Why Did Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Raees' Fail at the Box Office?

Bro, I swear why do all Indians label every movie ever as a flop. Raees didn’t flop case and point. Bakhwaas comment hai (silly comment).

Was Raees Really a Flop?

By no yardstick can Raees be labeled as a flop at the box office. Released in 2017, Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia and starring Shah Rukh Khan, was a super hit with a revenue collection of approximately Rs. 300 crores. This placed it as the highest grosser of the year. Clearly, Raees was far from a failure. Let’s take a closer look at its success.

It Was a Solid Entertainer

Raees was a solid entertainer, delivering great performances from both Shah Rukh and Nawaazuddin Siddiqui. It was well directed by Rahul Dholakia, and the music by Ram Sampath was highly appreciated. Many praised the film for its entertainment value alone. Critics and audiences alike found it difficult to label this blockbuster as a flop.

Clash with Other Films

One reason often cited for the film’s lower box office performance was the fact that it was released on the same day as another big-budget Bollywood film, 'Kaabil'. Such competitions can lead to the audience getting split between the two films, resulting in reduced sales for both.

Negative Publicity and Controversy

During its production and release, Raees faced significant controversy. Hindu groups protested against the film’s portrayal of a Muslim gangster. Such negative publicity can act as a deterrent for potential viewers, discouraging box office performance.

Mixed Reviews and High Expectations

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the mixed reviews that Raees received from critics. Some praised the film for its performances and direction, while others criticized its slow pacing and lack of originality. This mixed reception made it difficult for the film to generate the buzz needed to attract audiences.

High Expectations Due to Shah Rukh Khan's Star Power

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, and his films are highly anticipated. Despite this, Raees failed to meet these expectations. Fans and critics alike felt disappointed, leading to lower ticket sales. This mismatch between expectation and reality could have contributed significantly to the film's box office performance.

Conclusion

While Raees did not flop, it did not perform as well as expected given Shah Rukh Khan's star power and the film's high budget. It grossed over 300 crores, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2017. However, given the film's potential, it remains a bit of a disappointment at the box office.

Keywords: Raees, Bollywood, Box Office Performance