Across a prolific career spanning over 30 years, Shah Rukh Khan established himself as a dominant force in the film industry, earning widespread acclaim as the King of Romance and the Badshah of cinema. While the 1990s cemented his reputation through charismatic romantic leads, the decade running from 2000 to 2009 marked a profound creative expansion. During this period, the wealthy and exceptionally talented performer navigated a diverse spectrum of genres, from grand tragedy and intense sports drama to slick action. Crucially, each of these experimental departures connected with audiences and delivered massive box-office triumphs. Here is a comprehensive look back at five standout cinematic milestones from that memorable ten-year window.
Don (2006): Reimagining an Action Classic in a Double Role
Released in 2006, the action thriller Don provided a major stylistic surge to the actor's filmography. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the high-octane project served as a modern remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan classic bearing the same title. The narrative saw the actor undertake a complex dual role, portraying both the ruthless, enigmatic underworld figure Don and his innocent lookalike Vijay. The project brought together an ensemble supporting cast featuring Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, Boman Irani, Isha Koppikar, and Om Puri. Driven by sharp choreography and clever plot twists, the film remains widely accessible to stream on Netflix.
Devdas (2002): An Opulent Period Tragedy of Heartbreak
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the 2002 release Devdas stands out as an opulent romantic period drama that continues to draw praise for its raw central performance. Adapted from the classic Bengali novel, the story chronicles the agonizing decline of a devastated lover caught between societal pride and lost love. The feature showcased powerhouse appearances by Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, and Kirron Kher. With grand set designs, emotional dialogue, and memorable musical compositions, the project emerged as a box-office phenomenon. Audiences seeking to revisit the production can find it streaming on the Eros Now channel on YouTube.
Veer-Zaara (2004): An Enduring Cross-Border Romance
In 2004, celebrated filmmaker Yash Chopra delivered Veer-Zaara, a grand romantic drama widely regarded as a benchmark of modern Hindi cinema. The film resonated deeply through the tender on-screen chemistry shared between Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, capturing an epic story of enduring devotion against cross-border divides. A major contributor to its blockbuster status was the unforgettable musical score, built from unused vintage tunes by Madan Mohan and recreated by Sanjeev Kohli. The timeless love story is currently available to viewers on Netflix.
Chak De! India (2007): The High-Stakes Transformation of a Hockey Squad
Stepping away from traditional romantic formulas, the actor took on a grounded sports feature with Chak De! India. Produced under Yash Chopra's banner, directed by Shimit Amin, and penned by Jaideep Sahni, the narrative followed the struggles, unity, and eventual triumph of the Indian women's national field hockey team under their resilient coach. The film became an immense critical and commercial success, securing a stellar rating of 8.1 on IMDb. For those looking to rewatch this patriotic sports story, it is currently hosted on Netflix.
Om Shanti Om (2007): Reincarnation and Nostalgia Wrapped in Commercial Flair
Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Om Shanti Om arrived in 2007 as a grand celebration of mainstream filmmaking. The narrative opens in the 1970s, depicting an earnest junior artist who falls deeply in love with Shanti, a leading female superstar. Following a fateful turn of events, the storyline leaps forward by 30 years as he is reincarnated into the glamour-filled life of superstar Om Kapoor. The film drew its title directly from a track in Subhash Ghai's iconic film Karz, blending retro nostalgia with energetic entertainment to deliver another record-breaking theatrical hit.
