In the final of our year-end series, here’s presenting the big screen heroes who kept the cash registers ringing all year through

Moolah-makers ahoy!

In the final of our year-end series, here’s presenting the big screen heroes who kept the cash registers ringing all year through

Despite small-ticket films and actresses claiming their stake at the box-office, apna heroes continued to reign as the moolah-makers of Bollywood. So, while Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn continued with their Rs 100-crore runs at the box-office, Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor too stepped into the ring this year speeding up their climb in the top five. And though Aamir Khan is off the top-five list as a money churner this year despite a hit Talaash, trade insists that his star power remains untouched and he continues to command a high ranking when it comes to star status. Emraan ‘hitman’ Hashmi (Shanghai, Jannat 2, Raaz 3, Rush) finds his way in the top 10, as do Saif Ali Khan (Agent Vinod, Cocktail) Abhishek Bachchan (Bol Bachchan, Players) and John Abraham (Housefull 2). Apart from the regulars, claiming his place among these stars on sheer talent was Irrfan Khan who proved his market mettle with Paan Singh Tomar in the domestic market and then with Life of Pi internationally. Here’s taking a look at the top money spinners at the box office this year: Ranbir Kapoor Barfi (Super Hit) Trade sez: Prince of hearts Ranbir’s a natural alright. The box-office result apart, the young actor has managed to make an impactful presence in each of his films and is growing from strength to strength. His film Barfi may not have made the Oscar cut, but his performance has catapulted him into the Rs 100-crore league as well as in our top five list. “From being a darling of the classes with the films in hand, he is all set to assert his star status among the masses too. He is our star to bet on,” shares Komal. SalmanKhan Ek Tha Tiger (Blockbuster), Dabangg 2 (Blockbuster) Trade sez: Most profitable Blockbuster Khan’s superhit run at the box-office continued this year too. After a Rs 200 crore ETT mid-year, he ended it with a Rs 100 crore plus ‘bang’. “Salman is at the peak of stardom and seems that nothing can shake him off the top. The epitome of herogiri and style, the audience can’t seem to get enough of his Chulbul ways. When it comes to cost versus revenue, he has easily proven to be the most profitable hero this year,” says Komal Nahta. Akshay Kumar Housefull 2 (Blockbuster), Rowdy Rathore (Blockbuster), Joker (Flop), Oh My God! (Super hit), Khiladi 786 (Average) Trade sez: Highest grosser At Rs 400 crore plus this year, the action king has proven that when it comes to the box-office figures, he is a true Khiladi. “With two blockbusters and one super hit, Akshay continues to reign at the BO. When it comes to money, he is the highest grosser this year and one of the most bankable names in the industry,” says Komal. Shah Rukh Khan Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Super Hit) Trade sez: Badshah of romance Though it was a tug of war between SRK’s romantic outing JTHJ and Hrithik’s action Agneepath in domestic markets, the Badshah took the lead overseas. “Shah Rukh proved yet again that no one romances like he does. And whatever the outcome of his film, he continues to reign as the king of hearts,” says Komal. Hrithik Roshan Agneepath (Super Hit) Trade sez: Power-packed! Hrithik may be known for being rather choosy when it comes to his films, but his exclusivity has proven to be one of his biggest strengths in the past few years. “With Agneepath, he has proven to be a strong contender for the numero uno crown at the BO in the long run. Now his Krissh 3 is one of the most-awaited films,” informs Komal. Ajay Devgn Tezz (Flop), Bol Bachchan (Hit), Son of Sardaar (Hit) Trade sez: Steady performer Ajay’s churned out two Rs 100 crore hits this year. Despite a dud Tezz, his stocks continue to remain steady at the box-office. “In comparison to the previous years, this was not the best year for Ajay, but his trade figures do the talking and he’s still a force to reckon with,” says Komal. Aamir Khan Talaash (Semi-hit)  Trade sez: In‘credible’ star! Aamir is one star whose stardom, say trade gurus, exceeds his film’s business. Though his film hasn’t proven to be the biggest money churner this year, his name brings credibility. “His star power commands a respect that not many can boast of. Depending on the outing — commercial masala or fine cinema — Aamir can make himself fit the bill. His Dhoom 3 will see him at his commercial best, let’s talk numbers then,” adds Komal.