11 November 2023, Mumbai: As the anticipation builds for the Dunki Vs Salaar box office clash on December 21, it invokes memories of a significant clash five years ago. Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘King of Bollywood,’ faced a tough battle with the South Indian blockbuster, KGF: Chapter 1, on the same date. Notably, both clashes involve the same director, Prashanth Neel, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Zero Vs KGF: Chapter 1 – Opening Day Surprise:
In 2018, Shah Rukh Khan’s ambitious project, Zero, went head-to-head with Yash-starrer KGF: Chapter 1. Despite Zero’s opening day collections of 20.14 crores in Hindi, KGF’s 2.10 crores, while seemingly modest, marked a breakthrough for a Kannada film in the Hindi belt. The opening day collections surpassed those of other Bollywood releases, setting the stage for an unexpected competition.
Zero Vs KGF: Chapter 1 – Weekend Struggle and Surprises:
While Zero maintained a lead throughout the weekend, collecting 59.07 crores, KGF: Chapter 1 demonstrated resilience with 9.20 crores. The following week witnessed a surprise turn of events as KGF overtook Zero on the eighth day, with the former collecting 1.25 crores against the latter’s struggle to reach a crore.
A Tale of Box Office Fortunes:
As KGF: Chapter 1 continued its steady climb, emerging as a surprise hit in Hindi, Zero faced a downturn. The action thriller accumulated 44.09 crores in its lifetime, a remarkable feat for a Kannada film in Hindi markets. In stark contrast, Zero struggled, culminating in a lifetime collection of 97.50 crores and earning the tag of a disastrous flop.
Impact on Shah Rukh Khan and the Cinematic Landscape:
The clash left a lasting impact on Shah Rukh Khan, prompting him to take a five-year hiatus before making a comeback in 2023 with Pathaan and achieving success with Jawan. The parallels between the past clash and the upcoming Dunki Vs Salaar faceoff raise questions about the fortunes that await Shah Rukh Khan and Prabhas this December 21. As December 21 approaches, the clash between Dunki and Salaar becomes more than a mere box office battle. It signifies a convergence of cinematic destinies, reminiscent of the clash that unfolded between Zero and KGF: Chapter 1 five years ago. Whether history repeats itself or takes a new turn
By Yashika Desai