In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan, riding high on the successes of “Pathaan” and “Jawaan,” has everyone eagerly anticipating the year-end release of “Dunki,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani. This collaboration between the country’s most beloved director and actor has naturally heightened expectations for the film. Known for his diverse film choices, Shah Rukh Khan consistently aligns himself with top-notch filmmakers in each genre. However, the lingering question in the minds of fans remains: has he truly extracted the best from these collaborations?
In this comedy-drama film, the spotlight is on the challenges of illegal immigration, covering meticulous planning, execution, and its aftermath. The storyline follows four individuals – Mannu (Taapsee Pannu), Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar), and Balli (Anil Grover) – each dealing with personal struggles. Together, they decide to escape their small village of Laltu in Punjab, aspiring to reach England. Despite lacking tickets and approved visas, their resolute determination sparks confident and strategic plans with the entry of Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), who befriends these misfits and pledges to lead them to their dream destination. The group sets out on a dangerous journey, testing their bravery and beliefs to the fullest.
Amidst a sea of larger-than-life, hero-centric action films, the anticipation for a Rajkumar Hirani film focused on his signature blend of laughter, tears, and drama with a meaningful message was palpable. However, despite incorporating all the essential elements, this film seems slightly out of place in several instances. The straightforward storytelling and heartwarming, light-hearted humor lose their impact as the narrative unfolds. The somewhat underwhelming experience may stem from the audience’s familiarity with the actor and director’s art, making it challenging to discern whether it’s a repetition or a nostalgic homage.
Elements like friends eagerly checking exam results, the emotional turmoil of a friend’s suicide attempt, introductions to friends’ families, promising on grandmother gone wrong, many more such elements all echo Hirani’s signature style, reminiscent of moments from “Munna Bhai” and “3 Idiots.” On the other hand, with “Main Hoon Na,” the railway station entry, the portraying of an army officer risking his life to safely send his love to another country resonates with Shah Rukh Khan’s “Veer Zaara”. The mind couldn’t help but recall “Swades,” even though the contexts are entirely different; the latter had a more distinct and effective message about returning home. Unfortunately, this movie lacks that emotionally fulfilling, picture-perfect quality.
The deep admiration for actor Shah Rukh Khan and his skillful portrayal of characters has rescued numerous films in the past. However, in this particular movie, there are instances that raise doubts about the writing. Two significant moments stand out—the monologue by Hardy as an army officer advocating a border-free world to a judge, questioning its alignment with the realistic nature of ensuring a country’s safety and justifying an illegal act. Additionally, the film’s climax presents a somewhat happy ending, only to be followed by end credits that depict the harsh reality of individuals involved in illegal immigration, creating a contradictory experience for viewers as they exit the cinema hall.
