Shah Rukh Khan, the self-proclaimed “Badshah of Bollywood,” is facing a potential setback with his upcoming film, Dunki. As of today, December 5th, 2023, only 30 tickets have been sold for the film’s opening day in the USA. This comes as a surprise to many, as Khan is one of the biggest Bollywood stars globally, and his films typically generate significant buzz and excitement.
Dunki, directed by the renowned Rajkumar Hirani, boasts a star-studded cast including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani. The film promises a heartwarming tale about immigration and finding your place in the world. Despite the positive buzz surrounding the project, the low pre-sale ticket numbers have raised concerns about the film’s performance at the box office.
Several factors could be contributing to Dunki’s slow ticket sales in the USA. The first is the film’s genre. While Khan is known for his roles in romantic comedies and action films, Dunki delves into a more serious and dramatic territory. This may not appeal to his core fan base in the USA, who are accustomed to his lighter fare.
Secondly, the film faces stiff competition from other Bollywood releases, including Prabhas’s highly anticipated Salar. Salar, an action-packed thriller, has already sold over 15,000 tickets in the USA, significantly outpacing Dunki. This competition could further affect Dunki’s performance, especially among the more casual Bollywood fans.
Additionally, some critics have pointed to the lack of buzz surrounding the film’s marketing campaign. While two songs and a teaser have been released, there hasn’t been a full-fledged trailer yet. This lack of promotion may contribute to the slow ticket sales, as potential viewers may not be aware of the film’s release.
However, it’s important to note that these are just preliminary numbers. There are still 17 days to go until the film’s release, and the situation could change significantly once the trailer drops. The trailer could generate excitement and drive up ticket sales, especially among Khan’s loyal fanbase.
Another factor that could work in Dunki’s favor is positive word-of-mouth. If the film receives positive reviews from critics and audiences, it could lead to an increase in ticket sales through word-of-mouth buzz. This could be especially important in the USA, where moviegoers are more likely to be influenced by reviews and recommendations.
Ultimately, Dunki’s success at the box office will depend on several factors. The film’s content, marketing strategy, and word-of-mouth all have the potential to influence its performance. While the current pre-sale numbers may be concerning, it’s still too early to predict the film’s fate. Only time will tell whether Dunki lives up to the hype and solidifies Shah Rukh Khan’s position as the “King Khan” of Bollywood.