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” revolves around Manu (Taapsee), Bali (Anil Grover), Buggu Lakhanpal (Vikram Kochhar), and Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal) from Punjab, aiming to reach London. They opt for the Dunki method, an illegal border-crossing maneuver, guided by Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), a soldier. The film explores their motivations and challenges faced on this unconventional journey.
Positives:
The film’s first half is a comedic delight, boasting Rajkumar Hirani’s trademark humor that pleasantly surprises audiences, surpassing initial promotional expectations. Shah Rukh Khan delivers a standout performance, particularly shining in a crucial court scene, showcasing his dual prowess as a star and a skilled actor.
Taapsee Pannu’s compelling portrayal matches the protagonist’s depth, while Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar excel, providing moments of sheer hilarity. The film’s commendable attempt to shed light on an unfamiliar subject presents some noteworthy moments in the latter part.
Negatives:
Despite effectively handling humor, the emotional depth characteristic of Hirani’s previous works seems somewhat diluted in “Dunki.” The film falls short in evoking intense emotions, lacking the impactful execution seen in Hirani’s acclaimed movies. Vicky Kaushal’s cameo could have been more substantial, and the interval sequence failed to create the expected impact.
Technical Aspects:
Pritam’s music and Aman Pant’s background score add value to the narrative. While the production values are decent, certain CGI scenes appear less polished. There are indications of abrupt editing in crucial scenes related to SRK’s backstory, potentially affecting the overall narrative flow.
Verdict:
“Dunki” ventures into an intriguing concept but falters in execution under Rajkumar Hirani’s direction. Despite the film’s strong comedic elements, it lacks the profound emotional resonance found in Hirani’s earlier works. Shah Rukh Khan’s stellar performance, supported by Taapsee, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar, might appeal to viewers willing to overlook the film’s shortcomings.
