Shah Rukh Khan’s latest cinematic endeavor, Dunki, is swiftly ascending the ladder of popularity, capturing the hearts of audiences across the globe. Despite not shattering any box office records akin to Prashant Neel’s Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire, which starred Prabhas, Dunki has proven to be a resounding success, amassing a total of Rs 30.7 crore nett on a recent Sunday. This remarkable feat translates to an impressive domestic box office surge of nearly 20%.
The acclaim for Dunki extends beyond the silver screen, with renowned director Hansal Mehta expressing his unbridled admiration for the comic drama. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mehta lauded Dunki and downplayed any perceived flaws in the film, stating that they are inconsequential. This endorsement from a stalwart in the film industry adds another layer to Dunki’s burgeoning success.
As the week unfolds, Dunki continues to dominate the box office, maintaining its stellar performance. Industry tracker Sacnilk reports that the Shah Rukh Khan picture is holding its ground on Monday, with domestic nett earnings reaching a commendable 121.48 crore rupees as of 6 pm on Christmas day, amounting to an additional 15.85 crore rupees. The official announcement from Red Chillies Entertainment on social media further solidifies Dunki’s triumph, revealing that its total worldwide collection has surpassed the 200 crore rupee threshold, standing at an impressive 211.13 crore Indian rupees.
Hansal Mehta Reviews Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki
Dunki, helmed by the talented Rajkumar Hirani, delves into the intriguing world of illegal immigration, specifically focusing on the unconventional method of donkey flight. The film boasts a star-studded cast, featuring the likes of Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, and Vikram Kochhar in pivotal roles. The narrative, as Mehta succinctly put it on X, encapsulates nostalgia, heartfelt emotions, simplicity, and serves as an ode to the golden era of Bollywood films.
Hansal Mehta’s commentary on Dunki provides a glimpse into the film’s impact on audiences. His words resonate with those who appreciate the essence of cinema beyond mere analysis.
Mehta’s assertion that Dunki is quintessentially a Rajkumar Hirani film reinforces the director’s distinctive style and storytelling skills. The film, Mehta contends, is neither a drama, nor a comedy, nor a tragedy, nor a thriller. Instead, it embodies the unique essence of a Rajkumar Hirani creation—a seamless blend of various elements that captivates audiences without fitting into traditional genre molds.
Dunki, in Mehta’s words, is a film that tugs at the heartstrings, showcasing Shah Rukh Khan in a role that exudes love and tenderness. The ensemble cast adds to the film’s enduring charm, creating an experience that transcends conventional genre classifications. As 2024a pproaches, Dunki emerges as a heartwarming conclusion to the cinematic year, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and reaffirming Shah Rukh Khan’s timeless appeal.
He wrote on X: “It’s perfectly fine. It gave me what I miss at the movies. It was nostalgic, heartfelt, simple and an ode to what our films once used to be. Not a film I want to overanalyse or overthink. Give me a Rajkumar Hirani film any day. Nice to end the year with Shah Rukh Khan tugging at your heartstrings, looking into her eyes with love and playing a softie. Lovely ensemble and an enduring charm pervades the film which is not a drama, not a comedy, not a tragedy and not a thriller. It is a Rajkumar Hirani film all the way. Go watch it and decide for yourself.”
