Since the pandemic hit four years ago, there has been a tectonic shift in the way cinema content is consumed worldwide. The proliferation of OTT has made the job tougher and more challenging for theatrical films. But even in this changed climate, there are filmmakers and stars who have managed to deliver hits consistently. And while Ranbir Kapoor, Prabhas, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajinikanth have all done wonders at the box office in the last couple of years, one star has outdone them all.
The star who beat SRK, Salman, Prabhas, Ranbir
Since the beginning of 2023, Deepika Padukone has appeared in four films in full-length or substantial roles. All four have been successful at the box office, grossing a combined Rs 3200 crore worldwide. This is the most any Indian star has earned in the last two years. Shah Rukh Khan comes in next with a combined box office haul of Rs 2700 crore. Others like Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Yash, and Ranbir Kapoor follow with box office gross between Rs 1000 and Rs 2000 crore.
Deepika Padukone’s purple patch at the box office
Since the pandemic, Deepika has been enjoying a good run at the box office. Her first film after the lockdowns opened was 83, which earned a below-par Rs 193 crore. This was followed by an OTT release in Gehraiyaan. But post-that, it has all been green for Deepika. She partnered Shah Rukh Khan in his two comeback films in 2023 – Pathaan and Jawan – which earned Rs 1050 crore and Rs 1150 crore respectively. Her first release in 2024 – Fighter – earned Rs 337 crore worldwide. And now, she has been basking in the success of Kalki 2898 AD, which has already grossed over Rs 650 crore in just a week, and is expected to cross Rs 1000 crore before it ends its run.
Deepika Padukone’s box office prowess isn’t just mere luck; it’s a combination of her choice in roles, collaborations with top filmmakers, and her impeccable acting skills that have won her a dedicated fan base globally. Her stardom has transcended beyond the typical Bollywood success story, placing her at a unique pedestal in the industry where very few actors have managed to stand.
Her journey started with modest performances that showed promise, and over time, she has evolved into an actor who commands respect not just for her talent, but for her market value as well.
. Each project she has undertaken since the pandemic has showcased different facets of her acting prowess, resonating with audiences across the globe.
Industry experts point out that Deepika’s unparalleled success, especially post-pandemic, has been due to strategic choices and a keen understanding of the market dynamics. Films like Pathaan and Jawan, which tapped into the resurgence of cinema-goers’ interest, displayed her versatility and star power. In Fighter, she matched strides with her co-stars, delivering a performance that earned critical and commercial acclaim. Kalki 2898 AD’s rapid box office accumulation underscores her sustained appeal and ability to draw audiences in significant numbers.
Moreover, Deepika’s partnership with Bollywood heavyweight Shah Rukh Khan for two major releases proved to be a masterstroke. Not only did they create a winning formula, but their on-screen chemistry revitalized the box office at a time when the industry was grappling with the effects of the pandemic.
Deepika Padukone’s upcoming films
Currently, among all film actresses in India, Deepika remains the highest-paid, charging in excess of Rs 20 crore per project. The actress will be next seen in Singham Again in an extended cameo, a role that is likely to get its own spinoff. She also has future instalments of the YRF Spy Universe in her kitty as well as a rumoured sequel of Brahmastra. These promising films can take her stellar box office record even further.
The anticipation around her upcoming projects reflects her status as a bankable star. Singham Again, which is part of the successful cop universe created by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, has already generated buzz with Deepika’s involvement. The potential of her role expanding into a standalone project further solidifies her expanding cinematic footprint.
Meanwhile, her recurring presence in the YRF Spy Universe marks her as a pivotal player in one of Bollywood’s most lucrative franchises. The rumoured Brahmastra sequel only adds to the excitement, as fans eagerly await her return in what is touted to be another fantasy epic.
In conclusion, Deepika Padukone’s recent box office conquests, combined with her discerning choice of projects and her indisputable talent, make her one of the most formidable forces in Indian cinema today. As the film industry continues to navigate a post-pandemic world, stars like Deepika are not just surviving but thriving, setting new benchmarks for success. The future looks even brighter for this powerhouse performer, and it will be fascinating to see how she continues to shape the cinematic landscape in the years to come.
