Shah Rukh Khan’s latest cinematic outing, “Dunki,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, hit theaters on Thursday, setting the stage for a debut that’s being perceived as the actor’s lowest opening for the year.
According to initial reports from Sacnilk.com, “Dunki” has initiated its box office journey with what’s termed ‘a good start’ across the domestic market. The projected earnings estimate hovers around ₹30 crore nett for its inaugural day, marking Shah Rukh Khan’s least impressive opening in 2023, following the success of “Pathaan” and “Jawan.”
While “Pathaan” raked in a formidable ₹57 crore on its first day, “Jawan” surged with an impressive ₹89.5 crore debut, showcasing a stark contrast to the opening figures of “Dunki.”
The Hindustan Times’ review highlighted Shah Rukh Khan as the film’s central attraction, noting his familiar portrayal in the movie. The review acknowledged his endearing presence as a young protagonist in Punjab, evolving into a more compelling character in the latter half, navigating challenging terrains on a journey from Iran’s deserts to snow-capped mountains.
Despite the film’s release amidst fervent anticipation, initial critical reviews painted a mixed picture. Described as a comedy drama centered on illegal immigration, “Dunki” failed to escalate the excitement akin to Shah Rukh Khan’s previous releases.
The movie’s premiere witnessed early morning screenings in various regions, including Udaipur, Mumbai, and Jammu. Fans exhibited their enthusiasm through celebratory gestures like garlanding and milk offerings on giant Shah Rukh cutouts in Kolkata and cake-cutting ceremonies in Guwahati.
Mumbai’s Gaiety Cinema, known for its fervent fan base, hosted the “first ever 5.55 am” screening orchestrated by Shah Rukh’s dedicated fan club.
“Dunki” boasts a star-studded cast featuring Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover alongside Shah Rukh Khan. However, the film faces competition from “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” a period action drama starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, slated for release on Friday.
Having garnered enormous success with “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” each accumulating over ₹1,000 crore globally, Shah Rukh Khan’s latest venture “Dunki” endeavors to carve its space amidst the competitive box office landscape.
Sources By Agencies
