Akshay Kumar: From generating consistent ticket sales at theatres to being hot property on satellite and online medium

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

June 5, 2017 - 1:30 PM IST

The satellite response to Jolly LLB 2 could well be the starting point.

Akshay Kumar: From generating consistent ticket sales at theatres to being hot property on satellite and online medium

As is pretty much known by now, the Akshay Kumar starrer has seen the best TRP ratings of the year so far. This, after the Subhash Kapoor directed film had already amassed more than Rs. 100 crore at the Box Office and was also available on certain online streaming channels. Still, when the film came on television there was very good viewership.

This hasn't happened overnight though. After all, it is an outcome of a consistent show that the actor has put over the years, something that is paying dividends now.

Mixing up of films
The biggest contributing factor to the redefined Akshay Kumar is the manner in which he is mixing up his films. If he is working on action affairs like Gabbar Is Back and Brothers then there is also slapstick affair like Housefull 3 that he is being a part of. If there is drama combined with satire in Jolly LLB 2 then there is also intense biopic affair Airlift. There is no monotony that is setting in and with all around versatility on display, audiences are glad to see him in different roles film after film first in theatres and then on satellite.

Staying away from the adult content
A clear thumb rule for being a satellite friendly superstar is steering clear of adult content. This is something that Akshay Kumar is following to the ‘T’ as leave aside any vulgar content on display, he doesn't even entertain any kind of violence or gore in his films. Yes, occasionally there may be some naughty content in the offering when it comes to a zany affair like Singh Is Bliing. However that is far and few as well, something that keeps his image intact of being a man who brings clean entertainers. No wonder, after winning the National Award for the Best Actor, there is even more responsibility that he is carrying with him.

Entertainment channels love him
Over the years his films have fetched a very good price for the satellite deals. So much so that time and again the entire production cost of his films (barring his own fee) is taken care of by the satellite price itself. Entertainment channels do not hesitate either as they manage to get guaranteed returns on a consistent basis. The fact also remains that even till date there are just 6-7 stars who are pulling audiences on a consistent basis even on television. Now with the kind of experience that Akshay Kumar carries as well as the recollection value that his films boast of, it is a no-brainer for big bosses to decide in his favour.

A new product every three months
Even the best of the films end up seeming stale after a few years when there is repeated telecast over satellite (well, unless it is a Sooryavansham!). However what works in favour of Akshay Kumar is the fact that he brings a new film practically every three months at an average. Last year he had three releases [Airlift, Housefull 3, and Rustom] and an extended cameo [Dishoom]. This year he has already been seen in Jolly LLB 2 and an extended special appearance in Naam Shabana. He would soon be seen in Toilet - Ek Prem Katha and very likely PadMan. With such a flurry of new films, he keeps his audiences busy at home!

Credibility factor
There is a new dimension that is quite visible in the choice of films that he is making. More and more of his films are turning out to be the kind that are very much relatable to the audiences. Jolly LLB 2 was the tale of a common man, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha is bringing the issue of open defecation in the garb of humour and then PadMan aims at bringing in the subject of menstruation. He isn't shying away from picking up matters that could otherwise be considered as taboo but then with entertainment in the offering he is making sure that such films work not just in theatres but also in the living rooms of Indian households.