Akshay Kumar’s Latest Surge: From Box-Office Comeback to ‘Jolly LLB 3’ Buzz

Introduction

Akshay Kumar is back in headlines — and this time, for all the right reasons. After a mixed few years, the actor’s momentum is building fast with new films, controversies, and crowd reactions, making him one of Bollywood’s most talked-about stars again. Fans are watching closely: will this resurgence put him firmly back at the top?

A Quick Look Back

Akshay Kumar debuted in the early 1990s and built his reputation through action films (his “Khiladi” persona), stunts, and sheer work rate. Over time, he expanded into comedies, social dramas, historical films — balancing mass-entertainment with serious roles. Hits like Rowdy Rathore, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, Kesari among others, showcased his versatility.

In recent years, though, not all his films delivered as per expectations — critical and box-office ups and downs, changing audience tastes, and the disruption from streaming and pandemic era challenges affected many.

The Latest: What’s New with Akshay

Here’s what’s currently happening with him:

1. Box-Office Revival in 2025
   This year has been a turning point. Akshay delivered multiple hits — Sky Force, Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5 — helping restore his reputation as a bankable lead.
2. ‘Jolly LLB 3’ Incoming
   His latest big release is Jolly LLB 3, set to hit theatres on 19 September 2025.
   • It pairs Akshay with Arshad Warsi, reprising their legal-drama / comedy rivalry.
   • The film has secured a U/A certificate from the CBFC after minor edits (removing a profanity, blurring an alcohol brand, etc.).
   • Advance bookings are strong: ₹2 crore already in just Day 1 pre-sales, indicating strong audience interest.
3. Controversy / Criticism Linked to Gutka & Endorsements
   During Jolly LLB 3’s promotion in Kanpur, Akshay publicly condemned the use of gutka (a form of chewing tobacco), saying “Gutka nahi khana chahiye.” A man in the crowd responded with “Zubaan Kesari,” referencing a tagline linked to a Vimal Elaichi campaign.
   This opened up criticism and conversations about his past endorsement of Vimal (considered surrogate advertising for pan masala / gutka). For many, the contradiction is hard to miss.
4. Media & TV Presence
   • Akshay will appear on the grand finale episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show (around 20 September) to promote Jolly LLB 3.
   • In the promo, he roasts Kapil Sharma with his signature humor — teasing about “finally getting a film in 15 years,” jabs about payment, dancing, etc. Fans find it entertaining.
5. Charity & Public Image Moves
   • He donated ₹5 crore for flood relief in Punjab, calling it “sewa, not donation.”
   • He also joined a Juhu Beach cleanup after Ganpati Visarjan and urged public responsibility in cleaning up.

Reactions

• Fans are excited. The strong advance booking numbers for Jolly LLB 3 show anticipation. Many have praised that Akshay seems more selective, returning with content that plays to his strengths.
• Social media has had mixed responses: the gutka incident drew criticism for perceived hypocrisy. Some are calling it a PR move; others defend him, saying people can change or repudiate past endorsements.
• Industry observers note that Akshay’s resurgence is strategic: balancing commercial franchises (Housefull) with socially relevant cinema (Kesari 2, courtroom dramas), and leveraging his star power in promotions. His TV appearances and clean image moves (donations, environmental activism) further burnish his public standing.

Impact

This phase is likely to reshape how Akshay is viewed in Bollywood’s hierarchy. The success (or failure) of Jolly LLB 3 could be pivotal:

• A strong performance would further cement his comeback and sustain momentum.
• It could affect the kinds of scripts and genres offered to him — more socially aware or issue-driven roles, or high-budget comedies, possibly even experimental formats.
• For fans, this is a welcome return to form. After a few years where the output was inconsistent, Akshay is showing he still has audience pull and relevance.

On the flip side, controversies like the gutka endorsement add complexity. Credibility, once questioned, may require consistent behavior to rebuild fully.

What’s Next

Here are the things to watch for from Akshay Kumar in the near future:

1. Release of Jolly LLB 3 on 19 September 2025 — box office, reviews, and audience reaction will be key.
2. Great Indian Kapil Show finale (around 20 September) — this will likely be a big promotional push.
3. New project announcements — rumours include collaborations following his meeting with Raj B Shetty, signalling possible cross-industry/remake work.
4. Upcoming films like Bhooth Bangla (Priyadarshan’s horror comedy) slated for mid-2026.
5. Public perception moves — how he handles fallout from controversies, if any, and whether philanthropy / environmental engagement continues to form part of his image narrative.

Akshay Kumar’s current phase feels less like a comeback and more like a recalibration: sharper choices, more public interaction, and a more engaged audience. If this keeps up, he might be heading into one of the strongest stretches of his career.