Dunki Movie Review and Rating: Rajkumar Hirani directorial seems to be the cherry on top of Shah Rukh Khan's successful year, following the blockbuster hits 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan,' both crossing the coveted Rs 1,000 crore mark globally. The film is attributed to the combination of Hirani's directorial prowess and Shah Rukh Khan's star power, alongside a storyline that delves into the dreams and struggles of characters aiming for a better life abroad. With Dunki, the filmmaker addresses a weighty topic with sincerity.

Rajkumar Hirani's return to cinema with Shah Rukh Khan marks a departure from his usual storytelling style. The focus on illegal immigration or 'Donkey Route' as the central theme is an intriguing shift, considering his penchant for heartfelt narratives that connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Dunki: Storyline

The journey from Punjab to London, navigating through various challenges, suggests a story that might delve into the aspirations, struggles, and dreams of individuals aiming to reach a foreign land. The choice to have Shah Rukh Khan as a mentor figure in the story adds depth and charisma to the narrative. However, it seems the film leans more towards a somber tone, deviating from Hirani's usual balance between humour and sentimentality. The title itself, a play on "donkey," suggests the harsh reality of human trafficking, indicating a more serious and possibly poignant storyline.

The IELTS exam preparation, particularly the scenes featuring the English-speaking teacher Gulati, played by Boman Irani, becomes a focal point of the film. The pressure to speak English, show a good bank balance, educational degree, clear the exam to travel abroad and match the level of those speaking the stated language added more realism to the story. With this, the film feels organic.

In 'Dunki,' the character of Manu Randhawa, played by Taapsee Pannu, is depicted as an old woman longing to return to India along with her friends Buggu Lakhanpal (Vikram Kochhar) and Balli (Anil Grover). Their attempts to secure a visa from the British embassy hit a dead end, leaving them with no viable options. Desperate to find a solution, Manu reaches out to Hardy, also known as Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Shah Rukh Khan, in Punjab. She believes he might hold the key to help them navigate their way back to India.

The storyline seems to revolve around these characters' struggles and their quest to overcome the challenges of returning home. With the involvement of Shah Rukh Khan's character, it hints at a journey that might delve into unconventional means or solutions to address their predicament.

The story takes us back to 1995 in Laltu, Punjab, where Manu, Buggu, Balli, and Sukhi -- Vicky Kaushal's cameo, harboured aspirations of building a new life in London for better opportunities. Their dreams intersected with the arrival of Hardy, a soldier, who promised to assist them in achieving their aspirations. Fast forward 25 years, the narrative brings these characters together again, reuniting them to embark on a different journey this time.

Cast and Direction

'Dunki,' directed by Rajkumar Hirani, mirrors his signature style, weaving a narrative rich in emotions while balancing it with a generous dose of humour. The film unravel the journey of Manu and Hardy, depicting their meeting, mutual attraction, and their tumultuous journey through illegal immigration to reach London, encountering numerous challenges along the way-- 'sarhad pe goli,' rape, crossing sea, tucked in cars and trunks.

Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi shines brightly, despite his limited screen time. The writers have managed to flesh out his character well, showcasing a blend of restraint, volatility, and intensity when necessary. Taapsee Pannu, on the other hand, delivers a standout performance. Her chemistry and timing with SRK is cute.

The film seems to rely on the charm of Shah Rukh Khan and the spirited performances of Vikram Kocchar, Anil Grover and Boman Irani to carry it through. Dunki's strength lies in its ability to stir emotions, accentuated by impactful music that resonates deeply. Hirani cleverly uses lyrics and background music to create impactful and strong moment.

Final Verdict

The film seems to be a concoction of poignant storytelling, humor, and a compelling musical score, inviting audiences into a world where the characters' experiences resonate powerfully, leaving a lasting impression.