Dunki Review: Weakest Raj Kumar Hirani Film

Shah Rukh Khan who is in top form with the super success of Pathan and Jawaan joined forces with critically acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. The makers have unveiled the film’s promos as Dunki Drop and these indeed raise the anticipation surrounding the film. Does the film meet its high expectations? Let’s find out what Dunki has to offer.

What is it about?

Set in the rural milieu of Laltu, Punjab in 1995, four friends Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Bali (Anil Grover), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar), and Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal) aspire to go to London for their own reasons. They are joined by former soldier Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan) who falls in love with Mannu and vows to help them. After failing to go the legal route, they decide to go the illegal way i.e. Dunki way, a dangerous immigration route. What are the struggles they face and How do their lives take a turn in the process? Will they be successful in their attempt? When they want to return what problems do they face? The film answers these questions.

Performances

Shah Rukh Khan as Hardy carries a charm. He shines in his role and does well in emotional scenes. The courtroom scene in London stands out. He tries his best to pull the film on his shoulders, but the underwriting doesn’t let him do it. Taapsee fits the bill aptly. She does justice for her role Mannu. The love story between Hardy and Mannu is not convincing. Even the story of Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal) is a bit forced and disconnected. Boman Irani’s role is not impressive enough. The English classroom scenes turn a bit boring. Some of the side-actors were part of Raj Kumar Hirani’s previous films and bring nostalgia. The writing is typical and predictable. Performances-wise there is nothing much to find fault with

Technicalities

Rajkumar Hirani has magic in his films. He knows how to weave a strong human story and narrate it effectively using entertainment and drama. Dunki lacks these in the right portions. It follows the formulaic style of Hirani without depth. Visuals are eye-pleasing. The songs are disappointing contrary to his track record. BGM is complimenting. Editing lacks the sharpness

Thumbs Up

SRK
Some Emotional Scenes

Thumbs Down

Misses Rajkumar Hirani’s Magic
Unconvincing Message
Lack of depth in writing
Predictable Narration and Weak Songs

Analysis

Unarguably, Rajkumar Hirani is one of the finest filmmakers in Indian cinema who blends a strong social message and commercial elements in style. His movies and writing have depth in the story and the story-telling has a unique style. The way he deals with the emotions tugs at the heartstrings. The auteur of films like 3 Idiots and Munnabai MBBS has received some criticism from PK and Sanju. Now, all eyes are on his Dunki.

The film starts in the present when aged Mannu escapes from the hospital and runs to her lawyer demanding her Indian visa and she seeks Hardy’s help for her return to her homeland. When the film shifts to the past (1995) to Laltu, Punjab.
Unarguably, Rajkumar Hirani stands out as one of the finest filmmakers in Indian cinema, seamlessly blending a strong social message with commercial elements in his distinctive style. His movies and writing exhibit depth in both storytelling and the narrative’s unique style. The way he navigates emotions tugs at the heartstrings. As the auteur behind films like “3 Idiots” and “Munnabai MBBS,” he has faced criticism for works like “PK” and “Sanju.” Now, all eyes are on his latest creation, “Dunki.”

The film initiates in the present, where the elderly Mannu escapes from the hospital, seeking her Indian visa and enlisting Hardy’s help for her return home. As the narrative transitions to the past (1995), the true story unfolds.

Director Rajkumar adeptly captures the beauty of Punjab, portraying characters, their body language, and the authentic Punjabi they speak. However, shortcomings arise in the story, which lacks the needed depth, and in certain scenes. While some scenes convey emotion, the narrative feels prolonged, and the ultimate message delivered lacks complete conviction. The character introductions and family backgrounds consume a significant portion of the first half, featuring some old-school banter moments and an IELTS interview that adds a touch of fun. The emotional touch related to Manu’s brother’s death works well, and Vicky Kaushal’s (Sukhi) part echoes themes from Hirani’s previous films. The interval builds anticipation for the second half.

Unfortunately, it becomes evident that the strength lies in the initial half, and Rajkumar Hirani’s narrative lacks substance, resulting in a somewhat tedious presentation. The story’s seriousness and narration fail to captivate the audience. The courtroom scene, while following typical Hirani writing intended to evoke patriotism, falls short of hitting the right chords this time. Somewhere, the renowned director falters in integrating social issue, drama, and entertainment, missing the mark on a perfect combination. In contrast to Hirani’s usual engaging soundtracks, the songs here are not compelling, with one in the first half disrupting the flow of the story. The background score, however, remains compelling. The editing lacks crispness, and the film unfolds predictably, concluding expectedly. “Dunki” emerges as perhaps the weakest film in Rajkumar Hirani’s repertoire so far.

When SRK doesn’t engage in action, his fans expect him to provide both entertainment and emotion. However, the writing only manages to deliver partially. “Dunki” is not a bad film, but it falls short of the expectations set by the Hirani school. It delivers moments occasionally, leaving viewers with an incomplete and unsatisfactory feeling. There’s a craving for a better film and “Dunki” falls short of reaching its potential.

Verdict: Dunki Misses ‘Master of Cinema’ Rajkumar Hirani

Rating: 2.5/5