'Release date based on ...': Prabhas' 'Salaar' producer on film's clash with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki'

Prabhas-starrer Salaar and Shah Rukh Khan’s third release of the year Dunki will lock horns at the box office around Christmas 2023. While fans are super-excited for the Christmas releases, there were speculations until last month that the makers of the two films may figure out a way to avoid the clash. It looks like there’s no stopping the monumental face-off between Shah Rukh Khan and Prabhas. As the release date approaches, Salaar producer Vijay Kiragandur opened up about the film’s clash with Dunki. ‘Release date based on astrological reasons’ In an interaction with Bollywood Hungama, Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films said that Salaar could have hit the big screen on Pongal in January 2024, but the market is packed with Telugu and Tamil releases. He also opened up on how the release date of 22 December was selected based on astrology, despite Dunki and Aquaman hitting screens around the same time. “We announced a date based on our beliefs. We have been planning release dates according to astrology for a decade now and will continue to do so,” the producer said. Salaar producer on ‘ugly clash’ with Dunki The producer also spoke about a possible clash between Salaar and Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki, stating that the makers don’t want things to get “ugly.” “We are already having meetings with the exhibitors and distributors. When we have a solo release, the occupancy generally will be around 60-70 per cent. Some screens will go to Aquaman but between Salaar and Dunki, we hope to get 50-50 screens. In such a scenario, if an occupancy of 90-100 per cent is achieved, it’ll be a good result for both films,” he said further adding that programming is the key and the main focus for makers without getting into ugly fights. About Salaar Directed by Prashanth Neel, Salaar is set in the fictional city of Khansaar, revolving around the story of Varadharaj Mannar (Prithviraj) who is adamant about obtaining control of the city from his father and thus takes the help of a childhood friend, Deva/Salaar (Prabhas). While the film’s trailer is already out, it will hit theatres on 22 December 2023. On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki will release on 21 December 2023.