As the year draws to a close, the winter chill brings not just the festivities of Christmas but also the excitement of blockbuster releases in the world of Bengali cinema. This time, the clash is between two titans: the Bollywood industry and the Tollywood industry. On the other hand, Dev starrer 'Pradhan' and Mithun Chakraborty's 'Kabuliwala' grace the silver screen simultaneously.
In a unique showdown, Bengal's Mahaguru, Tolly Superstar, Bollywood's Badshah, and the South Superstar—Dev, Prabhas, Shah Rukh Khan, and Mithun Chakraborty—have all geared up for fierce competition at the box office. The question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge victorious in this cinematic battle?
On December 21st, amidst the winter vibes, the first contender, King Khan's 'Dunki', hit theaters, creating a buzz with an opening collection expected to range between 30 and 35 crores on the first day. Shah Rukh Khan, who also treated fans to 'Pathan' and 'Jawaan' earlier this year, seems to be on a winning streak, with the advanced ticket bookings for 'Dunki' already crossing 150 million.
Meanwhile, on December 22nd, the Telugu film "Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire' was released, showcasing Prabhas in a powerful role. Having carved a niche for himself in Bollywood, Prabhas aims to offer audiences a gripping cinematic experience, with the film already raking in an impressive 300 million rupees in advance bookings.
Now, turning our attention to the local Bengali film industry, December 22nd witnesses the release of two highly anticipated films: Mithun Chakraborty's 'Kabuliwala' and Dev's 'Pradhan'.
The clash becomes even more intriguing considering the history of collaboration between Dev and Mithun. Previously seen working together, this time the stakes are higher as Mithun Chakraborty, currently in the United States, expressed his desire for all films to succeed and urged Bengali cinema lovers to embrace both creations.
Dev, on the other hand, conveyed his excitement about the competition, emphasizing that the battle is not just for today but spans over many years. Drawing parallels with the legendary '83', where SVF Productions presented 'Kakababu', Dev shared the camaraderie with Shrikant Mohta, recalling how they decided not to share the same screen if it meant compromising on quality.
Adding a personal touch, Dev mentioned his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and revealed a heartwarming phone call between Mithun Chakraborty and the director, Sumon. According to Dev, 'Kabuliwala' has the potential to win national awards, citing it as this year's best trailer.
In another part of Tollywood, 'Pradhan', directed by Avijit Sen and produced by Atanu Raychowdhury, unfolds on the big screen. Starring Dev in the lead role, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Soumitrisha Kundoo, Sabitri Chatterjee, Soham Sarkar, Paran Bandyopadhyay, Ambarish Bhattacharya, Mamata Shankar, Koneenika Banerjee, and many more.
Sumon Ghosh directs 'Kabuliwala', where Mithun Chakraborty plays the central character, and the film promises to intertwine elements of the 1965 Kolkata depicted in the original story with the narrative of the real-life Michelle. This 'Mini' role is played by Anumegha Kahali. The film also features Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar in significant roles.
As the curtains rise on this cinematic clash, only time will reveal which film will triumph at the box office. Bengali cinephiles are in for a treat, with two compelling stories vying for their attention and setting the stage for an unforgettable cinematic showdown.