Rakul Preet Singh has had a consistent presence across Hindi and South cinema, but her recent streak of underperforming films has raised concerns about her script selection. Despite working with notable co-stars and big production houses, she hasn’t had a commercial hit in a while. Thank God underperformed at ₹34.89 crore on a ₹50 crore budget, Ayalaan failed to break even globally, and Indian 2, one of the most anticipated releases, didn’t manage to recover half of its massive ₹250-300 crore cost. Her most recent outing, Mere Husband Ki Biwi, struggled to cross ₹13 crore worldwide.
Taapsee Pannu, known for her experimental choices and strong roles, has also seen a disappointing theatrical run. Films like Shabaash Mithu, Dunki (despite the ensemble and marketing push), and Khel Khel Mein couldn’t bring in the expected numbers. Even bold promotional tactics haven’t helped connect these films to their audience.
Kangana Ranaut, once seen as a box office force, has similarly seen a pattern of flops with Dhaakad, Tejas, Chandramukhi 2, and Emergency. These films not only failed to impress at the ticket counter but also struggled to find critical acclaim.
While each of these actresses has a unique brand and fan following, the common thread lies in their recent choices. It points to a growing mismatch between star power and the kind of content today’s audiences want to watch.
Perhaps it’s time for Rakul, Taapsee, and Kangana to realign their focus — to find stories that not only challenge them as performers but also resonate with the evolving tastes of the movie-going public. In the end, content is king — and even the biggest names can’t carry a film without it.
