Hrithik Roshan: Finished or Still the Fighter?

In June 2002, a leading magazine carried a sensational cover on Hrithik Roshan with the word “Finished” splashed across it. At that time, the so called Greek God of Bollywood had just delivered a string of flops after his dream debut and critics were quick to write his obituary.

Fast forward to today, that very magazine cover has gone viral once again. Why? Because after the underwhelming performance of War 2, people have started saying the same thing: “Hrithik Roshan is finished.”

But if there’s one thing history has taught us about Hrithik journey, it’s this, He has been declared finished more than once, yet he always finds a way back.

Hrithik Roshan: The Rise, the Falls and the Eternal Comebacks

• 2000–2005: The Meteoric Rise and the First Fall

The Meteoric Debut (2000): Hrithik exploded onto the scene with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. The film not only became the biggest blockbuster of the year but also turned him into a national obsession overnight. His Greek God looks, effortless charm and electric dance moves set new benchmarks for a Bollywood hero. Almost instantly, he was hailed as “The Next Superstar,” a worthy successor to the Khans.

The Harsh Reality (2001–2002): But the same meteoric rise was followed by an equally steep fall. Films like Yaadein, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage collapsed at the box office. Critics declared his honeymoon period over and whispers began that Hrithik was “just a one film wonder.” It was during this time that a leading film magazine carried its infamous ''Finished" cover, virtually writing him off.

The Glorious Comeback (2003–2005): Just when the industry thought it was over, Hrithik reinvented himself with Koi Mil Gaya (2003). Playing the mentally challenged Rohit who befriends an alien, he stunned audiences with his vulnerability and range. The film was both a blockbuster and a turning point in his career. This laid the foundation for Krrish (2006), Bollywood first successful homegrown superhero franchise. From being labeled “finished,” Hrithik had reclaimed his throne.

• 2006–2010: Stardom, Experiments and Mixed Fortunes

Superhero Stardom (2006): With Krrish, Hrithik became India’s first full-fledged superhero, capturing the imagination of kids and families alike. The film turned into a phenomenon.

The Coolest Villain (2006): The same year, he raised the bar with Dhoom 2. His slick, stylish portrayal of a master thief made him the epitome of cool and redefined on screen charisma. Fans and critics alike crowned him Bollywood ultimate style icon.

The Experimentation Phase (2008–2010): Hrithik then moved into ambitious territory with Jodhaa Akbar (2008), which was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. But his risks with Kites (2010) and Guzaarish (2010) didn’t pay off. Both films flopped, showing that while Hrithik was brave enough to experiment, he sometimes got ahead of audience expectations.

• 2011–2015: The Commercial Powerhouse

The Urban Cool (2011): Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara showcased Hrithik in a fresh, relatable avatar. The film became a cult classic for millennials and further expanded his fan base.

The Angry Young Man (2012): Agneepath cemented his reputation as a performer of intensity and grit. The film was a massive hit and his fierce portrayal of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan won universal applause.

The Action Star (2014): With Bang Bang, Hrithik reaffirmed his dominance in the action genre. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a huge commercial success, proving his box office magnetism.

A Silent Gap: But this period also reflected one of Hrithik long-standing issues, fewer films compared to contemporaries. While his hit ratio remained strong, limited output meant fewer opportunities to dominate.

• 2016–2020: The Setbacks and the Blockbuster Rebound

The Big Misstep (2016): Mohenjo Daro, despite its scale and budget, tanked miserably. It was one of the biggest disasters of the decade and once again raised doubts about Hrithik script judgment.

The Average Phase (2017): Kaabil did decent numbers, with Hrithik performance praised, but the film didn’t make much impact beyond that.

The Content Winner (2019): Super 30 reminded everyone of his acting depth. Playing mathematician Anand Kumar, Hrithik delivered a heartfelt performance and the film turned into a surprise hit.

The Mega Blockbuster (2019): Later the same year, War stormed the box office. His stylish face-off with Tiger Shroff became one of Bollywood’s biggest spectacles. With this, Hrithik silenced critics yet again and ended the decade on a glorious high.

• 2021–2025: Post-Pandemic Struggles and the New Challenge

Critical Praise, Commercial Struggle (2022): Vikram Vedha earned Hrithik rave reviews, but audiences stayed away and the film underperformed.

Ambition vs. Reality (2024): Fighter, despite being pitched as India’s first aerial action drama, failed to soar at the box office. The film business was below expectations.

The Big Blow (2025): War 2, which was supposed to take the YRF Spy Universe forward, flopped. For the first time in decades, Hrithik faced three consecutive underperformers. With this, critics and social media revived the old “Finished” cover, comparing today’s phase to the early 2000s

Hrithik Strengths-

• Unmatched Screen Presence- Hrithik doesn’t just appear on screen. He commands it. His sharp looks, physique and aura give him a magnetic pull that few actors in India can match. Even in films that underperform, audiences walk away talking about him.
• Dance & Action King- Dance is where Hrithik remains untouchable. Whether it’s Ek Pal Ka Jeena or Ghungroo, he brings electricity to the screen. In action, his agility and physique make stunts look natural, elevating him above most of his contemporaries. who excels in both style and substance.
• Franchise Strength- The Krrish franchise is still one of the Bollywood biggest homegrown superhero series. Its loyal fanbase across generations ensures Hrithik has an evergreen advantage.
• Pan-India Potential- With pan-India films ruling the box office, Hrithik is one of the very few Bollywood stars who can fit into this space naturally. His looks, action image and versatility give him appeal across regions. His upcoming Hombale project could cement this.
• Resilience- Perhaps his greatest strength. Time and again, Hrithik has been written off, yet every dip only fuels his next big comeback. His comebacks: from Koi Mil Gaya to War  are proof of his survival instinct. His journey itself is proof that he thrives under pressure.
   

Hrithik Weakness-

• Inconsistent Script Selection- For all his talent, Hrithik sometimes picks films that don’t justify his star power. Some of Hrithik failures came not from his performance, but from weak scripts or poor execution. Films like Yaadein, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Kites, Guzaarish (Performance-Driven) and even Vikram Vedha (despite great reviews) showed that his name alone can’t save a weak product., Hrithik occasionally stumbles here.
• Slow Work Pace- Hrithik works at his own rhythm, often delivering one film every 2–3 years. While this makes each release an event, it also means one flop can derail momentum for long and one underperformer dents his career graph much harder than actors who release 2–3 films a year.
• Over-Reliance on Big-Scale Projects-  While Hrithik shines in large-scale action and spectacle, sometimes smaller content-driven films could have kept his graph more consistent. His fewer experiments in mid-budget strong-content films is a missed opportunity. Grand budgets are Hrithik signature, but they are also risky. If they work (War), they create records. If they flop (Fighter, War 2), the failure is amplified. A balanced of Mid-Scale/Content Driven films could protect him better. 
• Limited Experimentation with Genres- Though versatile, Hrithik hasn’t fully tapped into comedy, quirky dramas or offbeat cinema. This makes his filmography more style-driven than genre-diverse.
• Vulnerability to Comparisons- Being the “Greek God of Bollywood” sets sky-high expectations. Every film is judged against his image, which sometimes overshadows his actual performance. This limits his choices, as audiences expect him to look perfect, dance flawlessly, and fight heroically. It sometimes prevents him from taking raw, experimental roles that could surprise everyone.
   

Hrithik’s Filmography Snapshot
 

Here’s a quick look at Hrithik Roshan career graph with approximate box office performance:

(Figures approximate, India nett + overseas influence considered)

The Road Ahead

Despite the disappointment of War 2, Hrithik Roshan still has one of the most exciting slates among Bollywood stars. Two mega confirmed projects are already in the works: Krrish 4 and the Untitled Hombale Films collaboration. 

Krrish 4 – The Return of the Superhero

• The Krrish series remains Bollywood’s only successful homegrown superhero franchise, loved by children and families alike.
• After Krrish 3 released in 2013, the demand for a new installment has only grown. A decade later, the return of Krrish carries massive nostalgia value.
• Reports suggest that Krrish 4 will bring back Jadoo, the alien who started it all in Koi Mil Gaya. This emotional connection can strike gold if executed right.
• For Hrithik, Krrish 4 is not just another big film. It’s an opportunity to cement his place as India’s first and biggest superhero at a time when Hollywood’s Marvel & DC films dominate globally. If successful, it could create a franchise legacy that outlives him.Hombale Collaboration – Hrithik’s Pan-India Leap

Hombale Collaboration- Hrithik’s Pan-India Leap

• Partnering with Hombale Films, the powerhouse behind KGF and Salaar, signals Hrithik entry into the pan-India space in a serious way.
• Hombale has mastered the art of delivering mass spectacles that work not just in Karnataka or Andhra, but across the nation. With Hrithik stardom, this collaboration could create a film that appeals from Mumbai to Madurai, Delhi to Dhanbad.
• CineInfinity insiders suggest this project could be a mix of high-octane action, strong emotional core and scale comparable to the biggest South blockbusters. If this clicks, Hrithik will no longer be limited to “Bollywood star” . He will be positioned as a PAN-INDIA superstar.

The Image Rebuild- Both projects offer Hrithik something bigger than box office numbers: the chance to rebuild his image. After back-to-back setbacks with Fighter and War 2, audiences are questioning his choices. But a grand return with Krrish 4 and a blockbuster with Hombale could erase those doubts overnight.

Strategic Importance- Unlike younger stars who sign multiple films, Hrithik is selective. That makes these two projects even more critical. If they work, Hrithik will be back at the top of the star rankings. If they fail, the “Finished!” tag may return stronger than ever.

Legacy at Stake- At this stage of his career, Hrithik isn’t just chasing hits, he’s shaping his legacy. If Krrish 4 revives the superhero franchise and the Hombale film cracks the pan-India market, Hrithik could secure a unique space no other Bollywood actor has fully achieved: the face of both India’s first superhero universe and a pan-India action icon.
 

“The same magazine that once labeled Hrithik Roshan as “Finished” has faded into obscurity, while he continues to thrive. Still fighting, dancing, and captivating audiences, Hrithik proves he’s far from done.

He is, and always will be, the fighter.”

Yes, War 2 has failed and the “Finished” headline is trending again. But history has proven one thing time and again: every time Hrithik Roshan is declared finished, that’s when he writes his next glorious chapter.

CineInfinity Verdict: Hrithik Roshan isn’t a story of uninterrupted success. He is a story of survival, reinvention and comebacks. And that’s why, even after two decades, his journey still matters, WHETHER YOU LOVE OR DOUBT HIM.