Filmmaker Anand L. Rai, in a recent interview, said Shah Rukh Khan’s superstardom became a challenge for their 2018 film Zero and contributed to its box office failure. He reflected on how the scale of stardom affected the storytelling process.
Anand recalled that when Shah Rukh Khan first approached him, he did not think in terms of handling a superstar image. He realised later that the project needed a different approach because he was working with a very big actor, not just an actor.
He admitted that Shah Rukh Khan’s image should have been used more carefully while shaping the film. Anand said he understood this much later and accepted that he should have factored in the expectations attached to a superstar while pitching and developing Zero.
While some appreciated Anand’s honesty, others pointed out that stardom was not the only issue. Many felt the film lacked a strong screenplay and solid content, which became the main reason for its failure with audiences.
Viewers also noted that Shah Rukh Khan’s films like Dunki did not perform as expected for similar reasons. They felt weak writing impacted audience response more than star image or marketing.
Despite setbacks like Zero, Anand L. Rai has rebuilt his credibility with Tere Ishk Mein starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. Released on December 5, 2025, the film earned Rs 140 crore worldwide but continues to face criticism for its story and screenplay.
