Shah Rukh Khan’s third film of the year, Dunki, made a grand entrance into cinema halls on Thursday with a special 5:55 am show at Mumbai’s iconic Gaiety Galaxy. The visual spectacle of the theater’s atmosphere went viral, showcasing a festive celebration among fans. However, as the day progressed, Dunki faced challenges in drawing substantial audiences.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, early estimates project Dunki’s Thursday earnings to be around Rs 30 crore. The morning shows exhibited a 26.45% occupancy, with the afternoon shows slightly lower at 21.77%. The overall Hindi occupancy averaged around 24.11%. Notably, Dunki hit theaters on a regular working weekday, and its performance might witness an upswing over the Christmas weekend.
Nevertheless, Dunki faces tough competition from Prashanth Neel’s Salaar, set for release on Friday. Even before hitting the screens, Salaar has posed a significant challenge, having already amassed Rs 35.23 crore in business from the sale of 16,83,871 tickets. The competition with Salaar at the ticket counters adds an extra layer of complexity to Dunki’s box office journey.
While the initial footfall for Dunki wasn’t as remarkable as the fanfare suggested, the upcoming Christmas weekend could potentially boost its performance. The dynamics of the film industry, combined with the working weekday release, contribute to the narrative of Dunki’s box office saga, making it a story worth following as it navigates the competitive landscape.
