19 November 2023, Mumbai: The year 2023 has proven to be a remarkable one for Bollywood with unexpected box office successes. Shah Rukh Khan’s triumphant comeback in Pathaan and the monumental success of Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 are notable instances. However, a subtle yet powerful commonality emerges—the prominence of the father-son narrative. As we anticipate the release of Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, set to continue this trend, the magical bond between fathers and sons has become an unnoticed force driving this year’s blockbuster hits.
Gadar 2’s Profitable Father-Son Tale
Examining the triumphs of 2023, it’s evident that films portraying the ‘Papa’ sentiment have struck a chord with audiences. Gadar 2, where Sunny Deol embarks on a journey to find his son in Pakistan, stands as a testament to this. The film, securing the second most profitable position of the year, garnered a staggering 600% profit, accumulating 525.50 crores in its lifetime.
OMG 2 and Jawan: Further Embodiments of the Theme
The father-son theme resonates further with films like OMG 2, featuring Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi, where a father confronts societal challenges to protect his son. A clash with Gadar 2 at the box office didn’t hinder its success, collecting 150 crores. Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan took the narrative a step further, portraying him as both father and son, resulting in a colossal 640.42 crores in earnings.
Subtle Depictions of Father-Son Bonds
Beyond the overt instances, subtler explorations of father-son relationships have contributed to this trend. Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani showcased a grandson’s efforts to reunite his grandfather with a lost love, delving into the nuanced bond between Dharmendra and his on-screen son. Similarly, Kartik Aaryan’s SatyaPrem Ki Katha and the recently released 12th Fail wove poignant father-son narratives into their storylines.
Animal’s Anticipation and the ‘Papa Meri Jaan’ Story
As the industry anticipates the release of Animal on December 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, the ‘Papa’ magic seems poised to continue its box office reign. The gangster drama’s narrative, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as the son and Anil Kapoor as the father, has generated excitement among audiences. If this trend persists, Animal appears destined to join the ranks of 2023’s blockbuster hits, propelled by the enduring appeal of the father-son relationship.
By Yashika Desai