In an unexpected announcement at midnight on February 15, Netflix India revealed that Shah Rukh Khan’s film Dunki is now available for streaming on its OTT platform. Directed by renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki was initially released in theaters on December 21, 2023.
Collaboration and Previous Success
Dunki marks the first collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani. Prior to Dunki, Shah Rukh Khan delivered two blockbuster hits in 2023, namely Pathaan and Jawan, both of which crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark worldwide. While expectations were high for Dunki to replicate or exceed the success of his previous films, it fell short of achieving similar acclaim.
Commercial Success and Box Office Performance
Despite its mixed critical reception, Dunki proved to be a commercial success. It grossed ₹272 crore in India and an impressive ₹182 crore overseas, totaling a worldwide box office collection of ₹454 crore. Dunki also secured its position among the top-grossing Bollywood films of 2023, ranking as the 6th highest-grossing movie of the year.
Comparison with Other Releases
While Dunki couldn’t surpass the box office performance of Tiger 3, which earned ₹464 crore, it did outperform several other notable releases of 2023, including OMG 2 (₹221.75 crore), Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (₹223 crore), The Kerala Story (₹302 crore), Adipurush (₹350 crore), and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (₹355.61 crore). However, according to Red Chillies Entertainment, Dunki’s total earnings exceeded ₹470 crore, indicating its significant financial success despite falling short of the top-tier box office rankings.