Hrithik Roshan’s stardom has never been in doubt—what stays debated is his career rhythm. Since his dream debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, he has built a reputation for perfectionism, long gaps, and sharply curated scripts—a strategy that creates aura, but also invites the “what if?” question every few years.
In 2026, after the scale of Fighter and the conversation around War 2’s box-office underperformance, the debate is louder again.
Why Hrithik feels “underrated” even at superstardom
Hrithik’s strongest argument isn’t volume—it’s range. His filmography has several performances that critics and fans revisit as “ahead of their time,” even when the theatrical outcome didn’t match the craft.
The “quiet brilliance” picks fans won’t let go of
- Lakshya (2004): A slow-burn transformation—less heroism, more earned maturity.
- Guzaarish (2010): A vulnerable, emotionally heavy role that demanded restraint over swagger.
- Kites (2010): Stylish, genre-blending romance-tragedy that developed a cult reputation over time.
- Vikram Vedha (2022): A darker, menacing energy—Hrithik leaning into moral ambiguity.
These roles are why he continues to be discussed as more than an “action-body-dance” superstar—he’s also an actor who commits to discomfort when the material tempts him.
The “cautious superstar” argument (and it’s not baseless)
Hrithik’s output is deliberately lean. He prepares intensely, spends time between projects, and protects an image built on precision—but that same precision can look like risk-aversion in an industry that rewards speed.
Why critics call it “safe”
- Post big setbacks, he has often leaned into event cinema—franchise gravity, action spectacle, and high-stakes positioning.
- Fighter became a global box-office topper on its opening weekend (reported ~$24.5M worldwide weekend), reinforcing his action-event bankability.
- War 2—despite massive hype—was widely reported as an underperformer relative to expectations and budget scale, triggering fresh scrutiny of the “safe choices” phase.
The “missed hits” chatter: what’s confirmed vs what’s gossip
Bollywood loves alternate timelines. Hrithik’s name is often attached to long lists of “films he rejected.” The only widely reported, publicly acknowledged misses in recent coverage are Dil Chahta Hai and 3 Idiots, which he himself spoke about while praising Aamir Khan as the right fit.
Everything else tends to live in rumours and retrospective trivia—great for fan debates, weaker as hard fact.
His own mindset after War 2: grounded, not defensive
What stood out post-War 2 wasn’t panic—it was perspective. In his first public reaction after the underperformance, he leaned into the idea that every film doesn’t need to become “trauma,” framing the experience as part of the journey rather than a dent in identity.
That attitude explains Hrithik’s long game: he doesn’t chase correction through quick releases—he resets quietly and returns only when he’s ready.
What’s next: the biggest signal of risk-taking may be Krrish 4
If there’s one move that could rewrite the “cautious” label, it’s Hrithik stepping behind the camera.
Yash Raj Films has publicly stated that Hrithik will serve as actor-director for Krrish 4, with production associated with Rakesh Roshan, and plans indicating filming to commence in the next schedule window.
Separately, Rakesh Roshan has spoken about the film’s progress and a 2027 release plan in recent coverage.
Verdict: both—underrated and careful, by design
Hrithik Roshan isn’t “inactive.” He’s operating on a high-control career model: fewer films, bigger footprints, and selective risk. The underrated picks prove he can go deep; the cautious phases prove he knows exactly what his stardom costs to maintain.
In a hit-or-miss industry, Hrithik’s biggest superpower might be this: he stays rare—and rarity sells.
—By Manoj H