Shah Rukh Khan Waived Rs 42 Lakh DCP Bill for Deool Band 2, Director Pravin Tarde Reveals

Marathi blockbuster Deool Band 2 may never have reached theatres on the scale it did without timely support from Shah Rukh Khan, according to filmmaker Pravin Tarde. The director has revealed that the Bollywood star instructed his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, to waive a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) bill worth around Rs 42–45 lakh when the makers were unable to afford the cost.

The revelation comes as Deool Band 2 continues its remarkable box office run, having earned more than Rs 80 crore despite being produced on a reported budget of Rs 8–10 crore.

A Financial Hurdle Before Release

Speaking to Abhijat Marathi Filmy, Tarde recounted how the film’s team approached Red Chillies Entertainment for assistance after receiving a DCP estimate far beyond their expectations.

The filmmakers had initially budgeted approximately Rs 12 lakh for the process. However, the final estimate reportedly came to nearly Rs 42 lakh, creating a major obstacle ahead of the film’s release.

“The bill came to Rs 42 lakh. We didn’t have that kind of money, nor did we have any source from where we could arrange it. We approached Red Chillies and explained our situation. We told them that it was a Marathi film, a regional film, and our budget was limited,” Tarde said.

A DCP, or Digital Cinema Package, is the digital format required for films to be screened in theatres.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Reported Intervention

According to Tarde, the matter eventually reached Shah Rukh Khan, who sought details about the project before making a decision.

The filmmaker said Khan’s team informed him that Deool Band 2 was being made by the creators of Mulshi Pattern, a film the actor was familiar with because it was later adapted into the Hindi film Antim.

Tarde recalled that after learning the DCP had been prepared but could not be delivered due to unpaid dues, Shah Rukh Khan responded immediately.

“He simply said, ‘Waive off their bill.’ He told them, ‘It’s a Marathi film. Give them the DCP. We can sort out the payments later. If it’s a good film, give them the DCP,’” Tarde said.

The director added that the gesture reflected respect for regional cinema and came at a time when there was no certainty that the film would succeed commercially.

Film Emerges as a Major Box Office Success

The support proved significant for a project that has since become one of the biggest Marathi box office successes.

Industry tracker Sacnilk reports that Deool Band 2 has earned more than Rs 81 crore in India, with figures crossing Rs 82 crore in some reports. The film is now moving toward the Rs 100-crore milestone, a rare achievement for Marathi cinema.

Directed and written by Pravin Tarde, the film stars Snehal Tarde in the lead role. Veteran actor Mohan Joshi reprises his role as Swami Samarth from the original film.

The story explores farmer suicides while examining the relationship between faith and atheism, themes that have resonated strongly with audiences during its theatrical run.

Director Responds to Backlash Over Remarks

Tarde’s comments about Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement generated discussion online, prompting the filmmaker to address criticism through a video posted on Instagram.

In the video, he defended his decision to publicly acknowledge the actor’s contribution, saying that people should receive credit when they help others.

Quoting Marathi poet Vinda Karandikar, Tarde said, “Your stature does not increase by denying someone their due. Always remember to give credit to those who deserve it.”

He added, “Whether it’s Pitya or Shah Rukh Khan, it doesn’t matter. If someone has helped you, you should be able to openly acknowledge it and appreciate them publicly.”

A Gesture the Team Says It Won’t Forget

Tarde has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing that Shah Rukh Khan stepped in when the project’s future remained uncertain.

While Deool Band 2 is now celebrated as one of Marathi cinema’s biggest commercial successes, the director said the support extended before release remains one of the most important chapters in the film’s journey. He also revealed his wish to personally screen the film for Shah Rukh Khan as a gesture of thanks.