Nov 3 (AZINS) We should stop the nepotism debates for a while. If you check recent box-office reports, the sons, brothers-in-law, brothers and cousins of many superstars have been rejected at the ticket windows. Suddenly, no one is in the mood to indulge ‘so-and-so’ just because he hails from a famous family. Naming those who have been rejected or rather given the short shift is a strict no-no, so we will let that pass.

The important issue here is Bollywood’s got a new star line-up. And these are not sons of yesteryear superstars. For example, Ayushmann Khurrana is enjoying a fantastic run at the BO, and so is Rajkummar Rao. Vicky Kaushal has made inroads into Karan Johar’s world and Kartik Aaryan is taking away work that could well have been given to the son of a famous man.

Of course, there are earlier instances of people like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, who weren’t to the movie-manor born, but still made a mark.

The current lot comprising Ayushmann, Rajkummar, Vicky and Kartik is not only popular, but are also rewriting the mainstream movie topography by giving us truly enjoyable cinema. Their honest attempt to marry content with calibre has resulted in Bareilly Ki Barfi, Stree, AndhaDhun, Badhaai Ho, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Manmarziyaan. It has come to a stage where Ayushmann is competing only with himself. As of today, the two movies that are being discussed are AndhaDhun (approx Rs 65 cr plus) and Badhaai Ho (approx Rs 93 cr plus).

AYUSHMANN IS A STAR, RAJ IS A SUPERIOR ACTOR: AMOD MEHRA

Talking about the rise of Rajkummar, distributor Amod Mehra says, “Rajkummar is not a star, he had to prove that he’s a good actor, which he has, time and again, with his stellar performances. One reason for his success is that he acted in films with low-budgets and they became big hits. Now that he’s successful, he has upped his fee. The budgets of his movies will go up proportionately, too. If the content is strong, then there should be no problem at all.” As for Ayushmann, Amod says that he had to prove that he is not just a singer and a VJ. He adds, “Ayushmann has an edge as a star. He has moulded himself in such a way that it has not only helped him bag interesting roles, but also succeed in them.”

THEY HAVE DARED TO BE DIFFERENT: TARAN ADARSH

Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh points out that Rajkummar is choosing stories that the common man can identify with. “He is striking a fine balance between meaningful cinema and escapist subjects. He has followed his gut feeling and taken up subjects like Stree instead of choosing only the masala fare. How many actors would have done a film like that?”

Talking about Ayushmann’s success story, Taran observes, “The kind of films he is doing, reflect the social changes of our times, which makes them more relatable for viewers. AndhaDhun and Badhaai Ho have proved that viewers are accepting him in these kinds of roles and the films are good, too.” He adds, “Not many actors would have taken up these films. Now that these movies have done well, more and more people are saying that such kinds of subjects should be encouraged.” Mehra sums it up, “It is said ‘Fortune favours the brave’ and both, Rajkummar and Ayushmann have been brave in their choice of films and roles.”

THEIR RECENT NOTABLE FILMS

Ayushmann Khurrana

    Badhaai Ho
    AndhaDhun
    Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
    Bareilly Ki Barfi
    Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Rajkummar Rao

    Stree
    Omerta
    Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
    Newton
    Bareilly Ki Barfi

*Nett box office figures from reliable trade sources