Shah Rukh Khan's star power shows no signs of dimming. His upcoming film, a Rajkumar Hirani-directed social drama, has collected a staggering ₹85 crore in advance bookings across India, surpassing the previous record held by Khan's own "Jawan" from 2023.
The Buzz
The film, which explores India's education system through the eyes of a middle-aged professor, is Khan's first collaboration with Hirani, known for "3 Idiots," "PK," and "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." The pairing of India's biggest star with its most commercially successful storyteller has generated unprecedented anticipation.
Advance bookings opened four days before the release date, and major multiplex chains reported that shows were sold out within hours in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. IMAX and premium format shows are completely booked for the opening weekend.
Box Office Projections
Trade analysts project an opening day of ₹55-60 crore domestically, which would be the second-highest in Indian cinema history. The film's relatively modest budget compared to Khan's recent action blockbusters means it could be highly profitable.
"SRK and Hirani is a dream combination. One brings unmatched star power, the other brings stories that connect with every Indian. The box office numbers are going to be extraordinary," said trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
The film also features Kareena Kapoor Khan in a pivotal role and debuts three newcomers selected through a nationwide talent search. Music composed by Pritam has already produced two chart-topping singles. International advance bookings in the US, UK, and Middle East are also tracking at record levels.
