Rajkumar Hirani on Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki - 'Commercial success matters to me but I try not to...'

Rajkumar Hirani has opened up about the response his film Dunki has received. The movie stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan. (Courtesy: Red Chillies Entertainment)

Rajkumar Hirani's film Dunki opened to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Despite that and a box office clash with Salaar, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer is doing fine at the box office. Since its theatrical release on December 21, Dunki has earned approximately ₹170 crore in India, while the global collection is over ₹300 crore. Amid this, Rajkumar has shared his thoughts on the response to Dunki.

Rajkumar Hirani on Dunki

While Dunki has done decent box office business, Shah Rukh Khan's previous two films, Pathaan and Jawan, shattered several records at the ticket window. Speaking about the response to his directorial, Rajkumar Hirani said, "Of course, commercial success matters to me but I try not to focus on it at all because the moment you start focusing on it, then you start colouring the kind of film you want to make."

The filmmaker added he generally takes three to four years to make a film. However, it took him five years to make the story of Dunki. Hirani added that he wasn't scared at all while making this movie.

Also read: Dunki on OTT - When and where to watch Shah Rukh Khan's film online after its theatrical run

"I’m happy with the response. Sometimes it will be massive, sometimes it will be different. It is a successful film and people are going for it and people are liking it. I don’t think one should ever worry about box office numbers," he stated.

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About Dunki

Dunki marked Shah Rukh Khan's first professional collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani. The story is based on the illegal migration of people who travel through a 'donkey route' in a quest for a better life. The star cast of Dunki also includes Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Vicky Kaushal. Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of a soldier in the film and helps four friends reach England by crossing borders.

The movie clashed with Prashanth Neel's Salaar at the box office. Starring Prabhas in the lead role, the film was released on December 22, 2023.

Also read: Dunki vs Salaar box office collection - Prabhas' film earns ₹318 crore; here's how much Shah Rukh Khan starrer minted

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