Bollywood and Tollywood are bracing for one of the biggest box office battles in recent memory as Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and Prabhas’ Salaar prepare to release in December 2023. With both films backed by massive production houses, star-studded casts, and sky-high fan expectations, the clash is already being called “The December War.”
While the final release dates went through some reshuffling in the past few weeks, it’s now official: Dunki will hit cinemas on December 21, 2023, followed by Salaar on December 22, 2023.
Dunki: Rajkumar Hirani Meets Shah Rukh Khan
Dunki marks the first-ever collaboration between superstar Shah Rukh Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani, known for hits like 3 Idiots and PK. The film reportedly deals with the concept of “donkey flights” — a term used to describe illegal immigration methods used by Indians trying to enter countries like Canada, the UK, and the US.
The story is expected to blend Hirani’s trademark humor and emotion, while offering a socially relevant message. With Vicky Kaushal and Taapsee Pannu playing key roles, the ensemble cast adds even more depth to the film.
After the massive success of Jawan and Pathaan, Dunki could potentially make it a hat trick year for SRK — something fans haven’t witnessed in over a decade.
Salaar: The Rebel is Back
On the other side, Prabhas is returning to the big screen with Salaar, an action-packed, high-budget spectacle directed by Prashanth Neel, the man behind the KGF franchise. Touted as a “mass-action entertainer,” Salaar will be released in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Prabhas plays the role of a violent gang leader rising through a blood-soaked world, with Shruti Haasan cast as the female lead. The film is expected to be visually stunning with a dark, gritty narrative — something fans have come to expect from the KGF universe.
With massive sets, high-octane action scenes, and intense visuals, Salaar looks set to appeal to a pan-India audience.
Fan Wars and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of back-to-back releases triggered a storm on social media, with fans of SRK and Prabhas clashing online. While #DunkiVsSalaar started trending almost immediately, both fanbases are promising full theaters, first-day-first-show bookings, and all-out support.
YouTube channels and film critics have already begun comparing trailer views, production budgets, and predicted box office numbers.
Some SRK fans are confident that Dunki, with its emotional and family-oriented story, will dominate urban multiplexes. Meanwhile, Prabhas fans argue that Salaar will rule in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially in South India, where Prabhas still commands unmatched popularity.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
Trade analysts believe the clash could either split the box office or push both films to higher numbers by increasing overall footfall in cinemas during the festive season.
Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi told media outlets:
“If the content is strong, both films can do extremely well. We’ve seen this with Gadar 2 and OMG 2 earlier this year. The key is good storytelling, not the clash.”
Meanwhile, early predictions suggest that Dunki may appeal to family audiences and international viewers more, while Salaar could dominate in mass centers and action-loving territories.
Business and Booking Impact
Advance bookings for Dunki are already underway in some overseas markets, and initial numbers are promising. Salaar too has opened early bookings in the US and UAE, with ticketing portals showing rapid sellouts in IMAX and premium formats.
Cinema owners across India are reportedly planning for screen sharing to accommodate both big-budget films. However, competition for prime time slots may lead to disputes, as both films demand maximum visibility.
Who Will Win?
It’s a classic content vs action face-off — Dunki banking on emotion, satire, and SRK’s charm, while Salaar delivers high-octane violence and cinematic grandeur.
There’s no doubt: December 21 and 22 will be historic days in Indian cinema. Whether you’re a Bollywood romantic or a Tollywood action junkie, there’s something massive coming your way.