Shah Rukh Khan waives ₹42 lakh DCP fee for Marathi film Deool Band 2, director credits super-hit success to actor's support

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.