‘How will I make an action film with this guy?’: Shah Rukh Khan’s flop-streak caused director Indra Kumar to underestimate him

02/07/2024

Film director Indra Kumar, best known for his comedy franchises, recalled speaking to Shah Rukh Khan when the actor was going through a career lull and planning a comeback. Indra Kumar said that he underestimated Shah Rukh's capabilities when the superstar told him that he wants to do an action film next. The filmmaker said that it was wise of SRK to reinvent himself, which is something that his Dunki director Rajkumar Hirani probably didn't do, and that explains the film's box office under-performance.

Appearing on the Voices of Impact with Arjun Mirani podcast, the filmmaker said that he always wanted to emulate Rajkumar Hirani, who makes blockbusters that are also critically acclaimed. But he understands the importance of reinvention, which is why he chose to direct a film like Masti at the turn of the century. "Every filmmaker is guaranteed to hit a rough patch after a decade. Look at Rajkumar Hirani; he's given such gems in the past, but his latest film flopped. Perhaps he was still in his old zone, I haven't seen the film so I can't comment. But the poor guy couldn't avoid delivering a flop, because it happens to everybody. When he reinvents himself, I'm sure he'll make a blockbuster again. That's how talented he is," he said.

Citing the example of Shah Rukh, and how the actor proved him wrong, Indra Kumar continued, "Look at how Shah Rukh Khan revamped himself. He was the king of romance for so many years. The poor guy did everything he could. He played a dwarf, for God's sake! Nobody is as hard-working as he is. People had written him off, he had to reinvent himself in a new action avatar. When I spoke to him during this time, he said, 'Indu ji, I want to do action next, get me an action movie'. And I thought, 'How can this guy do action? How in the world will I make an action film with him?' But he proved me wrong."

Shah Rukh bounced back in 2023 with the three biggest hits of his career - Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. While the first two were all-time blockbusters, Dunki was perceived to have under-performed, especially when held in comparison to Pathaan and Jawan. Despite that, and despite Indra Kumar's statement calling it a flop, it is still the third-biggest global hit of Shah Rukh's career, with earnings of more than Rs 470 crore. Indra Kumar last directed Thank God, which flopped as well. He is now planning the fourth Dhamaal movie, and the fourth Masti film.

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