The Hindi film screen’s most successful star, Salman Khan has been delivering one mighty hit after another over the past 10 years. From Ek Tha Tiger and its sequel Tiger Zinda Hai, to the Dabangg franchise, Sultan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and many more, he is virtually invincible at the box office, save for the odd Tubelight that flickered and went out.
The star has struck a rare and beautiful chord with his audience, who throng the cinema halls on the day of his films’ release, guaranteeing every film a blockbusting revenue graph.
With the star being convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, the blow to the industry that has been buoyed by Salman’s humungous hits is huge. Trade expert Komal Nahata maintains that it is a huge loss to the industry and trade as Salman is a big star who guarantees big success. However, besides Race 3 which has Rs.125-150 crore riding on it, Salman has not started any other film, ensuring that no film is currently stuck.
“He may have planned it like that, knowing April 5 is the date of the judgement,” offers Nahata. According to industry analyst Girish Wankhede, at least Rs.600 crore is riding on the actor. By his logic, each of Salman’s films makes a minimum of Rs.200 crore. With three films already being announced - Race 3, Bharat and Dabangg 3 – an estimated Rs.600 crore is riding on the star at the box office.
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While Salman has reportedly completed shooting for Race 3, the film will need to be promoted and publicised by Salman, who is the main attraction of its multi-star cast.
His imprisonment also throws a shadow over his third film with Ali Abbas Zafar – Bharat. The duo come together after the mega hits, Tiger Zinda Hai and Sultan and is pegged for release on Eid, 2019.
Dabangg 3 and Kick 2 have also been announced, though no dates have yet been confirmed.
What’s more, the promos of Dus Ka Dum, the television game show, have already been aired on Sony. The star also has several endorsements in his kitty, having earned a whopping Rs.232.83 crore in 2017 through ads.
Yes, big money rides on Salman Khan and prison could just burst the gigantic bubble of success, after all.
