Das CH
Das CH
Shah Rukh Khan, often regarded as the “King of Bollywood,” faced an unexpected setback with his latest release, “Dunki.” This disappointment comes on the heels of two consecutive blockbusters, “Pathaan” and “Jawaan,” leaving fans and industry insiders surprised. Despite enjoying a majority screen space in North India, “Dunki” crashed on its first weekday, struggling to match the performance of “Salaar Hindi,” which had only one third of its shows. The slump extended beyond multiplexes, with single screens witnessing a noticeable decline in audience turnout, indicating a struggle to maintain the momentum generated by the earlier successes.
“Dunki” opened to a mixed reception, with critics and audiences expressing reservations about its collaboration with the mass movie “Salaar.” Some argue that, given its genre, “Dunki” might have fared better with a strategic release unburdened by a simultaneous blockbuster. This raises questions about the decision-making process behind the film’s release, suggesting that a more thoughtful approach could have resulted in better opening numbers and a more sustained run at the box office.
Renowned director Raj Kumar Hirani, known for infusing emotional depth into his scripts, faced challenges in captivating the audience with “Dunki.” While the film’s central message was commendable, many viewers felt that the chosen point lacked the impact needed to justify the movie’s lengthy runtime. Hirani’s usual mastery in weaving emotional narratives appeared to be missing this time, leaving audiences less connected and contributing to the struggles faced by “Dunki” at the box office. As the film’s performance wavers, questions arise about the future trajectory of Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic ventures and the factors influencing audience choices in the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood.
