'Dunki' is Shah Rukh Khan's least expensive film in recent years: Indian media

Film's director has been termed a 'cautious spender'

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film, Dunki, on December 21, and if early indications are any measure, this could mark his third consecutive hit of the year.

What sets Dunki apart is not just its star-studded cast, including Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal, but also its unique collaboration between Shah Rukh and renowned director Rajkumar Hirani. As the buzz surrounding the film intensifies, Indian media has reported that Dunki has been crafted as a cost-effective venture, with a reported budget of INR85 crore.

Unlike Shah Rukh's previous high-budget productions, Dunki stands out as one of the least expensive films in recent years for the Bollywood icon, as per reports by Pinkvilla and Indian Express. However, it's crucial to note that the budget does not include the costs associated with the talent involved, including Shah Rukh, Rajkumar, and the ensemble cast.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the film was meticulously crafted on a budget of INR85 crore, with Rajkumar being described as a "cautious spender." Shah Rukh and Rajkumar have reportedly become profit participants in the film, underscoring their confidence in its potential success. The total cost of the film, when factoring in print and publicity expenses, is estimated to be around INR120 crore.

Dunki is said to have completed its shooting schedule in a swift 75 days, with Shah Rukh dedicating 60 days to the film. The strategic and efficient approach to filmmaking has positioned Dunki as a potential blockbuster with a promising return on investment. The report further reveals that the film has already secured its "non-theatrical rights" in “the range of Jawan,” suggesting that Dunki is already poised to make a significant profit, potentially reaching the vicinity of INR100 crore before even hitting the theatres.

In comparison to Shah Rukh's previous production, Jawan, which had a staggering budget of INR300 crore, Dunki marks a departure into a more relatively cost-effective realm. Despite its astronomical budget, Jawan became the biggest hit of the year and the second-highest-grossing Hindi film globally, surpassing the INR2000 crore mark worldwide.

Dunki was officially announced with a video in April 2022, preceding Shah Rukh's consecutive hits at the box office with Pathaan and Jawan. The collaboration with Rajkumar, who last had a theatrical release with the blockbuster Sanju in 2018, adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the release of Dunki. The film's success could solidify Shah Rukh's dominance at the box office in 2023, marking it as a year of remarkable achievements for the Bollywood icon.

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