9 November 2023, Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dunki’ and Prabhas’ ‘Salaar’ gear up for a colossal clash at the box office. With both films eyeing the coveted Christmas week release, the clash is poised to be one of the most significant face-offs in Indian cinema, reminiscent of the clash between ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Dilwale.’ However, this time, the stakes are even higher, with two superstars battling to dominate the box office records.
‘Dunki’ Relies on Word of Mouth and Multiplex Audiences
In the intriguing clash, ‘Dunki,’ directed by Rajkumar Hirani, stands out with its reputation for thriving on word of mouth rather than explosive box office openings. Hirani’s films, known for their unique storytelling, typically resonate with multiplex audiences rather than traditional single-screen viewership. As ‘Dunki’ hits screens a day earlier on December 21, the clash intensifies as Prabhas’ ‘Salaar’ steps in on December 22, triggering a battle for audience attention during the festive season.
BookMyShow Interest Rates Reflect Clash Expectations
In the realm of multiplex-heavy films, online ticketing platform BookMyShow (BMS) plays a pivotal role in gauging audience interest. The platform’s ‘I’m interested’ feature provides insights into the pre-release buzz surrounding films. As of now, ‘Salaar’ enjoys a staggering 757K+ interests on BMS, inching closer to the 1 million mark weeks before its release. This significant number foreshadows a strong presence for ‘Salaar’ across multiplexes and single screens alike, setting the stage for initial dominance.
Prabhas’ ‘Salaar’ Surges Ahead with 757K+, While ‘Dunki’ Gathers 153K+
The data on BMS paints a contrasting picture of audience anticipation. ‘Salaar’ leads the race with an impressive 757K+ interest, indicating robust traction among moviegoers. On the other hand, ‘Dunki,’ despite being a multiplex-centric Shah Rukh Khan starrer, lags behind with 153K+ interest, nearly 80% lower than its counterpart. This data hints at the potential audience divide and sets the stage for a fascinating clash where both films aim to shatter box office records.
Fans Await for ‘Dunki’ and ‘Salaar’
As the clash of the titans approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the cinematic spectacle that ‘Dunki’ and ‘Salaar’ promise to deliver. The clash not only elevates the stakes for both films but also adds an element of excitement for cinephiles who eagerly await the outcome of this epic box office showdown. The clash’s outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is certain – the audience is in for a treat as two powerhouse films vie for supremacy.
By Yashika Desai