End of Hirani-Style Film Market?

The most awaited combination of Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Dunki’ is out, and although it’s too early to discuss box office performance, one thing is crystal clear: Hirani failed to excite the trade and fans from the first promotional material.

As many predicted, the film also had a weak opening. Even SRK’s consecutive blockbusters didn’t help its case.

Does this signify the end of the drama genre and Hirani-style films? A lot of people started believing that this type of content will not sell in theaters anymore, it’s only for OTT viewers. That’s why Dunki didn’t strike a chord with audiences. We don’t think so.

If this argument is true, the entire Malayalam industry would go bankrupt, given they produce a large number of slow-paced drama-based films every year.

The actual issue lies in ‘Dunki’s content. Hirani delivered a drama based film that barely scratches the surface of emotions. The director’s core strength isn’t evident in ‘Dunki’.

With the right cast and director combo, the emotional genre usually thrives, but in this case, the fault lies with the director, not a lack of audience interest.