Kangana Ranaut’s Box Office Slump: 10 Years Without a Hit, Struggles to Regain Audience Trust
Kangana Ranaut, once hailed as Bollywood’s most fearless actress, has been facing an extended dry spell at the box office. Despite being a powerhouse performer with National Awards to her credit, her films have consistently struggled to connect with audiences over the last decade.
With Emergency becoming her sixth consecutive flop, Kangana’s box office trajectory paints a bleak picture. Out of 31 films in her career, 22 have been declared flops, and post-2015, she has failed to deliver a single outright hit. The only exception, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019), managed an average verdict.
What Went Wrong?
Trade analysts believe that the disconnect between Kangana’s choice of films and audience preferences has played a crucial role in this downfall. Mid-budget films, especially those led by a single star, have found it increasingly difficult to survive in a market dominated by larger-than-life spectacles and franchise films.
Industry expert Taran Adarsh pointed out that Emergency suffered from multiple delays, which diminished audience interest. He also highlighted the challenge of engaging today’s generation with historical political dramas. “Had Emergency released as per its original date, it would have gained more traction. But constant delays hurt its momentum,” he said.
Moreover, Kangana’s recent films—Dhaakad, Thalaivii, and Tejas—have recorded shockingly low collections, with lifetime earnings struggling to cross even ₹5 crores. Exhibitors like Bihar-based theater owner Vishek Chauhan stated that audience enthusiasm for her films has significantly waned. He compared Emergency to Tejas, calling it its “twin” in terms of low footfalls.
Kangana’s Image Problem?
Another major factor contributing to her box office struggles is her off-screen persona. Many believe that her strong political opinions and controversies have overshadowed her cinematic presence. “The audience can’t separate the on-screen Kangana from the off-screen Kangana. This has impacted her films negatively,” Chauhan observed.
Both Chauhan and Adarsh agree that a shift in film choices could turn things around for her. “She needs to step out of serious, politically inclined roles and revisit what made her a household name—films like Tanu Weds Manu and Queen,” Adarsh suggested.
A Possible Comeback?
While her recent track record has been disappointing, Bollywood has seen major stars bounce back after years of struggle. Citing examples of Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback with Pathaan and Dilip Kumar’s resurgence with Kranti, trade experts believe that Kangana still has a chance to reclaim her box office dominance.
“She needs reinvention. If she picks the right script and lets her work speak for itself, she can make a strong comeback,” Adarsh concluded.
Whether Kangana Ranaut reclaims her box office glory or continues down this rough path will depend on the choices she makes next. Fans and the industry alike will be watching closely. Also Read:- Emergency Day 3: Kangana’s Film Sees Big Growth, Earns Well
Kangana Ranaut’s box office report card after Tanu Weds Manu Returns
1. I Love NY (2015)
Opening: N/A
Lifetime: Rs. 1.54 crores
Verdict: Flop
2. Katti Batti (2015)
Opening: Rs. 5.28 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 24.41 crores
Verdict: Flop
3. Rangoon (2017)
Opening: Rs. 5.05 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 20.68 crores
Verdict: Flop
4. Simran (2017)
Opening: Rs. 2.77 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 17.26 crores
Verdict: Flop
5. Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi (2019)
Opening: Rs. 7.75 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 92.19 crores
Verdict: Average
6. Judgementall Hai Kya (2019)
Opening: Rs. 4.50 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 33.11 crores
Verdict: Flop
7. Panga (2020)
Opening: Rs. 2.70 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 28.92 crores
Verdict: Flop
8. Thalaivii (2021)
Opening: Rs. 0.32 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 1.46 crores
Verdict: Flop
9. Dhaakad (2022)
Opening: Rs. 0.55 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 2.58 crores
Verdict: Disaster
10. Tejas (2023)
Opening: Rs. 1.20 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 4.14 crores
Verdict: Disaster
11. Emergency (2025)
Opening: Rs. 2 crores
Lifetime: Rs. 20 crores (expected)
Verdict: Flop
