Akshay Kumar, Bollywood’s erstwhile “hit machine,” is currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in his celebrated career. Since the pre-sales of Housefull 5 revealed a stark absence of enthusiasm on the part of the audience, the writing has never been clearer on the wall: Akshay Kumar’s box office appeal is waning — and it is happening rapidly.
In spite of being the fifth entry in a once-profitable franchise, Housefull 5 is finding it difficult to create buzz. The poor numbers not only raise questions regarding the future of the franchise itself but also bigger questions regarding Akshay’s current position as one of the top leading men in Indian cinema.
From Franchise King to Box Office Risk?
The Housefull franchise has had a devoted fan base long enough, riding high on its over-the-top jokes, star-studded casts, and festive releases. Akshay Kumar was the face of this franchise — but times have changed significantly.
The new installment, which is out soon, hasn’t been able to muster any excitement. The advance bookings are shockingly low, even after hard-hitting promotions and the brand boost of a previously successful franchise.
This fall is reverberating through Akshay’s recent movies. Even films with patriotic undertones or large banners are not being able to leave their mark on Day 1. His previous 11 films — a mix of solo efforts and multi-starrers — have all opened with disappointing numbers, many failing to even cross ₹10 crore on opening day.
Let’s have a glance at his recent Day 1 India Nett collections:
- Kesari Chapter 2 – ₹7 Cr
- Sky Force – ₹13.50 Cr*
- KKM – ₹5.10 Cr
- Sarfira – ₹2.50 Cr
- BMCM – ₹14.75 Cr*
- Mission Raniganj – ₹2.75 Cr
- Selfiee – ₹2.40 Cr
- Ram Setu – ₹14.50 Cr
- Raksha Bandhan – ₹8.00 Cr
- PRC – ₹10.25 Cr
- Bachchan Pandey – ₹12.75 Cr
With every release, the figures speak a uniform and alarming tale: the once-sure-footed crowd puller now has difficulty opening well.
The Rise of Kartik Aaryan: A New Star Takes Center Stage
While Akshay struggles with falling numbers, Kartik Aaryan is quickly ascending the box office rung. Casting Kartik in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 over reviving Akshay was a choice that was initially questioned. But the outcome was unmistakable — the movie was a hit, rekindling the franchise and Kartik’s star image both.
Now, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has gone one step further. Even when it clashed with Singham Again, the movie opened with a whopping ₹36.50 crore, evidencing Kartik’s growing popularity and the audience’s specific choice for new faces and peppy performances.
Trade experts are of the opinion that if Akshay had done the movie, the opening would have crossed only ₹10 crore at best, if at all. That is how vastly popular sentiment has turned.
Kartik, Vicky Kaushal, and even Rajkummar Rao are continuously outshining experienced stars, not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of goodwill with the audience.
Harsh But True: Akshay’s Brand is Losing Relevance
It’s hard to admit, but it’s true: Akshay Kumar’s brand identity is becoming outdated in modern cinema. Today’s audiences want depth, genuineness, and creativity. Sadly enough, Akshay’s recent movie selections — typically uninspired, formulaic, and hurried — have not stood the test of time with this new audience.
Even the attempt to revive big franchises like Housefull is falling flat. The very fact that a comedy film with a star cast is unable to sell tickets in pre-sales is telling. There was a time when just Akshay’s name on the poster could guarantee a ₹15+ crore opening. That time, it seems, is gone.
In addition, Akshay’s plan of doing more than one film a year might have worked previously, but it’s now considered overexposure and burnout of creativity. Audiences no longer reward quality over quantity.
Can Akshay Make a Comeback?
The industry is full of comeback stories — and if anybody has the hunger and discipline to do it, it’s Akshay Kumar. But for a comeback to occur, a whole re-thinking is needed.
He has to tone down, choose good, topical scripts, and perhaps collaborate with newer directors who know the pulse of the audience today. A break from tired franchises and resorting to his acting talent — as he did in Airlift or Special 26 — would help restore his image.
Box office is an indicator of public temperament, and at present, the public is seeking change.
Conclusion: A Shift in the Bollywood Power Game
Housefull 5’s struggling pre-sales are more than just numbers — they reflect a generational shift in Bollywood. While Akshay Kumar was once the ultimate crowd-puller, today’s audience is rewarding actors who bring freshness, depth, and engagement.
Kartik Aaryan’s ascension is not a coincidence — it is the culmination of well-researched scripts, endearing characters, and an honest connect with the public. Akshay’s career, on the other hand, stands at a crossing point right now, where the wrong step can cement his fall, and the right film can trigger the much-awaited resurgence.
For the time being, at least, the truth is sour, the figures are ruthless, and the quiet in movie theaters is louder than claps.
