Dunki starring Shah Rukh Khan, Tapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal has announced their release date last year. Shah Rukh Khan has told his fans and audiences that he is coming back with not one but three films after a sabbatical. Also, during the announcement, Dunki, got favourable mileage from social media and in fans. As it marks union of sensational director Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan, the movie got huge buzz. Dunki has been announced to release on 22nd December, 2023, for Christmas.
In the meantime, Red Chillies Entertainment, Shah Rukh Khan’s own production house, has decided to bring Jawan in June. Hence, they have put Dunki promotions to a later date and concentrated on promoting Jawan, since Pathaan release. Now, they are set to face fierce competition with Salaar Ceasefire Part-1 set to release on 22nd December, 2023 as well. Hombale films have released KGF Chapter 1 in clash with Zero, in 2018 for same weekend. Now, they are clashing with Dunki, if they confirm the release date, on 29th September, 2023 as anticipated.
The makers had to postpone the release of Prabhas and Prashanth Neel, combination film, Salaaar Ceasefire Part-1, due to VFX issues. They have taken into consideration Diwali date, Sankranthi date and finalised Christmas date. Actually, rumours have been aplenty that Salaar will release in March, 2024. But makers seems to have decided that Christmas box office has enough potential for two big films to survive in Indian markets. Dunki will have an unprecendented craze as Rajkumar Hirani has become a brand in movie-going public. SRK has given two back-to-back 1000 crores grossers as well.
With such a deadly combination and great track record, Overseas markets and multiplex chains will be looking at Dunki for sure. Also RCE would have made agreements to showcase Dunki while Jawan contracts are being drafted. It would be hard for Salaar to get as many screens as they wish in North India. In South, they have Prabhas star-power to give them major screens in Telugu states and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
Dunki will face big issue in mass belts as Salaar is coming from KGF Chapter 2 director and team. We have to wait and see, how exhibitors will handle this clash as both have potential to earn 1000 crores gross, if click with audiences.
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