.
- Reason for Failure: Weak humor and an unoriginal plot.
10. Lahu Ke Do Rang (1997)
- Plot Summary: A tale of vengeance, lost family, and justice.
- Reason for Failure: Dated themes and low production quality.
11. Insaaf (1997)
- Plot Summary: Akshay played a lawyer in this courtroom drama that tackled social issues.
- Reason for Failure: Lack of impactful storytelling and forgettable music.
12. Daava (1997)
- Plot Summary: A typical Bollywood action film with family drama at its core.
- Reason for Failure: Failed to connect with the audience due to predictable plot points.
13. Tarazu (1997)
- Plot Summary: Akshay played a vigilante avenger in this crime thriller.
- Reason for Failure: Poor screenplay and lack of novelty.
14. Keemat: They Are Back (1998)
- Plot Summary: A buddy-cop comedy with Saif Ali Khan that mixed humor and action.
- Reason for Failure: A weak script and lack of chemistry between the leads.
15. Aarzoo (1999)
- Plot Summary: A love triangle involving Akshay, Madhuri Dixit, and Saif Ali Khan.
- Reason for Failure: Overdramatic execution and outdated storytelling.
16. International Khiladi (1999)
- Plot Summary: Akshay played a mafia don in this action-packed film.
- Reason for Failure: Over-the-top action and lack of emotional depth.
These films, despite featuring Akshay Kumar’s committed performances, struggled to strike a chord with audiences. But every flop has its story—and so does the streak.
Also Check Out: Best Love Story Movies South Hindi Dubbed List.
Factors Behind Akshay Kumar’s Streak of 16 Flop Movies
Akshay Kumar’s streak of 16 flop movies wasn’t just a matter of bad luck. Several interconnected factors contributed to this downturn in his career. Understanding these reasons not only sheds light on this period but also highlights how the Bollywood landscape shaped audience expectations and box office results during that time.
1. Script Selection
One of the primary reasons behind these flops was Akshay’s inconsistent choice of scripts. Many of the movies in this phase lacked originality or a strong narrative, leading to poor audience engagement. While Akshay’s performances were earnest, they couldn’t compensate for weak storylines and underdeveloped characters.
2. Audience Preferences
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bollywood saw a shift in audience preferences. Viewers started gravitating towards more relatable stories, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling. Akshay’s movies during this streak, many of which relied heavily on formulaic plots and outdated tropes, struggled to meet these evolving demands.
3. Intense Competition
This period also coincided with the rise of several other Bollywood stars, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, who were delivering massive blockbusters. Their movies often overshadowed Akshay’s releases, drawing away audiences and box office numbers.
4. Over-reliance on Action
While Akshay made a name for himself as an action star, the oversaturation of similar roles during this phase led to typecasting. Audiences grew tired of the predictable action sequences and lacked fresh reasons to connect with his films.
5. Production and Direction Issues
Several of the movies in this streak suffered from poor production quality and lackluster direction. Weak technical execution and subpar marketing further contributed to their failures, leaving them unable to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.
6. Lack of Adaptation
This streak reflected a lack of adaptability in Akshay’s career choices. Unlike other actors who evolved their styles to keep up with changing trends, Akshay’s movies during this phase often relied on the same old formulas that no longer worked with audiences.
These factors combined to create a perfect storm that led to the streak of flops. However, Akshay Kumar’s career turnaround after this phase remains a testament to his determination and ability to reinvent himself.
Also Check out: Laapataa Ladies Budget: A Small Film Making Big Waves.
The Turning Point
Every storm eventually passes, and for Akshay Kumar, the streak of 16 flops came to an end with the release of Hera Pheri in 2000. This movie marked the turning point in his career, reintroducing him as a versatile actor capable of excelling beyond his action-hero persona.
1. The Success of Hera Pheri
- Plot and Performance: Hera Pheri was a comedy-drama that showcased Akshay’s impeccable comedic timing. Playing the character of Raju, a lovable and opportunistic underdog, Akshay broke free from his action-star image, proving his flair for comedy.
- Audience Response: The film’s humor, relatable storyline, and memorable dialogues resonated with audiences, making it an instant hit.
- Box Office Impact: The success of Hera Pheri revitalized Akshay’s box office appeal and opened doors for more diverse roles.
2. Shift in Strategy
Akshay’s career after this turning point showed a deliberate shift in his approach to films. He started exploring a broader range of genres, choosing scripts that offered unique narratives and characters. Some key changes included:
- Diversifying Genres: From comedy (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Phir Hera Pheri) to socially relevant dramas (Airlift, Pad Man), Akshay embraced variety.
- Collaborating with New Talent: Akshay began working with fresh directors and innovative storytellers, allowing him to stay relevant in a dynamic industry.
- Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity: After this streak, Akshay became more selective about his projects, focusing on content that aligned with audience expectations.
3. Reinventing His Image
The end of the flop streak wasn’t just about one successful movie—it was about Akshay’s ability to reinvent himself. He became known not just as an action star but as a multifaceted actor who could excel in comedy, drama, and even socially impactful roles. This versatility laid the foundation for his resurgence as one of Bollywood’s top stars.
The streak of failures ultimately became a stepping stone for Akshay Kumar’s career. It taught him the importance of adaptability, careful script selection, and staying in tune with audience preferences. By learning from these setbacks, Akshay not only salvaged his career but also solidified his place as a Bollywood icon.
