2024 has proven to be quite challenging for popular Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra, whose recent film releases have struggled significantly at the box office. Known affectionately as 'students' since their debut together in the 2012 film Student Of The Year, this trio has captivated audiences over the years with various successful projects. Unfortunately, their latest endeavors have drawn heavy criticism and led to disappointing financial results.
Sidharth Malhotra's action film Yodha hit theaters first on March 15, 2024. Despite its promising action sequences directed by Pushkar Ojha and Sagar Ambre, the film failed to resonate with audiences. Over its theatrical run, Yodha amassed only ₹35.56 crore, which many deemed inadequate for the star power attached.
Following Yodha, Alia Bhatt's film Jigra was released on Dussehra 2024. Leading up to its debut, the film was surrounded by controversies, including plagiarism claims and nepotism discussions, which overshadowed its promotional efforts. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film could only garner ₹31.98 crore from domestic audiences, marking it as Alia's lowest collection to date.
Most recently, Varun Dhawan's Baby John debuted on Christmas 2024, but even the holiday slot couldn't salvage its performance. Directed by Kalees, the film features co-stars Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, and within its first three days, it garnered merely ₹20.18 crore. The film's dismal performance has contributed to growing concerns about the future prospects for its lead actors.
Social media is abuzz with reactions, with users lamenting the series of unfortunate events facing these three prominent actors. What was once seen as promising careers have sparked conversation surrounding audience expectations and the influence of social issues on film performance.
Reflecting on the box office underperformances, industry insiders suggest these results may serve as valuable lessons for the stars and filmmakers alike. The growing conversation around content quality and audience engagement continues to shape the Bollywood film industry, urging celebrities to carefully curate their projects moving forward.
Looking at this year, it’s clear the film industry has experienced dynamic shifts. Will Alia, Varun, and Sidharth recover their box office crowns? Only time will tell as the year progresses and new projects are unveiled. The supportive fanbases of these stars hope for brighter days as their careers continue to evolve.
