With its much awaited OTT release, Shah Rukh Khan's most recent motion picture endeavor, "Dunki," which was directed by the renowned Rajkumar Hirani, has made a digital splash on the Netflix platform. The movie, which debuted on December 21, 2023, and made an astounding Rs 454 crore at the box office globally, has now found a new home for streaming on Netflix India.
Previously slated for a digital debut on JioCinema, the sudden shift to Netflix took many by surprise. Netflix India teased fans with a vibrant poster shared on Instagram, announcing the arrival of "Dunki" on their streaming service. The caption resonated with excitement, urging viewers to "pack their bags" for an emotional journey with Shah Rukh Khan, indicating the film's global theme.
"Dunki" delves deep into the poignant issue of immigration, shedding light on the arduous and often perilous journeys individuals undertake in pursuit of a better life—a narrative encapsulated by the term 'donkey journey'. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan's captivating performance, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar, each adding layers of depth to the story.
For Shah Rukh Khan, "Dunki" marks his final cinematic outing of 2023, following the resounding success of "Pathaan" and "Jawan." Director Rajkumar Hirani, in a recent interview with ANI, expressed his joy in collaborating with Khan, highlighting the actor's eagerness to explore diverse roles and narratives.
However, "Dunki" faced its share of scrutiny, receiving a mixed bag of reviews from both audiences and critics alike. Its theatrical run collided with the release of Prabhas' blockbuster "Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire," adding an additional layer of competition to the mix. As "Salaar" prepares for its Hindi release on Disney+ Hotstar on February 16, the clash between these cinematic giants continues to capture the attention of cinephiles.
"Salaar," originally shot in Telugu, enjoyed a multilingual release across Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil, with its non-Hindi versions already available for streaming on Netflix since the previous month. The impending clash between "Salaar" and "Dunki" on the digital stage promises to reignite discussions surrounding storytelling, performances, and the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
As viewers brace themselves for an emotional rollercoaster with "Dunki" on Netflix, the film's migration from theatres to digital platforms reaffirms the growing influence and accessibility of OTT services in the entertainment industry.