New Delhi—Bollywood’s own King, Shah Rukh Khan, has conquered the year 2023 with a series of blockbuster hits, including Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. In a remarkable industry achievement, Khan’s dominance has now extended well beyond the box office as two of his films, Jawan and Pathaan, have been honored with multiple nominations at the prestigious Vulture’s 2023 Annual Stunt Awards.
Khan’s relentless grasp on the audience’s imagination and devotion has not only scored him massive box office earnings but has also showcased the awe-inspiring talents of his film’s action and stunt teams on a global stage. Films like Keanu Reeves’ John Wick 4 and Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One are typically associated with such accolades, but now Shah Rukh Khan shares this elite spotlight.
The nominations received by Shah Rukh Khan’s films are indicative of Bollywood’s rising action choreography standards. Jawan has been recognized in the Best Stunt in an Action Film and Best Vehicular Stunt categories for its adrenaline-pumping Highway Chase sequence. Pathaan, meanwhile, dazzles with a nomination for the Best Aerial Stunt award, celebrating its ambitious and gravity-defying Jet-Pack Fight sequence.
Both Jawan and Pathaan have made the cut for the coveted Best Overall Action Film category, reflecting the comprehensive quality and appeal of these action-packed thrillers. This year, the competition was fierce, with nominees ranging from the high octane car chase of Fast X to the daring base jump in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, making the inclusion of Khan’s movies all the more significant.
Vulture’s appreciation for the artistry behind cinematic stunts comes at a time when global audiences are more enthused than ever about thrilling, well-crafted action sequences. This event is not only a celebration but a recognition of the extraordinary risk and skill stunt professionals bring to the silver screen.
The full roster of nominees further highlights the diversity and innovation of modern action filmmaking:
For Best Stunt in an Action Film:
– Jawan (The Highway Chase)
– The Equalizer 3 (The Stained Glass Ceiling scene)
– Extraction 2 (The Opening Oner)
For Best Vehicular Stunt:
– Ferrari (The Mille Miglia Race)
– John Wick: Chapter 4 (The Arc de Triomphe Scene)
For Best Aerial Stunt:
– Extraction 2 (The Helicopter Shoot-out)
– Godzilla Minus One (The Plane Circling Godzilla)
For Best Overall Action Film:
– Ballerina
– Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
– Fist of the Condor
For Shah Rukh Khan, the Vulture nominations are not just personal triumphs but are also symbolic of India’s growing influence on the world’s entertainment stage. Khan’s phenomenal success throughout the year amounts to over 2600 crore in box office revenues, constituting a substantial portion of Bollywood’s annual earnings. His dedication to his craft and his ceaseless efforts to push the envelope have truly begun to place India firmly on the map of mainstream international cinema.
The Vulture’s announcement brought an air of celebration among Shah Rukh Khan’s loyal fanbase, who took to social media platforms such as Instagram to express their joy and support for the superstar. This excitement was palpable on the @joinsrkuniverse Instagram account, where fans from around the world shared their congratulations.
These nominations herald a new dawn for Indian cinema, signaling its readiness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. For actors like Shah Rukh Khan, the accolades are a testament to the power of persistence, the pursuit of excellence, and the allure of an industry that continues to captivate and thrill audiences globally. The Vulture Stunt Awards have thus not only recognized individual narratives but an entire industry’s journey towards cinematic greatness.
