2024 has been a challenging year for Akshay Kumar, with his recent films struggling to make a significant impact at the box office. Despite his efforts to regain his popularity, Akshay’s last three films, including Khel Khel Mein, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Sarfira, failed to meet expectations. However, Khel Khel Mein, released on August 15, managed to garner a relatively better response, hinting at a possible return to form for the actor. Yet, the news of his upcoming film Sky Force being postponed has sparked concerns, not just for Akshay, but potentially for Sunny Deol as well.
Akshay’s Recent Struggles
Akshay Kumar, often referred to as the “Khiladi” of Bollywood, has seen a dip in his box office performance over the last few years. His last 11 films have struggled to hit the mark, with audiences and critics pointing to weak storylines and unimpressive star casts as major factors. Additionally, the timing of his film releases has not been in his favor, often clashing with other big-budget films that overshadowed his projects.
Khel Khel Mein was a glimmer of hope, as Akshay returned to a style that his fans have longed to see. However, despite the positive response, the film’s earnings were underwhelming, raising questions about his future projects. Among these, Sky Force was highly anticipated, but its postponement has left fans disappointed and industry insiders speculating.
The Delay of Sky Force
Originally set for an October 2, 2024 release, Sky Force was expected to be a major comeback for Akshay Kumar. The film, which is a period aerial action thriller, features Akshay in the role of a coach to a young Air Force officer, played by Veer Pahadia. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapoor, the film also stars Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur. It is based on a real-life incident showcasing one of the Indian Air Force’s greatest victories.
However, recent reports suggest that the film’s release has been postponed to January 24, 2025, just ahead of Republic Day. This move, while strategic, might come at a cost—not just for Akshay, but for another Bollywood heavyweight, Sunny Deol.
The Impact on Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol, who is currently riding high on the success of Gadar 2, is gearing up for his next big projects, including Border 2 and Lahore 1947. Lahore 1947, which also stars Preity Zinta and his son Karan Deol, is rumored to be set for release on January 26, 2025, just two days after Sky Force. This potential clash at the box office could spell trouble for both films, but especially for Sunny, who has been enjoying a resurgence in his career.
The postponement of Sky Force could lead to a high-stakes battle at the box office, with both films vying for the Republic Day weekend—a prime time for film releases in India. A clash of this magnitude could divide audiences and impact the box office performance of both films, making it a risky proposition for the filmmakers.
What’s Next for Akshay and Sunny?
For Akshay Kumar, the delay of Sky Force is a critical moment. If the film does well, it could mark the turning point he desperately needs. However, a box office clash with Sunny Deol’s Lahore 1947 could complicate matters. Sunny, on the other hand, has been strategically planning his releases, and a face-off with Akshay might not be part of his original plan.
As the two Bollywood giants prepare for what could be one of the biggest box office showdowns of 2025, fans and industry experts alike are keenly watching. Will Akshay Kumar finally break his streak of flops, or will Sunny Deol continue his winning run? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the stakes have never been higher for both stars.
