Dunki Movie Review: This year, Shah Rukh Khan plays a soldier once more in “Dunki,” following his roles in “Pathaan” and “Jawaan.” However, this third time around is not fortunate as his much-heralded first collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani is largely a dull affair. The term “dunki maarna” refers to unauthorised immigration. The Laltu trio of Mannu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar), and Balli (Anil Grover) travel through hazardous underwater and overland terrain in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey before arriving in their ideal destination of London. Hardyal Singh Dhillon, aka Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan) is the catalyst that starts them on their journey.
The emotions that Rajkumar Hirani’s characters evoke in viewers have carved out a special place in their hearts for his cinematic universe. He’s one of the few directors who can captivate you with the story with just the telling of the tale. He doesn’t use scenes with a lot of visual effects or loud dialogue. Rather, he concentrates more on the writing and the dialogue of his characters. Five years later, Hirani returns to theatres with his first picture starring Shah Rukh Khan. These are not the same times. Will a story about illegal immigrants find an audience in a year when action-packed dramas starring big-name actors have found an audience? Let’s investigate.
Those who want to enter a country illegally are referred to as “Dunki.” The narrative of Hirani begins in Punjab and travels all over the world to the Middle East and London. Shah Rukh Khan’s character Hardy Singh meets a group of outcasts who hope to one day travel to London. Despite their Indian origins and affinity for the regional tastes and hues, their hearts skip a beat whenever Big Ben is brought up. But getting to London is not a simple task. It’s lined with perilous quizzes and examinations where the team must study English to obtain the necessary visa.
The gang chooses to go down a less-traveled path that leads to their destination after they fail the language exam. They become even more determined to reach London at all costs after a tragic incident.
Even though SRK is the main attraction, Hirani makes sure to give the other actors plenty of opportunities to shine. Hirani’s specialties have always been writing and dialogue. Hirani’s signature feel-good humour and straightforward style are evident in Dunki’s first half, which is multilayered and nuanced.
Vicky Kaushal is fantastic as Sukhi, and thankfully the character has been developed by the writers despite his brief appearance. When called upon, he can be ferocious and quiet at the same time. Taapsee Pannu seizes the opportunity whenever it presents itself.
In a similar vein, the other members of team Dunki, Anil Grover and Vikram Kochher, are excellent in their parts. Shah Rukh uses his charm to great effect in his portrayal of both the young and old Hardy. The superstar once again demonstrates his timeless appeal as he finishes 2023 with a hattrick.
Conversely, Dunki’s second half is drawn out and poorly done. The humour is weak and the plot wanders. Hirani’s writing is also at its least enjoyable in Dunki’s climax. In an attempt to overdo the emotional content, the director extends scenes and packs an already large entourage with extra baggage.
Compared to 3 Idiots or PK, Dunki may not be Hirani’s best work, but it is still entertaining and gives you a good feeling when you leave the theatre. Furthermore, there’s no better way to cap off the year than seeing SRK enchant you on the big screen once more.
