Review: Dunki

Film: Dunki
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vikram Kochchar, Anil Grover, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani among others.
Cinematographers: Muraleedharan C.K., Manush Nandan and Amit Roy
Music: Pritam
Producers: Jio Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment and Rajkumar Hirani Films
Duration:160 minutes
Rating: 3.5 stars

Director Rajkumar Hirani, who has made a name for himself as one of the most knowledgeable and reliable directors of this era, does not disappoint with his latest outing, Dunki, as well.

As in the past, Hirani tells a story that is both meaningful and entertaining at the same time.

This time around, Hirani chooses to shine the light on the plight of poor illegal immigrants, who, out of desperation to make money, choose the illegal route to go abroad.

The plot in brief…
Manu (Taapsee Pannu), an Indian who has now been granted British citizenship, is desperate to go back to India from where she came. The reason: She is dying and has hardly a month left. She does not want to die in a foreign land and wants to go back home to see her parents, whom she last saw 25 years ago.

Along with her are two friends — Buggu (Vikram Kochchar) and Balli (Anil Grover) who want to go back to India. However all three cannot return as India has declined to issue visas to them.

The reason why India has declined visas is because these three not only chose to migrate illegally to the UK 25 years ago but while doing so, alleged that their lives were under threat from India and cited that as a reason to seek asylum from the UK government.

Now, having had enough of the foreign land, they wish to return home but cannot. It is under these circumstances that Manu decides to call on the one man who can take them back home — Hardy Singh short for Hardayal Singh Dhillon (Shah Rukh Khan). Who is Hardy Singh? Why does Manu think he alone can help them get back home? How does Hardy Singh find a way? Dunki gives you the details…

Rajkumar Hirani’s stories have always been able to strike a rapport with the masses because he is not only intelligent but also empathetic to the cause of those suffering. That empathy is what makes his stories strike a chord with his audiences as well.

In this film too, that empathy comes across. While narrating an entertaining story, Hirani makes some pertinent points about illegal immigration.

Pointing out that only the poor are unwelcome and that the gates of almost all countries are open for the rich, Hirani recalls that the idea of needing a visa to travel from one country to another came into existence only recently. He points out that until a century ago, no one needed a visa to travel to a foreign land.

Hirani also drives home the point that no individual wants to leave the place they call home for another unknown land. It is only desperation and compulsion caused by their individual circumstances that makes them make that difficult decision.

The film has some exceptional performances and some ordinary performances as well.

Shah Rukh Khan as Hardy Singh impresses, always putting the interests of his friends over his. He delivers a commanding performance and his character is easily one that can steal your heart. Hardy Singh’s loyalty to the country, his gratitude to a man who once saved his life and his selfless acts to help his friends reach the land of their dreams make his character an adorable one and Shah Rukh revels in it.

Taapsee Pannu’s character Manu is the exact opposite of Hardy Singh in the film. Manu is an opportunist who first uses Hardy to get to the UK and then, chooses to bid him bye when it comes to choosing between going back to India or seeking asylum. She comfortably forgets about him for 25 years and finally, when she needs his services again, promptly calls him.

The film has three fantastic cinematographers Muraleedharan C.K., Manush Nandan and Amit Roy and all of them seem to have done a splendid job.

Pritam’s music is also another big plus for Dunki as it accentuates the mood the director looks to create.

To cut a long story short, Dunki is a fine and meaningful entertainer that is bound to leave you satisfied by the time you exit the theatre.