Vicky Kaushal's Pivotal Year Post-Pandemic: Recapturing the Magic of 2018?

Vicky Kaushal's career-defining year with 'The Great Indian Family' and 'Sam Bahadur': Can he replicate 2018's success?

Written by: Namrata Sawal

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: September 25, 2023

Summary: Vicky Kaushal, the versatile Bollywood actor, is poised to make a significant comeback in 2023 with a diverse film lineup that includes "The Great Indian Family," "Sam Bahadur," and a special role in Shah Rukh Khan's "Dunki." After a triumphant 2018, where he delivered acclaimed performances in multiple films, Vicky is now at a critical juncture in his career, seeking to solidify his status as a leading star in the industry.

Kaushal's 2018 was marked by an array of successful films, such as "Love per Square Foot," "Raazi," "Lust Stories," "Sanju," and "Manmarziyaan." This impressive run catapulted him into the limelight, establishing him as one of the rising stars of Hindi cinema. However, the true litmus test for his star power came with "Uri: The Surgical Strike," a patriotic blockbuster that earned over 245 crore rupees at the box office. While the film's success undeniably contributed to Kaushal's popularity, it was also bolstered by government endorsement, making it essential for him to sustain this momentum.

Unfortunately, Kaushal faced setbacks with his subsequent releases. "Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship" in 2020 failed to make a significant impact, and the pandemic brought the industry to a standstill. However, he reclaimed his reputation with "Sardar Udham," a biopic that garnered critical acclaim. Kaushal's return to theatrical releases this year with "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke" was pivotal. The romantic comedy, despite limited promotional activities, performed remarkably well, earning 88 crore rupees domestically and reaffirming his bankable status.

Now, as Kaushal gears up for "The Great Indian Family," a small-town comedy-drama, and "Sam Bahadur," where he will portray India's first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, 2023 seems poised to be a career-defining year. It's a year that will test his ability to pull audiences, recapture the magic of 2018, and establish himself as one of

Bollywood's leading men. Kaushal stands at the precipice of stardom, where every Friday release becomes a trial by fire, and expectations reach new heights. The question that lingers is whether the halo around him is gradually transforming into a crown, marking his ascendancy to the pinnacle of Indian cinema.