Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan” achieved historic milestones even before its release, securing the largest advance booking ever for a Bollywood film and the second-highest for a Hindi film after “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.” Additionally, “Jawan” shattered multiple records at the box office as it became the biggest Hindi film opener of all time, surpassing SRK’s own “Pathaan.”
From early morning shows to housefull boards to people dancing in theatres to people pouring milk on the posters, Shah Rukh Khan’s movie has brought back happiness in the cinema halls. And, while SRK’s Jawan is breaking records, the internet is discussing how SRK’s Jawan is nowhere close to Amitabh Bachchan’s old classics – Sholay and Shahensha.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahensha & Sholay better than SRK Jawan: Netizen wrote on X
In the midst of the euphoria surrounding “Jawan,” a social media user started a comparison between Atlee’s directorial venture and two legendary films in Indian cinema history: Amitabh Bachchan’s timeless classic “Sholay” and his iconic superhero vigilante flick “Shahenshah.” While comparing the movies, the social media user highlighted that the response to SRK’s latest release Jawan’s success is nowhere close to the success of these two cinematic gems from yesteryears.
Sharing a newspaper clipping of Shahenshah’s record opening, one user wrote, “While #Jawaan is generating excitement, a few decades ago a film had unprecedented craze! 20000 people thronged to the first show! SIMULTANEOUS video had 5 day advance booking! 7am shows were added. Video parlours were screening the film! Shahenshah! #AmitabhBachchan #bollywood”. Here’s the tweet:
While #Jawaan is generating excitement, a few decades ago a film had unprecedented craze! 20000 people thronged to the first show! SIMULTANEOUS video had 5 day advance booking! 7am shows were added. Video parlours were screening the film! Shahenshah! #AmitabhBachchan #bollywood pic.twitter.com/sC7uZo31u9
— Ashok Singh (@ashoksingh68) September 6, 2023
As the tweet went viral, even Amitabh Bachchan took to social media to respond to the tweet. While replying to the tweet, Amitabh Bachchan wrote, “Those were the days .. and there were many more such days .. absolutely unprecedented .. !! humbled and filled with pride”. Check out the tweet below:
those were the days .. and there were many more such days .. absolutely unprecedented .. !! humbled and filled with pride https://t.co/3xTpkPWhD1
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) September 6, 2023
While reacting to the tweet many people took to social media to share how SRK’s Jawaan is no match to Amitabh’s superhit blockbusters. One fan wrote, “#AmitabhBachchan 🔥🔥, No Six packs, No VFX, Inspiration to all others.” To which Amitabh Bachchan reacted, “Such a joy to be able to do that.”
such a joy to be able to do that .. https://t.co/nh1Nrallwr
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) September 6, 2023
While comparing the advance of Jawan with Sholay, one netizen wrote,“And I just noticed , it was released in 31 cinemas .. this makes around 8.4 lakhs seating capacity .. and not to forget , Sholay did 143% business in first week in Bombay .. means it sold 12 lakhs tickets just in Bombay…So compare 1.5 lakhs advance of Jawaan VS 5.6 lakhs advance of Sholay .. all other logic fails”
And I just noticed , it was released in 31 cinemas .. this makes around 8.4 lakhs seating capacity .. and not to forget , Sholay did 143% business in first week in Bombay .. means it sold 12 lakhs tickets just in Bombay https://t.co/ayl8F22Brv
— Yakuza (@longliveyakuza) September 6, 2023
yes.. those days shall never come back .. but what days they were https://t.co/Wju4DghvWe
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) September 6, 2023
The fan also wrote, “You know Sholay at one point was screening with 600 prints all over india .. this is capacity of around 1.35 crore footfalls for one week .. and no need to mention that Sholay was houseful for many weeks or months across India .. imagine the footfalls”. Big B responded, “yoo hooo .. many facts of the past are simply not known .. they shall simply blow your mind”.
yoo hooo .. many facts of the past are simply not known .. they shall simply blow your mind https://t.co/T22ETs4GMO
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) September 6, 2023
There is no doubt that Big B’s Sholay and Shahenshah were masterpieces and they definitely did create many records at the box office. But, is it fair to compare them with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and call them better? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below. (Also Read: Planning To Watch SRK’s Jawan, Read Twitter Reviews Before You Book Your Ticket.)