Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's On-Screen Pair: 6 Films, 4 Flops, Yet Another Big Gamble After 17 Years

In the world of cinema, not just romantic duos but also male actor pairings have often created magic on screen. One such popular jodi from the 90s was that of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Together, they delivered memorable performances and entertained fans with their contrasting yet complementary styles. Despite their popularity, the pair’s success at the box office was inconsistent. Out of the six films they’ve worked in together, four ended up as box office failures. Still, their fan base never faded.

Now, after a gap of 17 years, the much-loved pair is set to reunite once again. Acclaimed director Priyadarshan has reportedly brought them on board for his next big project. Here’s a closer look at the journey of this iconic duo and how their past films have performed.

1. Yeh Dillagi (1994)
This romantic drama starred Akshay and Saif as brothers vying for the love of the same woman, played by Kajol. With a modest budget of Rs 2 crore, the film earned around Rs 6 crore and was declared a hit.

2. Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994)
A mix of action and comedy, this film struck the right chord with audiences. Featuring Shilpa Shetty and Rageshwari along with the two leads, it became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, earning approximately Rs 13.84 crore on a budget of Rs 3.2 crore.

3. Tu Chor Main Sipahi (1996)
The title itself hinted at the typical 90s masala. Despite the star power, the film underperformed, earning around Rs 6.2 crore in India and was marked as a flop.

4. Keemat (1998)
This action drama had a troubled production, with casting changes and delays. Sonali Bendre eventually played the female lead, but the film failed to impress the audience. It’s another addition to the flop list for the Akshay-Saif combo.

5. Aarzoo (1999)
A romantic drama featuring Madhuri Dixit alongside the duo, the film boasted melodious songs but could not deliver commercially. With a budget of Rs 8 crore, it collected around Rs 7.78 crore in India and another Rs 2.28 crore overseas, falling short of expectations.

6. Tashan (2008)
Their last collaboration was in this stylish action-drama that also starred Kareena Kapoor. Despite high expectations and a budget of Rs 30 crore, the film earned only about Rs 29.35 crore in India and ended up as a commercial failure.

Why Are They Reuniting Now?
Even with a mixed box office history, the pairing of Akshay and Saif remains nostalgic for fans who grew up in the 90s. Their chemistry and comic timing were standout features in their successful films. With Priyadarshan at the helm, known for directing hits like Hera Pheri and Garam Masala, the stakes are high.