In the world of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan is known for his charm, charisma, and unmatched passion for acting. Over the years, he has delivered several blockbuster hits and established himself as the King of Romance. However, even the most talented actors face their fair share of setbacks, and Shah Rukh Khan is no exception.
Here are eight of his most ambitious and passionate films that, despite their potential, unfortunately, failed to make a mark at the box office. Join us as we explore these lesser-known gems that may have missed the mark commercially but still showcase Shah Rukh Khan’s commitment to pushing boundaries and taking on challenging roles.
1. Dil Se (1998)
Despite its captivating storyline and exceptional performances, this Shah Rukh Khan starrer, directed by Mani Ratnam, failed to make a mark at the box office. Its unique blend of romance and political backdrop was appreciated critically but didn’t resonate with the masses.
2. Asoka (2001)
Shah Rukh Khan took on the epic role of Emperor Asoka in this historical drama directed by Santosh Sivan. Despite its grand scale and visually stunning cinematography, the film faced commercial disappointment at the box office. However, it garnered a cult following over the years for its portrayal of the warrior king’s journey.
3. Swades (2004)
Helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Swades presented Shah Rukh Khan in a completely different light, portraying a non-resident Indian who returns to his homeland. The film received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative, but unfortunately, it couldn’t strike a chord with the wider audience.
4. Paheli (2005)
Shah Rukh Khan took on a challenging dual role in this mystical drama directed by Amol Palekar. Despite its visually stunning cinematography and intriguing storyline, the film couldn’t garner the desired box office success. However, it gained recognition for its unique storytelling approach.
5. Fan (2016)
In Fan, Shah Rukh Khan played a double role as a superstar and obsessed fan. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film showcased the dark side of fandom and the consequences of obsession. Although the film was praised for Khan’s dual performance, it fell short of expectations at the box office. One of the most ambitious movies of SRK failed miserably at the box office and many started questioning his stardom.
6. Ra.One (2011)
As one of the most ambitious projects in Bollywood, Ra. One boasted cutting-edge visual effects and an innovative superhero concept. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of both the protagonist and antagonist was commendable, but the film failed to meet the high expectations and recover its massive production budget. In recent times, when 500-crore Adipurush disappointed people with its child-like VFX, many realized how Ra.One was way ahead of its time.
7. Zero (2018)
Directed by Aanand L. Rai, Zero had Shah Rukh Khan essaying the role of a vertically challenged man. The film generated immense anticipation, but its unconventional narrative and mixed reviews resulted in disappointing box office numbers. Despite Shah Rukh Khan’s earnest performance, the film couldn’t strike a chord with the audience.
While these films may not have performed well commercially, they stand as testaments to Shah Rukh Khan’s willingness to take risks and explore unconventional roles. Despite their box office fate, these ambitious and passionate projects continue to be admired for their artistic merits.
