The battle for box office supremacy is about to unfold as two mammoth projects, Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki and Prashanth Neel and Prabhas’s Salaar, are set to clash. While both films are releasing just a day apart, they will be vying for the attention of audiences throughout the Christmas season. As the release of both films come close, the competition between these two much-anticipated films is getting intense.
A Roadblock for Dunki
Shah Rukh Khan, known as the King of Bollywood, has had a stellar year with two back-to-back blockbusters. However, the journey for his third film of the year, Dunki, is not going to be as easy. This pan-Indian film has hit a roadblock in Hindi-speaking regions even before its release. Multiplex theater chains, such as PVR, INOX, and Miraj, have decided to allocate all their screens exclusively to Dunki, leaving no shows for Salaar in North India.
The Unfair Treatment
This setback has sparked a widespread debate, with the makers of Salaar, Hombale Films, taking a stand against the unfair treatment. Chaluve Gowda, the managing director of Hombale Films, emphatically stated that they will not be releasing Salaar in certain outlets of national theater chains like PVR, INOX, and Miraj in South India as well. This decision comes as a response to the unfair treatment they have received from the theater chains in the northern parts of the country.
Advance Booking and Expectations
In spite of the challenges faced by both films, their advance booking numbers reveal promising figures. Dunki, set to release today, has already secured a staggering Rs 15.41 crore from its 15,000 odd shows, selling 558,766 tickets. Industry insiders expect its total collection to reach approximately Rs 30 to Rs 35 crore by the end of the day.
On the other hand, Salaar, although facing a shortage of screens in North India, is projected to have a stronger start. With Rs 29.35 crore secured from its 10,000 screens and 1,400,839 tickets sold in advance bookings for day one alone, Salaar is expected to open in the range of Rs 55 to Rs 60 crore. It is worth noting that ticket prices in South India are capped, and the makers of Salaar had to seek permission from the courts to increase the price for a limited period of time.
A Star-Studded Cast in Salaar
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire brings together an ensemble cast of remarkable talent. Prabhas, known for his exceptional performances in movies like Baahubali and Saaho, takes on the lead role, while the versatile Prithviraj Sukumaran joins him in this exciting venture. The film also features popular actors Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, Sriya Reddy, and Ramachandra Raju, who are sure to bring their unique charisma and acting prowess to the screen.
Synopsis and Expectations
As the title suggests, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire depicts an intense battle between powerful forces and the pursuit of peace in an unforgiving world. With high stakes, unpredictable twists, and adrenaline-pumping action, this film is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran bring their A-game to their respective roles, and the supporting cast adds depth and nuance to the storytelling.
The Musical Magic and Visual Splendor
Ravi Basrur’s musical compositions enhance the film’s emotional moments and intensify the on-screen action. With his keen sense of understanding the characters and their journeys, Basrur’s music promises to resonate with the audience long after the credits roll. Furthermore, Bhuvan Gowda’s cinematography paints a vivid and grand canvas, showcasing stunning visuals that transport viewers into the heart of the narrative.
Implications of the Multiplex Conflict
The conflict between PVR, INOX, Miraj, and the makers of Salaar could have significant consequences for both films’ box office performance. If the issue remains unresolved and shows are halted for Salaar, the projected numbers could suffer a downturn. However, given the strong fan base of Prabhas and the immense anticipation surrounding Salaar, the film is expected to have a solid run despite the challenges.
Closing thoughts
The battle between Prabhas-led Salaar and Shah Rukh Khan-led Dunki has entered its final stage. These two films represent the clash of titans in the box office race. While Dunki faces roadblocks in non-Hindi-speaking regions of the country, Salaar‘s screen allocation in North India is at stake due to the dominance of Dunki. The competition is fierce, and only time will tell which film emerges victorious. As audiences eagerly await their release, the anticipation and excitement surrounding both movies continue to build. It is undoubtedly a thrilling time for cinema enthusiasts and a testament to the power of Indian cinema.
