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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Shah Rukh Khan waives ₹42 lakh DCP fee for Marathi film Deool Band 2, director credits super-hit success to actor's support
Shah Rukh Khan waived a ₹42 lakh bill for Marathi film Deool Band 2’s DCP, enabling its release. The film went on to earn over ₹80 crore and become the fourth highest-grossing Marathi film ever. Director Pravin Tarde publicly credited Khan for supporting the film when its commercial success was uncertain.





Quick Facts
Who
Shah Rukh Khan
What
Directed Deool Band 2
When
2026-06-18
Where
India
- Directed Deool Band 2
- Waived ₹42 lakh DCP fee
- Became fourth highest-grossing Marathi film
- Earned over ₹80 crore at domestic box office
- Approached Red Chillies for DCP preparation
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been credited with helping the Marathi film Deool Band 2 overcome a major financial obstacle before its theatrical release, ultimately contributing to its status as one of the highest-grossing Marathi films of all time. Director Pravin Tarde revealed that Khan instructed his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, to waive a bill of approximately ₹42 lakh for the Digital Cinema Package (DCP), the digital format required to screen films in theatres.
Tarde explained that the filmmakers had initially set aside around ₹12 lakh for the DCP, but were later informed that the final cost had escalated to ₹42 lakh. With limited resources and no alternative funding, the director approached Red Chillies Entertainment and explained the situation, noting that Deool Band 2 was a regional Marathi film made on a restricted budget. The matter eventually reached Shah Rukh Khan, who inquired about the film and learned that the DCP was ready but had not been handed over due to the pending payment.
According to Tarde, Khan’s team informed him that the film was made by the same team behind Mulshi Pattern, which was later remade in Hindi as Salman Khan’s Antim. After learning about the film’s content and the makers’ financial constraints, Khan reportedly said, “Waive off their bill. 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 decision demonstrated genuine regard for Marathi cinema and placed the film’s release ahead of monetary considerations.
Made on an estimated budget of ₹8–10 crore, Deool Band 2 has since earned over ₹80 crore at the domestic box office, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. The film, starring Mohan Joshi, Snehal Tarde, and others, addresses the sensitive issue of farmer suicides and explores the conflict between faith and atheism. Tarde expressed lasting gratitude for Khan’s intervention, noting that it came at a time when no one could predict the film’s success. He has also expressed a desire to personally screen the film for Shah Rukh Khan as a gesture of thanks.
Topics
Why This Matters
This story illustrates how a single act of generosity by a major star can remove a critical financial barrier for a regional film, allowing it to reach audiences and achieve unexpected commercial success. For readers, it underscores the power of cross-industry support and highlights the often-hidden cost barriers facing independent and regional filmmakers. It also demonstrates how personal intervention can have outsized impact on cultural production.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WirePravin Tarde reveals Shah Rukh Khan waived DCP fee for Deool Band 2 in media interviews