Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover, Satish Shah, Dia Mirza, and Parikshit Sahni
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Review: Dunki is a captivating tale that talks about friendship, romance, and the pursuit of dreams across borders and time. The film, skillfully penned by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon, takes us on a journey with Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan) and his friends as they navigate the tumultuous path of illegal immigration.
Dunki addresses unfulfilled aspirations and the pursuit of dreams beyond means. The narrative cleverly explores the naivety of the characters’ dreams, juxtaposed against the harsh reality of living as illegal immigrants. The film’s emotional punches may feel manipulative to some, but they add depth to the storytelling.
Direction
Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial prowess shines, delivering a film rich in emotion, heart-wrenching moments, and trademark humor. The narrative, with its 25-year time leap, unfolds seamlessly, crossing continents and landscapes. The decision to take the ‘Dunki’ route, a perilous journey for illegal immigrants, adds layers of complexity to the story.
Performances
Shah Rukh Khan, stepping out of his action-hero mold, delivers a wholesome performance. His portrayal of the charming and romantic Hardy is complemented by his adeptness in action sequences. Shah Rukh Khan, portraying both the young and old Hardy, showcases his charm to the fullest, rounding off 2023 with a hattrick of successes.
Vicky Kaushal delivers a terrific performance as Sukhi in Dunki, and despite his brief role, the writers have given depth to his character. He displays a nuanced portrayal, balancing restraint with moments of volatility and anger when needed.
Taapsee Pannu impresses with her sharp and impactful performance, seizing every opportunity to shine. Her impeccable timing, especially in tandem with Shah Rukh Khan on the humorous lines, adds a delightful dynamic to the film.
Anil Grover and Vikram Kochher, portraying other members of team Dunki, contribute equally commendable performances in their respective roles.
Music
The film’s music, composed by Pritam, deserves accolades, providing a fitting backdrop to every mood. From the mischief of ‘Lutt Putt Gaya’ to the soul-searching ‘Nikle The Kabhi’ and the deeply romantic ‘Oh Maahi,’ the soundtrack elevates the overall cinematic experience.
What Doesn’t Work:
In comparison to Rajkumar Hirani’s past works like ‘3 Idiots’ or ‘PK’ or ‘Sanju,’ Dunki doesn’t quite reach the same heights. Dunki’s second half falters with a weak and lengthy plot, where humor falls flat. The climax, aimed at emotional depth, stretches scenes unnecessarily, making it a little less enjoyable. Not forgetting to add, Vicky Kaushal should’ve given more screentime!
Lastly, despite moments of meandering and an old-world charm that might not resonate with everyone, Dunki stands out as a must-watch. It’s a wholesome entertainer that seamlessly blends relevance, romance, patriotism, and the importance of returning to one’s roots. Overall, it’s a rousing cinematic experience with a strong and touching message.