In a significant shift at the domestic box office, Shah Rukh Khan's year-end release Dunki has officially crossed the lifetime collection of Ranbir Kapoor's blockbuster Animal. This achievement propels the Rajkumar Hirani-directed dramedy into the coveted list of the top 10 highest-grossing films ever in India.
The Box Office Milestone
According to data from industry tracker Sacnilk, Dunki has now amassed a total domestic net collection of approximately ₹475.50 crore. This figure edges past the final India net collection of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal, which stands at around ₹475.3 crore. The crossover happened in the film's seventh week in theaters, a testament to its steady and enduring performance despite facing initial mixed reviews.
The film, which marks the first collaboration between superstar Shah Rukh Khan and acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani, opened on December 21, 2023. It faced direct competition with another major release, Prabhas's Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. While Salaar had a more explosive opening, Dunki showcased remarkable staying power, relying on its emotional core and Hirani's signature storytelling to draw audiences consistently.
Understanding the Rankings and Collections
With this new total, Dunki now occupies the 10th position on the all-time Indian box office chart. It has pushed Animal down to the 11th spot. The film's journey to this milestone was gradual but steady. It collected about ₹30 crore in its first week, followed by a significant jump to nearly ₹80 crore in its second week, buoyed by positive word-of-mouth and the holiday season.
Here is a quick look at the key numbers that defined Dunki's box office run:
- Opening Day: ₹29.2 crore
- First Weekend: Approximately ₹105 crore
- Lifetime India Net Collection: ₹475.50 crore (and counting)
- Global Gross: The film has crossed the ₹700 crore mark worldwide.
It is crucial to note that these figures represent the net collection after deducting entertainment taxes, not the gross collection. This is the standard metric for comparing Indian box office performance.
Context and Industry Implications
This box office tussle between two of 2023's biggest releases highlights the diverse tastes of the Indian audience. Animal, a violent, adult-rated action drama, opened to polarizing debates but record-breaking numbers. Dunki, a social comedy-drama about illegal immigration, presented a starkly different tone. Its eventual overtaking of Animal underscores the power of content that appeals to a wider, family audience over an extended period.
The success of Dunki further cements Shah Rukh Khan's historic comeback year. Prior to Dunki, he delivered two of the year's biggest hits: Pathaan (which remains the highest-grossing Indian film of the year) and Jawan. For director Rajkumar Hirani, this extends his flawless box office record, with every directorial venture becoming a major commercial and critical success.
As Dunki continues its theatrical run, it eyes the next film on the list. The current ninth position is held by another Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Jawan, which has collected a monumental ₹640.42 crore domestically. While catching up to Jawan may be a tall order, Dunki's entry into the top 10 is a formidable achievement, proving that compelling narratives and star power together create an unbeatable combination at the Indian box office.
