Trade experts predict who will win as Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki clashes with Prabhas' Salaar, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal compete and Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra square off in December - Exclusive

The year 2023 has witnessed the Indian film industry setting the stage for epic cinematic battles, and the grand finale promises to be the most colossal showdown that we have seen till date. December 2023 is all set to feature not one, not two, but three massive box office clashes that are sure to redefine the Bollywood landscape. These high-stake face-offs will be the culmination of a year filled with thrilling releases, where the fate of films hangs in the balance.Atul Mohan, Girish Wankhede and Raj Bansal, a renowned trade analysts and distributors, provide a glimpse of the cinematic extravaganza that lies ahead.
The showdown commences with a battle of titans in the first week of December, as Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' takes on Vicky Kaushal's 'Sam Bahadur.' 'Animal,' directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, of 'Kabir Singh' fame, is backed by a hefty budget of reportedly Rs 100 crore. The film's teaser has already garnered immense attention and sets a high bar for its counterpart, 'Sam Bahadur,' directed by Meghna Gulzar, focusing on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. While 'Animal' boasts a powerful narrative, 'Sam Bahadur' treads the path of a more subtle biopic, emphasizing the historical significance of its subject.
Girish Wankhede, a respected trade expert, provides valuable insights into the clashes. "I feel Ranbir Kapoor's presence and Sandeep Vanga's reputation will ensure that 'Animal' will dominate its competitor 'Sam Bahadur'. The film's powerful narrative and the star power of Ranbir will be crucial. But when it comes to Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra's movies squaring off, the battle will be tough since both movies offer unique experiences and we can expect a serious clash on December 8."


The second clash of the month is slated for December 8, featuring 'Merry Christmas' and 'Yodha.' 'Merry Christmas,' directed by Sriram Raghavan, marks the much-anticipated pairing of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. The film is mounted with a budget that is estimated to be no less than Rs 50 crores, as Raghavan aims to recreate the magic of his previous blockbuster, 'Andhadhun.' On the flip side, 'Yodha,' backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, offers an action-packed spectacle with a considerable emphasis on special effects. Originally scheduled for December 15th, both films have preponed their release to December 8, intensifying the battle for box office supremacy.
The Grand Finale: Dunki vs. Salaar
The ultimate and most anticipated battle of December 2023 is set for Christmas Day, as Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' squares off against Prabhas' 'Salaar.' This monumental clash will undoubtedly be the highlight of the month, promising to leave audiences spellbound. Atul Mohan describes the excitement, stating, "The most colossal box office clash of 2023 arrives on Christmas, as Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' goes head-to-head with Prabhas' 'Salaar.'"
'Dunki,' directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is riding high on the shoulders of Shah Rukh Khan, who has already delivered two hits earlier in the year. 'Salaar,' directed by Prashanth Neel, the creative genius behind the 'KGF' franchise, brings together two cinematic giants in a battle for supremacy. The clash of these two heavyweights promises to be a spectacle, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Raj Bansal, a film distributor, highlights the significance of the Christmas clash, stating, "SRK's 'Dunki' enjoys an edge due to its early announcement as a Christmas release. I feel 'Dunki' will outperform 'Salaar' in opening figures. This marks a changing trend in the film industry, where major festivals were traditionally associated with particular stars. Salman Khan would release films on Eid, Shah Rukh would come out on Diwali and Aamir's movies would dominate the Christmas weekend. But now the system is evolving."
The stakes are exceptionally high, with these three major clashes likely to collectively generate around 1000 crores. However, as Raj Bansal points out, the box office prospect is expected to decrease by at least 20 percent due to these colossal clashes. He says, "If both clashing films perform well, there could be a potential loss of 20-25% revenue. In case one of the clashing films fails to attract audiences, the other will score the best."
Shah Rukh Khan or Prabhas, who will emerge triumphant at the end of 2023?
As December 2023 approaches, the Indian film industry will be gearing up for an unforgettable showdown. Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' and Prabhas' 'Salaar' will be the cinematic battle of the year, pitting two of the industry's biggest stars against each other. With 'Animal' vs. 'Sam Bahadur' and 'Merry Christmas' vs. 'Yodha' setting the stage, the month is all set to be a rollercoaster ride for Bollywood enthusiasts. The fans won't be complaining though, the bevy of releases will ensure that December serves up some high drama. While the stars and filmmakers may be embroiled in 'win or lose' scenarios, the audiences will only have a 'win-win' situation at the theatres.