Why Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai need a firecracker hit this Diwali 

The last time Ajay Devgn had a big impending release, he paved his own way at the box office counters. Singham (2011), directed by Rohit Shetty, arrived at the box office to announce the return of a 'new' Ajay Devgn donning the action hat. The film certainly helped rebuild the image of Ajay Devgn, the action star. That was 2011, and the actor-director is certainly facing another tough test with the release of Shivaay this weekend. Devgn desperately needs a hit after the below par performances of his last three films. On Diwali, he will find himself alongside two other actors who are in similar cirumstances, but on the opposing team. 

Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's chemistry in Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has already set the tempreatures soaring on the social media. But both actors need more than publicity to ressurect their drooping career scales. Ranbir Kapoor, albeit critically appreciated, has failed to deliver a hit since Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). The failure of Roy (2015) and Bombay Velvet (2015) has reportedly hit his confidence badly. The scale of Bombay Velvet, hyped due to the presence of the much vaunted 'star' in Ranbir Kapoor, and its subsequent failure was telling on his profile.

In a much publicised interview with Rajeev Masand, Kapoor said, "I’d be lying if I said my confidence is not affected. When films don’t do well, actors are insecure. They think, 'Is the shine on my star fading? Was that it? Do I have anything else to offer?" For an actor whose performances depend on the energy derived from confidence, Kapoor's statements are an indication of his falling clout. Although his collaboration with Deepika Padukone in Tamasha (2015) earned critical appreciation, it failed to set the box office on fire again. This forced the actor to return to established hands like Karan Johar and Anurag Basu. Ranveer Singh's recent rise to the pinnacle of stardom has also resulted in the eclipse of Kapoor. Compared to Singh's diverse choices of films from the period drama Bajirao Mastani to the quirky and complex Dil Dhadakne Do, Kapoor's choices of Roy and Bombay Velvet seem unappealing. 

Ranbir Kapoor need not fret though. His co-star, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is sharing the boat with him. Rai Bachchan's return to acting post pregnancy was termed as the decision of a courageous woman. Often criticised for not being up to the mark with her acting, the actress is certainly capable of the spectacular. Her last big hit dates back to 2008 in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar. Since then, the actress has slowly slid down the ladder allowing Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Kangana Ranaut challenge for the throne. Her return to the screen in Jazbaa (2015), failed to live up to the expectations. She followed it up with Sarbjit (2016) earlier this year, but it did not do much to reassure her fans. Though the film was built around Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's character, it was Randeep Hooda's transformation that caught the eyes of the critics. The loose script and the failure of Rai Bachchan to make an emotional connect with the audience compounded the damage.

Her complete revamp as the 'muse' to Ranbir Kapoor's artist in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a conscious attempt to change her persona. Rai Bachchan had attempted a similar transformation during her last comeback in Dhoom2 (2006) to great success. Incidentally, Dhoom 2 arrived on the back of a spate of flops like Kyun! Ho Gaya Naa.. (2004), Raincoat (2004), Shabd (2005), and Umrao Jaan (2006). The precedence certainly suggests that the strategy might work for Rai Bachchan again. 

Compared to the two, Ajay Devgn has a healthier consistency in terms of his box office reports. The actor was last seen in the critically successful Drishyam (2015), before making an appearance in Fitoor (2015). However, Shivaay will see Devgn return to his old love, direction. The actor's last directorial venture, U,Me,Aur Hum (2008), was a flop at the box office. However, Devgn's ability to handle the camera and string a story together was praised by critics. The actor has not yet rediscovered the intensity of Omkara or Apharan. His performances in over the top comedies like Rohit Shetty's Golmaal series have worn out their welcome, and films like Himmatwala (2013) and Action Jackson (2014) have damaged his credibility as the intelligent actor who delivered Zakhm (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).

With Shivaay, Devgn aims to combine two of his greatest strengths together. The film is an emotional-action thriller and will see the director employ every ounce of his intensity, as well as his camera skills to the best. The visuals of the film are propped up with heavily stylised action sequences and visual effects. Devgn, a familiar hand at action sequences since he made his debut in Phool Aur Kaante, must hope that an action film placed atop the emotional drama might help rebuild his image, not just as an actor, but also as a director. 

Speaking of directors, Karan Johar would hope that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's success helps vindicate him against the travails of anti-Pakistan protestors and social media opposition. The director has been under severe flak for his stand first for, then against, Pakistani actors in his film. Even otherwise, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil sees him return to Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. The last time this team came together they delivered a colossal Rs120 crore box office flop in the form of Bombay Velvet. It proved to be the final nail in the coffin of UTV's film journey. Fox Star Studios might hope the combination does better this time around. 

An actor is often judged by his last film. Talented, critically acclaimed, and definitely powerhouse performers, Devgn, Kapoor and Rai Bachchan find themselves in the unfortunate circumstance of facing each other off at the counters. The timing of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shivaay might not be fortuitous, but the performance of these films at the box office might define the future fortunes of the trio.