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In 2012, when OMG debuted, Akshay Kumar was navigating a significant phase in his career. Having reached the zenith of success in the mid-to-late 2000s, his star power seemed to wane as the decade turned. Though he continued to deliver hits, none matched the monumental success of his golden years when his every venture turned to gold. While the last decade has seen fluctuating success for Kumar, his influence extends beyond cinema, marked by his commitment to fitness and his reputation as Bollywood’s highest taxpayer. His National Award for Best Actor for Rustom (2016) was a notable milestone after frequently lamenting his lack of recognition in major award circuits. Around this time, with films like Pad Man and Mission Mangal, Kumar’s public image underwent a significant shift, aligning him more closely with right-wing ideals.
Kumar has always starred in nationalistic films, but his recent work has increasingly embraced a jingoistic tone. While he ventured into comedy with films like Housefull and Good Newwz, his typical roles were straightforward: the no-nonsense cop, the inspiring entrepreneur, or the larger-than-life historical figure. As the three Khans’ dominance in Bollywood declined and new-age heroes emerged, Kumar served as a bridge across eras. His foray into right-wing narratives with films like Ram Setu, Samrat Prithviraj, and Kesari did not translate into box office success and led to criticism from various quarters, including social media.
Criticism intensified as Kumar’s political allegiances came under scrutiny. His perceived silence on national issues, contrasted with his vocal stance during the previous administration, became a focal point. The 2019 interview with Prime Minister Modi, where discussions included his love for mangoes, and his Canadian citizenship were particularly contentious. Each failed film seemed to reignite these debates.
Despite the controversies, Kumar’s relationship with the political right remained robust as long as he produced films like Kesari and Sooryavanshi. However, 2023 marked a notable shift. Kumar, in a bid to affirm his nationalist credentials, renounced his Canadian citizenship and declared, “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani.” Yet, this move did not shield him from backlash. His latest film, OMG 2, faced criticism from right-wing extremists who took issue with its treatment of sexuality, despite its message supporting sex education. The film’s A-certification added to the irony, as it addresses the need for sexual education for children. The film’s principal cast, including Govind Namdev, criticized the certification, but Kumar remained notably silent.
Kumar now faces intense scrutiny from across the political spectrum. His tweet about the Manipur violence drew criticism from both supporters and detractors. Some accused him of aligning with the ruling party, while others questioned his silence on violence in other states. Kumar finds himself in a precarious position, unable to escape past controversies or forge a new path without facing criticism.
The world is complex and multifaceted, yet we live in an era of polarized views. While Kumar has benefited from his association with powerful political forces, the shifting dynamics might present new challenges. The question remains: how will Akshay Kumar, once known for his Midas touch, navigate this evolving landscape?
