The King of Bollywood is back, and the audience is eager. Advance bookings for Shah Rukh Khan’s next film, “Dunki,” directed by the acclaimed Rajkumar Hirani, kicked off on Saturday evening, and the response has been nothing short of encouraging. Within a mere 24 hours, the social dramedy has already raked in approximately 45,000 tickets across the top three national cinema chains – PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis.
PVR leads the charge with 36,500 tickets sold, while Cinepolis follows closely with a respectable 8,500 as of Sunday evening. This initial surge is particularly noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, “Dunki” marks a departure from the post-pandemic trend of action-heavy blockbusters, venturing into the territory of social dramedy. This genre, while beloved by critics and audiences alike, hasn’t seen the same box office dominance as action flicks recently.
Secondly, the film releases on a non-traditional Thursday, December 28th, instead of the usual Friday slot. This could potentially hamper opening day numbers, but the pre-sales suggest a strong word-of-mouth already brewing. The sheer pull of the Shah Rukh Khan-Rajkumar Hirani duo seems to be defying conventional release patterns.
“The early response to ‘Dunki’ is definitely heartening,” shared trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “It shows that audiences are still very much interested in quality content, regardless of genre or release date. The Shah Rukh Khan factor, of course, plays a huge role, but Rajkumar Hirani’s track record of delivering heartwarming stories with social commentary adds another layer of intrigue.”
The buzz surrounding “Dunki” has been steadily building ever since its announcement. The film boasts a stellar cast alongside Khan, including Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, Dharmendra, Satish Shah, Vicky Kaushal (in a cameo), and Dia Mirza. The plot remains under wraps, but Hirani is known for weaving magic with everyday stories, often tackling sensitive social issues with his signature blend of humor and heart.
The positive pre-sales performance is a shot in the arm for the Indian film industry, which has been grappling with inconsistent box office results in recent months. A successful run for “Dunki” could pave the way for more diverse narratives and talent collaborations, reminding audiences that cinema can be both entertaining and impactful.
With Christmas holiday cheer just around the corner, “Dunki” is poised to bring a heartwarming narrative to the big screen. The initial booking numbers indicate that fans are eager to witness the magic of two cinematic titans, Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, come together. Whether “Dunki” breaks box office records remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this film has the potential to be a truly special cinematic experience, leaving audiences with laughter, tears, and much to ponder long after the credits roll.