Shah Rukh Khan, often dubbed the “King of Bollywood,” has had a prolific career with numerous blockbuster hits. However, even a superstar like him has faced his share of box office disappointments. Here are seven of his biggest flops:
1. **Zero (2018)**: Directed by Aanand L. Rai, *Zero* featured Shah Rukh Khan as a vertically challenged man who falls in love with two women, played by Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. Despite high expectations and an intriguing premise, the film was a critical and commercial failure, earning poor reviews and underperforming at the box office.
2. **Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)**: Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this romantic drama starred SRK and Anushka Sharma. The film follows a tour guide and his client on a journey across Europe. Despite the star power and picturesque locations, the film failed to resonate with audiences and critics, resulting in disappointing box office returns.
3. **Ra.One (2011)**: A highly ambitious science fiction superhero film directed by Anubhav Sinha, *Ra.One* had an enormous budget and extensive visual effects. Despite its technical achievements and promotional efforts, the movie did not perform well commercially and was criticized for its weak storyline and character development
4. **Paheli (2005)**: Directed by Amol Palekar, this film was a fantasy drama based on a traditional Indian folktale. Although it was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, it did not fare well at the box office. The film, starring Rani Mukerji alongside SRK, was considered too niche for mainstream audiences.
5. **Swades (2004)**: Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, *Swades* is a critically acclaimed film in which SRK plays a NASA scientist who returns to his village in India. Despite its positive reviews and strong message, the film failed to attract large audiences during its theatrical run, though it has since gained a cult following
6. **Asoka (2001)**: This historical drama, directed by Santosh Sivan, saw Shah Rukh Khan portraying Emperor Ashoka. Despite its grand scale and epic storytelling, the film did not do well at the box office, possibly due to its divergence from typical Bollywood masala films and mixed critical reception
7. **Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000)**: Directed by Aziz Mirza and co-starring Juhi Chawla, this film tackled serious themes related to media ethics and sensationalism. However, it did not succeed commercially, perhaps due to its uneven tone and competition from other films released at the same time
While these films did not achieve commercial success, many of them are appreciated for their unique narratives and performances, showcasing Shah Rukh Khan’s willingness to experiment and take risks in his career.