Shah Rukh Khan or Prabhas? Trade experts opine who will emerge the winner in Dunki vs Salaar box office clash

Christmas 2023 is going to be quite exciting for Indian cinema with the epic Dunki vs Salaar box office clash in the pipeline. Led by Shah Rukh Khan and Prabhas respectively, the clash promises to be one of the biggest in recent times. Both actors are big superstars and the directors helming the films are legends too. Thus, it would be exciting to see who gets the upper hand in this fierce battle. And some of the trade experts have given their prediction for the same.

Trade experts opine on Dunki vs Salaar clash

Both Dunki and Salaar have a difference of just one day of release. While the Shah Rukh Khan starrer arrives in theatres on December 21, Prabhas’ film comes a day later. Rajkumar Hirani is coming with Dunki after the huge success of Sanju. Whereas Prashanth Neel comes with the monster success of KGF franchise behind him.

While talking to Outlook, Sameer Dixit, a distributor from Mumbai predicted Dunki to be his winner in the clash. He said, “One thing is very clear, Dunki is one step ahead of Salaar.  There are a couple of reasons. If you talk practically, the Bollywood industry works from the last hit. Jawan did an excellent business at the box office. So, the theatres are very much excited about Dunki because there is Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani. Both have a huge fan following and have given non-stop hits. Undoubtedly, there is an edge of Dunki above Salaar. Secondly, the trailer and teaser of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer have been received well, especially in our trade circuit, they liked it and are keen to go for Dunki.”

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He also opined on what can work against Salaar. Sameer said, “The problem with Salaar is that Prabhas has not given any major hits with his last movies. If you see, except Baahubali, he doesn’t have much acceptance in the North. No doubt, he has a huge fan following in the South and I feel it might work in that region.” He also said that Dunki will surely get more screens than Salaar in the clash.

Opening day predictions

Sameer shared his prediction for both films’ Day 1 box office collection as well. He said, “Salaar has no buzz in the market and we distributors talk about Dunki. It will open to Rs 60-70 crore or maybe more. Even, it can have a great opening of Rs 100 crore on the first day. No doubt, Dunki is the real winner.”

Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi also bats for Dunki, but isn’t yet sure if it will cross Rs 60-70 crores on Day 1. He said, “I really can’t predict whether it will be able to hit Rs 60-70 crore. The films that open to very respectable numbers grow from stage to stage due to solid word of mouth. So, I don’t know the opening numbers of ‘Dunki’. It could be huge as there is Shah Rukh Khan. Having said that, if it doesn’t do well, no need to lose hope because Rajkumar Hirani’s film are ‘lambi race ka ghodas’. Salaar might be a massive opener but Dunki would be the marathon runner.”

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Talking about the clash, Akshaye said, “These are two big superstars of India directed by two hugely successful directors. The good thing is that these are two films that cater to very different audiences and belong to very different genres. Even though they are coming together, I think beyond a point it wouldn’t be a very bad scenario because both cater to different audiences’ mindsets.” He added that the North Vs South divide shouldn’t hamper the film. The exhibitor added, ” I don’t think that’s the case anymore where you have this North and South divide being serious anymore. I think that both of these actors will be able to do really well.”

What happens on the release day is yet to be seen, but it’s sure going to be an epic Christmas for Indian cinema. With two superstars taking over the big screen, only big explosions are expected at the box office.

Also Read: Dunki Vs Salaar to Yodha Vs Merry Christmas: 5 MAJOR box office clashes we can’t wait to witness