In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, the recent film ‘Chhava’ directed by Lakshman Utekar has garnered significant attention and praise from audiences. Starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, the movie showcases a compelling storyline that has resonated well with viewers, leading to impressive box office earnings. Notably, Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of a villain marks a significant moment in his career, drawing viewers back to his previous negative roles. This article explores the contrasting fates of ‘Chhava’ and Akshaye Khanna’s earlier project, ‘Dishoom’, highlighting the dynamics of box office success in Bollywood.
Exploring the Shadows: Akshaye Khanna’s Role in ‘Dishoom’
Released in 2016, ‘Dishoom’ was an action-packed film featuring leading stars Varun Dhawan and John Abraham, with Akshaye Khanna stepping into the role of the antagonist, Wagah, a cunning bookmaker involved in a high-stakes cricket kidnapping plot. Despite the promising cast and action sequences, the film struggled to achieve blockbuster status.
Dishoom’s Box Office Performance
‘Dishoom’ experienced average box office success, with a production budget of ₹61 crores. According to Box Office India, the film only managed to collect ₹68.1 crores net in India, resulting in a slim profit of merely ₹7 crores over its budget. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Rohit Dhawan, the film featured an ensemble cast including Jacqueline Fernandez, Saqib Saleem, Nargis Fakhri, Rahul Dev, and Vijay Raaz, along with a cameo by Akshay Kumar. Despite the star-studded lineup, ‘Dishoom’ failed to captivate the audience significantly and is often regarded as a missed opportunity.
‘Chhava’ Shines Bright: A New Milestone for Akshaye Khanna
‘Chhava’, on the other hand, has taken the box office by storm. Akshaye Khanna delivers a memorable performance as Aurangzeb, supported by a talented cast including Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, and Vineet Kumar Singh. Under the production of Maddock Films and Dinesh Vijan, ‘Chhava’ achieved a remarkable feat of crossing the ₹200 crore club within just six days of its release. The film has reportedly grossed a total of ₹203.68 crores, establishing itself as Vicky Kaushal’s second-highest grossing film after ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’.
The Growing Success of ‘Chhava’
While ‘Dishoom’ struggled to find its footing, ‘Chhava’ represents a resurgence for Akshaye Khanna in roles that challenge his versatility as an actor. The positive reception of ‘Chhava’ not only reinforces the strong bond between its lead actors but also demonstrates the shifting trends in Bollywood, where compelling storytelling and character depth have gained precedence over mere star power. For viewers seeking engaging cinema, ‘Chhava’ promises to deliver thought-provoking themes alongside thrilling performances.
In conclusion, while Akshaye Khanna’s earlier venture into villainy in ‘Dishoom’ did not achieve the desired success, his role in ‘Chhava’ marks a new chapter filled with promise. As audiences continue to support films that resonate with their narratives, it remains to be seen how this trend will shape the future of Bollywood and the careers of its stars.