Shah Rukh Khan has finally confirmed the rumours doing the rounds about his upcoming collaboration with director Rajkumar Hirani. Titled Dunki, the film will release around Christmas 2023. Sharing the news, the actor wrote, “Aap toh Mere Santa Claus nikle.”

Dunki brings together two of the biggest forces in Indian cinema, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and superstar Shah Rukh Khan who will collaborate for the very first time. The film was announced today with an endearing video unit unveiling the title and features Raj Kumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan as themselves in playful banter about them doing a film together.

On Tuesday, Shah Rukh Khan tweeted, “Dear@RajkumarHirani sir, Aap toh Mere Santa Claus nikle. Aap shuru karo main time pe pahunch jaunga. actually main toh set par hi rehne lagunga. Feeling humbled & excited to finally work with you. Bringing to you all #Dunki in cinemas on 22nd December 2023.”

After films like 3 Idiots, the Munnabhai franchise, PK, and Sanju, all of which went on to become huge commercial successes and set benchmarks in the industry, Rajkumar Hirani has started working on his dream project with Shah Rukh Khan.

A JIO Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films presentation, Dunki, also features Tapsee Pannu in key roles. The film is written by Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijit Joshi, and Kanika Dhillon, produced by Rajkumar Hirani and Gauri Khan. The film went on floors this April 2022, with the next schedule being shot extensively in Punjab.

Confirming the development, Hirani, said “Through the course of my career Shah Rukh Khan has always been on my wish list and after trying to collaborate several times in the past, we were finally destined to have Dunki mark our partnership. The energy, charisma, humour, and charm that he brings to a film is unparalleled and I look forward to bringing that magic to the big screen.”

Adding further, Khan said, “Raj Kumar Hirani is one of the finest filmmakers of this generation, we have always spoken about working together and I am extremely happy we are finally doing it with Dunki. We have just started shooting this month and I am cherishing every moment of it. Raju ke liye main Donkey, Monkey…kuch bhi ban sakta hoon!”

Commenting on working with SRK and Hirani, Tapsee Pannu said, “I am beyond excited to embark on this journey and be a part of this very special film. It’s my first time working with Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan, two people who I deeply respect and admire.” 

While details are under wraps at the moment, Shah Rukh Khan will take on a never-seen-before role as he steps into Hirani’s world with this social comedy.

‘Dunki’ marks the coming together of a master filmmaker and one of the biggest superstars in the world, and is scheduled to release on December 22, 2023.