14 December 2023, Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the silver screen in 2023 has been nothing short of stellar, with blockbuster successes like Pathaan and Jawan. The spotlight now turns to Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, poised to be Khan’s crowning achievement. The question looms: Can Dunki surpass Leo to claim the highest advance booking sales of 2023, solidifying Shah Rukh Khan’s dominance at the box office?
Box Office Triumphs of 2023
The year 2023 has proven fortuitous for the Indian box office, witnessing the resurgence of Bollywood after a string of underwhelming releases. Pathaan set the stage for success, followed by Jawan, The Kerala Story, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Gadar 2, and OMG 2, all contributing to the box office brilliance. However, a select few emerged as powerhouses, generating substantial pre-sales earnings.
Top 5 Advance Booking Collections of 2023
The pinnacle of advance booking collections in 2023 showcases a formidable lineup. Leo, the Thalapathy Vijay starrer, stands tall with an impressive 46.10 crores in advance bookings on its opening day. Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan secured the second spot with a massive total of 41 crores in advance bookings, a testament to its box office prowess. Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor and helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, roared into the third position with a staggering pre-sales figure of 34 crores. Pathaan, the first blockbuster of the year, secured the fourth spot with 32.43 crores in advance bookings. Adipurush, featuring Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan, rounded off the top five with pre-sales collections of 26.50 crores.
Dunki’s Anticipation and Box Office Clash
Dunki, the much-anticipated comedy-drama revolving around illegal immigration techniques, specifically “donkey flights,” is set to be a potential game-changer for Shah Rukh Khan. Positioned as his most significant success to date, Dunki, featuring a star-studded cast including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani, is backed by Red Chillies Entertainment and Jio Studios. Scheduled for release on December 21, 2023, Dunki faces a significant box office clash with Prabhas and Prashanth Neel’s Salaar. The clash might divide the audience, impacting advance booking sales, but the colossal hype surrounding both films is expected to elevate overall footfalls.
The Unpredictable Path Ahead for Dunki
The clash of titans between Dunki and Salaar has captured the attention of moviegoers, promising heightened excitement and potential box office fireworks. As Dunki’s release approaches, the unfolding narrative at the box office will reveal whether it can secure a coveted spot among the highest advance booking collections of 2023.
By Yashika Desai