By Anil Merani: Sonakshi Sinha’s return to the big screen with Nikita Roy and the Book of Darkness, set to be released on June 27, 2025, marks another chapter in her consistent yet understated career. Since her blockbuster debut in Dabangg (2010), which grossed over ₹138 crore and became the highest-grossing film of that year, Sonakshi has maintained a steady presence in Bollywood, although she has not replicated the superhit status of her debut.
In her early career, Sonakshi enjoyed commercial success in action-packed, male-dominated films like Rowdy Rathore (₹131 crores), Son of Sardaar (₹105 crores), and Dabangg 2 (₹155 crores), establishing herself as a reliable leading lady. However, critics often described her roles as ornamental and lacking depth. Her performance in Lootera (2013), where she portrayed a tuberculosis-stricken woman, earned critical acclaim and a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, showcasing her ability to take on more nuanced roles, despite the film being a box-office disappointment.
Following 2014, Sonakshi experienced a slump, with 15 flops, including Joker and Kalank. However, ensemble films like Mission Mangal (₹200 crore) provided some commercial relief. Nonetheless, her transition to OTT platforms has revitalized her career, with standout performances in Dahaad (2023) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi (2024), earning her praise and reportedly commanding ₹2 crore per project. This shift has not only brought her back into the limelight but has also opened up new opportunities, making her future in the industry look promising.
Nikita Roy, a psychological thriller directed by her brother Kussh S. Sinha, features Sonakshi as a marine biologist caught in a web of secrets. This role aligns with her shift toward diverse and challenging characters. The film, co-starring Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal, explores themes of mysticism and psychological tension, and Sonakshi’s intense first-look poster has generated considerable buzz. However, some Bollywood fans on social media express scepticism about her film choices, fearing that Nikita Roy may not resonate with audiences due to its unconventional storyline and the risk of being misunderstood.
Sonakshi’s career reflects resilience and versatility as she moves beyond the shadow of Dabangg to embrace varied roles across genres and platforms. While she hasn’t consistently delivered superhits, her steady work in films like Akira and Holiday, combined with her OTT success, underscores her staying power. Fans on social media note her evolution from “Dabangg’s village girl to nuanced roles,” with anticipation building for her upcoming courtroom drama opposite Jyotika. Her journey illustrates an actor who has successfully showcased her versatility, carving a niche through persistence, even if the glamorous spotlight has occasionally eluded her.
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