Shah Rukh Khan’s latest venture, “Dunki,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, has created a buzz with its release. This marks the first collaboration between the Bollywood megastar and the acclaimed director, known for his previous hits like “Sanju.” Starring an ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani, the film revolves around the struggles of four friends from a small town in Punjab attempting to migrate to London. As viewers flock to theaters, this article delves into the movie’s review, audience reactions, and box office predictions.
Review Highlights
The Hindustan Times review of “Dunki” describes it as a film that leaves the audience with a tearful smile. Contrasting it with the recent release “Animal” for its glorified violence, the review suggests that “Dunki” is a family entertainer and an emotional rollercoaster. The movie has been praised for its heartwarming portrayal of illegal immigrants and their quest for a better life abroad.
Entertainment journalist Haricharan Pudipeddi commends the film for being a moving drama that strongly resonates with NRIs and individuals aspiring to build a life in a foreign land. Pudipeddi appreciates Shah Rukh Khan’s convincing performance, especially after his two big-budget action films earlier in the year. While acknowledging that “Dunki” might not be Rajkumar Hirani’s best, he believes it leaves a strong impact, particularly on the emotional front.
On the other hand, some mixed opinions emerge, with a user named Yogesh expressing disappointment, calling it Raju Hirani’s weakest film. According to Yogesh, the film is a borefest with cartoonish acting and a distracting accent from Shah Rukh Khan, leading viewers to scroll their mobiles in the second half.
Popular YouTuber Anmol Jamwal acknowledges the importance of the film’s theme but criticizes the screenplay, describing it as bordering on silly on many occasions. Despite these shortcomings, Jamwal views “Dunki” as a good film that sheds light on the plight of immigrants dreaming of a better tomorrow, with the ensemble cast shining in their roles.
Reactions on Social Media
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions as soon as viewers watched “Dunki.” Entertainment journalist Haricharan Pudipeddi’s tweet praises the film’s moving drama about illegal immigrants, while a parody account humorously declares Shah Rukh Khan as the last star in the country after watching “Dunki.”
However, not all reactions were positive. User Yogesh, who identifies as a Shah Rukh Khan fan and reviewer, provides a contrasting viewpoint. He criticizes the film as a borefest with subpar acting and a distracting accent, suggesting a potential disconnect with certain audiences.
YouTuber Anmol Jamwal offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the film’s importance but criticizing the screenplay for occasional silliness. Despite the flaws, Jamwal considers “Dunki” a good film, highlighting the plight of immigrants with a strong ensemble cast.
Box Office Predictions
As anticipation builds around “Dunki,” box office predictions estimate an opening day collection of ₹30 crore in India, making it Shah Rukh Khan’s third-highest domestic box office opening this year. The film is expected to follow the success of “Pathaan” (₹57 crore) and “Jawan” (₹74 crore).
“Dunki” revolves around four friends in a Punjab small town attempting to migrate to London. When they face obstacles in the legal visa process due to economic and language constraints, they turn to the infamous illegal route known as the “Donkey route.” Co-written by Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, and Kanika Dhillon, the film is co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, Rajkumar Hirani Films, and Jio Studios.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Personal Connection
During an event in Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan shared his personal connection with “Dunki,” referring to it as his best film. He expressed a desire to create films that come from his heart, mentioning that “Dunki” holds a special place for him. He encouraged audiences to watch the film, promising that everyone will find something in it that touches their hearts and brings laughter.
Rajkumar Hirani’s Inspiration
In a 29-minute interaction shared by Shah Rukh Khan on his official social media page, Rajkumar Hirani discussed the inspiration behind “Dunki.” He revealed that the germ of the story came from the imagery of a house near Jalandhar, Punjab, with a large cemented replica of an Air India plane on its terrace.
This unusual sight, initially found funny by Hirani, sparked his curiosity. As he delved into research, Hirani discovered the phenomenon of people taking the illegal ‘donkey route’ (known as ‘dunki’ in Punjabi) out of India when facing visa troubles for a chance at a better life in countries like the UK and Canada.
Stars: 4
Conclusion
“Dunki” has emerged as a significant addition to Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography, exploring the emotional journey of illegal immigrants and their dreams of a better life abroad. While reviews and reactions vary, the film’s portrayal of a heartwarming story has resonated with some viewers, creating a positive buzz on social media.
As the box office predictions suggest a strong opening, it remains to be seen how “Dunki” will perform in the coming weeks and whether it will join the ranks of successful collaborations between Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani. The film’s exploration of a unique and often overlooked aspect of immigration adds depth to its narrative, making it a noteworthy release in the Bollywood landscape.
