'Dunki' emerges as lowest opener for Shah Rukh Khan in 2023

Khan's Pathaan amassed INR570 million, while Jawan earned an impressive INR895 million on their respective first days

Shah Rukh Khan's successful 2023 comes to an end with his final release of the year. On its opening day, Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, made its debut in theatres, showcasing a 'good start' at the domestic box office according to Sacnilk.com.

As per Hindustan Times, the film raked in INR300 million nett across India on its first day across all languages, marking Khan's lowest opening of the year. Compared to Pathaan, which amassed INR570 million, and Jawan's impressive INR895 million on their respective first days, Dunki fell short in initial collections.

Thursday's premiere witnessed fanfare with drumbeats, dancing, and confetti, yet the film received a mixed bag of reviews from critics. The movie, focused on illegal immigration and touted as a comedy-drama, failed to reach the same fever pitch as Shah Rukh's previous blockbusters, Pathaan and Jawan.

Early screenings spanned various regions like Udaipur, Mumbai, and Jammu. Enthusiastic fans indulged in celebratory acts, from garlanding and pouring milk on the actor's massive cutouts in Kolkata to cutting cakes in Guwahati to commemorate Dunki's release. In Mumbai's Gaiety Cinema, Shah Rukh's fan club organized a special "first-ever 5.55 am" screening.

The star-studded film not only features King of Romance but also includes talents like Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. It faces competition from Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire, an action-packed period drama starring Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, set for release on Friday.

Shah Rukh's prior hits, Pathaan and Jawan, crossed the INR10 billion mark globally, revitalizing the struggling Hindi film exhibition sector.

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