Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover, and others
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Producers: Gauri Khan, Rajkumar Hirani
Music Director: Pritam, Aman Pant
Story:
“Dunki” follows the journey of Manu (Taapsee), Bali (Anil Grover), Buggu Lakhanpal (Vikram Kochhar), and Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal) from Punjab to London. In pursuit of their dreams, they resort to the Dunki method, an illegal way of crossing borders, guided by Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), a soldier. The narrative delves into their motivations, the risks they take, and the experiences they encounter in this unconventional journey.
Positives:
The film’s first half, primarily driven by comedy, is a highlight. Rajkumar Hirani’s signature humor shines through, surprising audiences who may have had reservations based on promotional material. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance stands out, particularly in a pivotal court scene that underscores his prowess as both a star and a skilled actor.
Taapsee Pannu delivers a solid performance, sharing the spotlight with the protagonist. Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar excel in their roles, providing moments of laughter. The film is commendable for shedding light on an unfamiliar subject, and there are notable moments in the second half.
Negatives:
While the humor aspect is well-executed, the emotional depth expected from a Rajkumar Hirani film feels somewhat lacking in “Dunki.” The portrayal of intense emotions, a hallmark of Hirani’s earlier works, seems subdued here. Vicky Kaushal’s cameo could have been more impactful, and the staging of the interval sequence falls short of creating the desired impact.
Technical Aspects:
The music by Pritam and background score by Aman Pant add value to the film. The production values are decent, but some CGI scenes appear less polished. There seem to be instances where crucial scenes related to SRK’s backstory may have been abruptly edited by Hirani, who serves as the film’s editor as well.
Verdict:
“Dunki” tackles an intriguing concept but falls short in execution under Rajkumar Hirani’s direction. While the humor is a strong suit, the film lacks the profound emotional resonance characteristic of Hirani’s earlier works. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance shines, supported by Taapsee, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar. Viewers willing to overlook its flaws may find the film worth a watch.