Overview:

Rating: 8.5/10

The story starts when an ailing Manu wishes to return to India and realizes that Hardy is the only one capable of assisting her in returning to her homeland, which she left in pursuit of better opportunities.

Twenty-five years ago, a soldier, Hardayal Singh Dhillon Aka Hardy, arrived in Laltu, a secluded village in Punjab, seeking someone who would save his life. Instead, he encounters Manu, Buggu, and Balli, determined to migrate to the UK for a better future. 

The trio attempts various strategies for an immigration visa, from learning wrestling to resorting to fraudulent marriages and degrees, falling victim to scams along the way. Eventually, they opt to learn English in hopes of securing a student visa. This journey introduces them to Sukhi, equally determined to reach London for his reasons, adopting “Birmingham, here I come” as their motto.

However, when their visa applications face rejection despite relentless efforts, their situation takes a dire turn. Distraught by the outcome, Hardy takes it upon himself to find a way for his newfound friends to reach the distant shores they yearn for. They make the difficult choice to take the ‘donkey’ (‘Dunki’) route, an illegal immigration path fraught with hardships and challenges.

The story of ‘Dunki’ unfolds as an emotional tale, weaving friendship, romance, heart-wrenching moments, and heartwarming encounters into one narrative. Manu and Hardy’s tender love story blossoms from Laltu to London and back.

Cast:

Shah Rukh Khan: Hardayal Singh Dhillon/Hardy

Taapsee Pannu: Manu Randhawa

Vicky Kaushal: Sukhi

Anil Grover: Balli Kakkad

Vikram Kochchar: Buggu Lakhanpal

Boman Irani: Geetu Gulati

Deven Bhojani : Puru Patel

Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani

Writers: Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon

Review:

‘Dunki’ packs an emotional punch, seamlessly blending friendship, romance, and heartfelt moments. Following Manu and Hardy’s journey from a village to London, the film carries Rajkumar Hirani’s trademark humor and satire, guaranteeing an exciting journey with a strong underlying message. Although the subject is addressed straightforwardly and the comedy is often questionable, the extensive narration crosses boundaries and periods, spanning over twenty-five years.

At its core, ‘Dunki’ discusses unfulfilled dreams and the pursuit of aspirations beyond limitations. It explores the belief that migrating to a first-world country guarantees a brighter future, driving individuals to pursue this goal relentlessly. Manu’s unwavering declaration, “London jana hain, pound mein kamana hain,” perfectly conveys this goal.

Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of both the youthful and mature Hardy is captivating and effortlessly charming. Vicky Kaushal’s brief appearance as Sukhi demonstrates his skill at expressing genuine emotion, and Taapsee Pannu gives a passionate portrayal. The crowd was especially captivated by the superb performances of Anil Grover and Vikram Kochchar.

Amid high expectations following Shah Rukh Khan’s recent blockbusters, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan,’ ‘Dunki’ marks a promising collaboration between Rajkumar Hirani and Khan. Departing from the action-hero persona, Shah Rukh Khan is shown by Hirani as a complex character who is funny, charming, passionate, and talented in action scenes. The film cleverly pays homage to Khan’s iconic cinematic moments through subtle references.

‘Dunki’ is an intriguing film experience; it’s a romantic, meaningful, and poignant story emphasizing the significance of connecting with one’s origins.

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