Akshay Kumar Sets Record with 20 Films in Rs 100 Crore Club

The phenomenon of the Rs 100 crore club in Indian cinema began with Aamir Khan’s film "Ghajini" in 2008, which was the first Indian film to gross Rs100 crore domestically. Since that time, nearly 150 Indian films have achieved this financial milestone, showcasing the diverse landscape of Bollywood, ranging from major productions to smaller projects. While numerous actors have multiple entries in this exclusive group, only one has recorded 20 films reaching this benchmark. With the recent success of Priyadarshan’s "Bhooth Bangla," Akshay Kumar has officially become the first Indian actor to have 20 films that have crossed the Rs 100 crore net mark in India. This achievement positions him ahead of prominent figures like Salman Khan, who has 18 such films. Notably, six of Akshay’s entries into this club occurred after the pandemic, indicating his ability to produce successful films even as cinema attendance remains variable post-lockdown. The release of "Bhooth Bangla," in conjunction with upcoming films such as "Housefull 5" and "Kesari 2," marks a resurgence for Akshay Kumar. The actor faced challenges immediately after the pandemic, with several film failures including "Samrat Prithviraj," "Ram Setu," "Bachchhan Paandey," and "Raksha Bandhan." His success trajectory was propelled by astute film choices and a prolific period from 2007 to 2019, during which he frequently completed three to four films annually. This strategy allowed him to maximise his box office opportunities, contrasting with peers like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, who typically release one or two films each year. Aamir Khan has opted for an even more selective approach. By maintaining lower production budgets, Akshay has secured the unique position of being in 20 films that have achieved Rs 100 crore at the box office. Following Akshay Kumar in the rankings are Salman Khan with 18 films, Ajay Devgn with 16, and Shah Rukh Khan with 10. Additionally, following a successful period, Ranveer Singh has cemented his place within the top five, boasting nine films in the Rs 100 crore club. From the South Indian film industry, prominent actors Rajinikanth and Vijay each have eight entries in this prestigious category, while Telugu actor Prabhas follows with seven. Akshay Kumar is expected to expand his lead in the near future with several projects, including "Haiwaan" and "Welcome to the Jungle," as well as a planned third installment of "Hera Pheri."