Akshay Kumar’s first five films and their box office reports

Yes, not Saugandh, but the 1987 film, Aaj, marked the first on-screen appearance of Akshay Kumar. In the Kumar Gaurav-starrer, he played a minor role of a Karate instructor, and he was there for a 10-second role only. Though the box office figures are not available, Aaj was reportedly declared a commercial failure.  

Akshay Kumar made his debut as a hero with the 1991 film Saugandh. The film also marked the debut of Shantipriya. Made in the reported budget of Rs 2 crore, the film grossed Rs 3.50 crore worldwide, making it an average grosser. 

Seven months after Saugandh, Akshay Kumar was seen in Dancer. Made in the reported budget of Rs 1.90 crores, Dancer earned only Rs 1.60 crores in India, ended up becoming a major flop. 

In 1992, Akshay Kumar was seen playing a police officer in Mr Bond. This film was Akshay's attempt to be Indian James Bond, but it was a bad film, rejected by the audience. Made in the reported budget of Rs 2.70 crores, the film hardly crossed Rs 2 crores worldwide. 

After consecutive duds, Akshay Kumar finally got his breakthrough hit, the 1992 film Khiladi. Abbas-Mustan's directorial was a critical and commercial success. Made in the reported budget of Rs 2 crore, the film grossed Rs 7 crores worldwide. Khiladi became Akshay Kumar's first major hit, and it established him as the new action star. 

A few months after Khiladi, Akshay was seen in Deedar. Due to Akki's last film, the movie got a good opening, but it ended up becoming an above average grosser. Made in the reported budget of Rs 5 crores, the film grossed Rs 7 crores worldwide