“Dunki,” the latest cinematic venture starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, appears to have fallen short of the impact achieved by the actor’s earlier hits, namely “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” both released earlier in the same year.

Initial reports indicate that the film garnered a modest ₹30 crore on its debut day in India, marking it as Shah Rukh Khan’s lowest first-day opening in 2023.

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In contrast, “Pathaan” raked in ₹57 crore, while “Jawan” earned a substantial ₹89.5 crore on their respective debut days. Despite the disparity in box office figures, critical reception for “Dunki” has been a mixed bag. Some critics lauded Shah Rukh Khan’s performance, acknowledging his prowess, but pointed out that the film’s foundation was shaky, featuring ambitious yet implausible adventures. On the flip side, other critics deemed it a tedious affair, labeling it as Rajkumar Hirani’s least impressive work to date.

The diverse reactions from both audiences and critics underscore the subjective nature of film appreciation. While “Dunki” received a spectrum of reviews, ranging from praise for the lead actor to criticism for the film’s narrative structure, its true impact will be gauged by its performance at the box office in the long run.

The ongoing discussion around “Dunki” highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic journey, with the film’s trajectory yet to be fully determined.