In the world of cinema, audiences are always keeping a close eye on how successful an actor’s career is, especially when it comes to Bollywood’s power couples. One such couple under the spotlight is Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Both stars are at the peak of their professional careers, with numerous big projects under their belts. However, despite both being immensely talented, Ranbir Kapoor seems to fall short in one area where his wife Alia Bhatt excels—carrying films to success on her own. While Ranbir may need an army of stars to make a film a hit, Alia Bhatt has proven time and again that she’s a one-woman army, capable of shouldering a movie’s success entirely on her own.
### Ranbir’s Recent Blockbusters
Ranbir Kapoor’s acting skills have never been in question. Whether his films perform well at the box office or not, he has always earned praise for his performances. However, in the last few years, he has consistently delivered successful films, much to the delight of his fans and critics alike. Two of his most notable recent hits are *Ae Dil Hai Mushkil* and *Animal*, in which he played two very different characters, both of which were widely appreciated.
The romantic drama *Ae Dil Hai Mushkil*, made on a budget of ₹50 crores, went on to earn nearly ₹250 crores worldwide. His more recent film, *Animal*, with a production budget of ₹100 crores, became his highest-grossing film, earning over ₹900 crores. Despite these numbers, it is important to note that these films did not rest solely on Ranbir’s shoulders but were supported by an ensemble of strong co-stars and performances.
### The Ensemble Cast of Ranbir’s Films
Looking closely at Ranbir’s hits, it becomes clear that he had a talented supporting cast, which played a significant role in making these films successful. For instance, in *Ae Dil Hai Mushkil*, it wasn’t just Ranbir’s performance that won hearts. Anushka Sharma’s brilliant portrayal of his best friend was deeply appreciated, and Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo, with his iconic line “Ek Tarfa Mohabbat,” became a cultural phenomenon. Aishwarya Rai’s glamorous return to the big screen was another major reason the film garnered such attention. Even Pakistan’s superstar Fawad Khan added to the star power, making the film’s success a collective effort.
Similarly, *Animal*, which grossed over ₹900 crores, did not owe its blockbuster status solely to Ranbir Kapoor. Bobby Deol, who played the antagonist, brought his own flavor of intensity to the film, with many critics noting that his villainous role almost overshadowed Ranbir’s heroism. Anil Kapoor, who played Ranbir’s father, gave an exceptional performance, leading to the popular line “Baap toh baap hota hai” (A father is always a father). Rashmika Mandanna’s simplicity and Trupti Dimri’s charm also added layers to the movie, with the latter even becoming a national crush. In short, *Animal* had a star-studded cast that helped it reach the ₹900-crore mark.
Ranbir’s upcoming project, *Ramayana*, also highlights this trend. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is expected to feature a team of big stars. This pattern of relying on an ensemble cast seems to have become a norm in Ranbir’s career, with his biggest successes being team efforts rather than solo achievements.
### Alia Bhatt: A One-Woman Army
In contrast, Alia Bhatt has proven that she does not need an ensemble cast to deliver a hit. Over the years, she has shown time and again that she can carry a film on her own, regardless of how many co-stars are involved. Alia started transitioning to solo roles early in her career, and though her film *Highway* didn’t achieve massive box office success, her performance was highly appreciated. It was a stepping stone that marked her as a rising talent in the industry.
Her subsequent films, *Raazi* and *Dear Zindagi*, established her as one of Bollywood’s most powerful actresses. With *Raazi*, Alia Bhatt delivered a blockbuster without relying on big-name co-stars. In the film, she played a young woman caught up in a spy mission during the India-Pakistan war. The film grossed ₹195 crores worldwide on a modest budget of ₹40 crores, cementing Alia’s status as a box office draw in her own right.
However, her most significant achievement came with *Gangubai Kathiawadi*. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film was a biographical drama in which Alia played the titular role of Gangubai, a powerful figure in the Mumbai underworld. Taking on such a heavy role at a young age was a huge risk for Alia, but she delivered a performance that was hailed by both critics and audiences. People gave her standing ovations for her portrayal of Gangubai, and the film went on to gross over ₹209 crores globally, despite having no major star power aside from Alia herself.
What makes Alia’s achievements even more impressive is that she has consistently chosen projects that rely on her abilities as an actress, rather than on the presence of multiple big-name stars. Her upcoming films are further proof of this confidence. She will soon be seen in *Jigra*, a solo project that many believe will be another hit for the actress. Additionally, she is set to star in *Alpha*, part of YRF’s Spy Universe, which is expected to surpass ₹500 crores at the box office.
### The Different Paths of Ranbir and Alia’s Careers
While Ranbir Kapoor continues to deliver hits, he often does so with the help of an ensemble cast, relying on the combined star power of his co-actors. In contrast, Alia Bhatt’s career trajectory shows a clear path toward independence, with her ability to carry films on her own. This distinction highlights the different career strategies adopted by the two actors.
For Ranbir, it’s clear that working with multiple stars and high budgets has proven to be a winning formula. His films are grand productions that bring together talented actors to create a blockbuster. Alia, on the other hand, has built a reputation for herself as someone who can take on intense, performance-driven roles and make them her own, without the need for significant support from other stars.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are both enjoying successful careers, but their paths to success are strikingly different. Ranbir’s ability to work within ensemble casts has given him several blockbusters, but it’s clear that he benefits from the star power of his co-actors. On the other hand, Alia Bhatt has emerged as a one-woman army, delivering hits based solely on her performances.
Both actors have their strengths, and their careers continue to evolve. While Ranbir’s films like *Animal* and *Ramayana* rely on ensemble casts, Alia’s projects like *Jigra* and *Alpha* show her preference for solo roles. Despite these differences, both are undoubtedly among the finest actors in Indian cinema today, each carving out their unique path to success. As fans and critics alike eagerly await their upcoming films, one thing is clear: the Ranbir-Alia power couple is here to stay, each contributing in their own way to the evolving landscape of Bollywood.
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