Shah Rukh Khan On Bringing Audiences Back To Theatres With Pathaan, Jawan, Dunki: 'It Was Really...'

When Shah Rukh Khan made a comeback in 2023 with Pathaan, he left everyone completely impressed. The film pulled back audiences to theatres and redeveloped their faith in Hindi Cinema, which was otherwise facing the boycott trend. At the CNN News18 Indian Of The Year 2023 Awards on Wednesday in New Delhi, King Khan talked about the same and shared that he is “grateful” that fans showered love on all his films in 2023 – Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki.

“It was really bad times. We call it post-pandemic time. The theatres were running empty, specifically Hindi theatres. Yes, they (South) do make larger-than-life films. Hindi films started making cinema which was a little more middle of the road. But there are younger audiences now. We are one of the youngest countries in the world and I guess, they want things which are bigger, better, faster, superior, over the top, happier,” King Khan said.

“I cannot take the responsibility of bringing Hindi cinema back. I think I can just thank everyone that I was in those films which started the trend of Hindi cinema being watched again. I am extremely thankful,” the actor added.

While SRK’s Pathaan and Jawan earned more than Rs 1000 crore at the worldwide box office, Dunki (released in December) has so far collected Rs 500 crore globally. Talking about the same, Shah Rukh added, “I honestly believe, with all humility and gratitude, that all Indians came out, those who don’t even like me as an actor. People called me from all over the world and said, ‘We wanted to come out for Jawan, Pathaan and just be supportive of what you do as an actor’. I think this is way beyond the films. Pathaan is fantastic, Jawan is lovely, and Dunki is beautiful. It is not a comeback, it is the reiteration of the fact that I belong and that I should continue to act.”

Shah Rukh Khan has been awarded the Indian of The Year 2023 Award at the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023. The actor was present at the prestigious awards show, accepting the award from the esteemed jury. The mega show marked Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever media appearance since 2019.