The paths of two titans of the Indian film industry have finally converged, weaving a narrative that spans over 20 years. Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has long harbored the wish to cast the Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan in his projects, stretching back to his directorial debut with ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’. The aspiration persisted with hopes to unite for the blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’. Despite these initial missed opportunities, the duo has now joined forces in the recently released film ‘Dunki’, which has captivated the audience with its premiere and is drawing a spectrum of reactions from film enthusiasts and critics.
The story behind this long-anticipated collaboration elucidates the journey of a young Hirani, with creative fervor, attending the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). It was during this formative period, in the communal setting of a common room where students gathered to watch television, that Hirani’s interest was piqued by an actor’s performance so riveting, it left a lasting impression. He recounts the experience of watching the series ‘Cirkus’ where an unknown Shah Rukh Khan performed a monologue with such conviction that it resonated with Hirani, instilling a firm resolve to work with him upon his graduation.
However, timing is a crucial element in the world of cinema. By the time Hirani had completed his education at FTII, Khan’s star had risen meteorically. As a consequence, what started as a spark of aspiration became a two-decades-long wait for the opportunity to direct Khan in a film. That moment has finally materialized with ‘Dunki’, marking an epoch in their illustrious careers.
The enthusiasm for ‘Dunki’ is matched by its box office performance, boasting an impressive worldwide gross of over Rs 150 crore, with Rs 75 crore from India alone within its first three days. The film features a talented ensemble including Taapsee Pannu, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar in pivotal roles, alongside a special appearance by Vicky Kaushal.
The movie’s release coincides with the ambitious pan-India actioner ‘Salaar’ starring Prabhas and directed by Prashanth Neel, which debuted with a remarkable Rs 175 crore worldwide on its opening day. Neel has taken a page out of Shah Rukh Khan’s playbook, using his example to defend Prabhas against criticism for recent projects that did not meet expectations.
The riveting story of the Hirani-Khan partnership serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the perseverance required to realize one’s creative visions. After a protracted wait, their collaborative project ‘Dunki’ is not just a cinematic release but a culmination of years of anticipation and the manifestation of a dream for both the filmmaker and his leading star. Whether it will match or surpass the sky-high benchmark set by their individual successes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — ‘Dunki’ is a milestone in Indian cinema, etching the union of Hirani’s directorial acumen with Khan’s acting prowess into the annals of film history.
