23 November 2023, Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated film, Dunki, is not just generating excitement for its impending release but is also making headlines for its budget considerations. Reportedly crafted with a budget of Rs 85 crores, the film’s financial dynamics are under scrutiny, especially in comparison to Shah Rukh Khan’s recent projects like Pathaan and Jawan. The intriguing question arises: How swiftly can Dunki recover its budget?
Dunki’s Swift Filming
Dunki’s production journey has been marked by an unusual pace, with the first unit, known as ‘Drop 1,’ receiving a positive reception. The second unit is already in progress, defying the typically extended timelines associated with Shah Rukh Khan’s film shoots. This swift progression is particularly remarkable for fans accustomed to longer waiting periods for the completion of SRK’s cinematic endeavors.
Budget Recovery Comparison: Pathaan and Jawan
The anticipation surrounding Dunki is intensified by the precedent set by Shah Rukh Khan’s recent films in terms of budget recovery. Pathaan, produced at a budget of Rs 250 crores, recouped its costs within a mere five days of release. Similarly, Jawan, with a budget of Rs 300 crores, accomplished the same feat within the initial five days, collecting 319.08 crores and 280.25 crores, respectively. With Shah Rukh Khan’s star power, Dunki is poised to achieve budget recovery within a remarkably swift two days.
Rajkumar Hirani’s Efficient Filming and Post-Production Strategies
Renowned for meticulous planning and resource-efficient filmmaking, director Rajkumar Hirani orchestrated the shooting of Dunki in a mere 75 days, with Shah Rukh Khan contributing to 60 of those days. Despite juggling between the sets of Jawan and Dunki, Shah Rukh Khan prioritized the former in terms of time spent. Hirani’s strategic scheduling ensured Dunki’s shoot coincided seamlessly with Jawan’s, facilitating an efficient post-production process. Notably, Dunki emerges as Shah Rukh Khan’s most economically produced film since Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, especially when accounting for inflation.
Dunki’s Financial Preeminence
Dunki has already secured non-theatrical rights within the range of Jawan, signaling a significant table profit for the film’s makers. The worldwide theatrical share is anticipated to further enhance Dunki’s overall profitability. With the recent box office successes of Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki stands poised to capitalize on its star-studded team and hold substantial potential for a run at the box office.
By Yashika Desai