Rating: 3.5/5 Star
When it comes to a Rajkumar Hirani film, expectations run high for a blockbuster, and the anticipation skyrockets when you add Bollywood’s king, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan. The trailer of Dunki received a lukewarm response initially, with audiences not expecting too much. However, history has shown that Hirani’s films often surpass the expectations set by their trailers when they hit theaters.
Despite limited revelations in the trailer, the combination of Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial prowess and Shah Rukh Khan’s presence creates Masterpiece. Hirani’s films are known for delivering social messages, making them inherently message-oriented.
Story
The narrative unfolds in the 90s, capturing the prevailing desperation in India, particularly Punjab, for emigrating to the UK. The central character, Mannu have a dream of relocating to the UK to construct a home in her village. Shah Rukh Khan’s character comes into play as he extends assistance, driven by a debt owed to Mannu’s family for a past favor.
The plot explores many levels and provides an exciting roller coaster journey that keeps you interested all the way to the very end. The story has a deep, broad appeal that promises to be engaging and hold the audience’s attention the entire time.
Star Performance
After viewing the film, it’s safe to say that SRK has achieved a hat-trick of blockbusters. His character, Hardy, is a departure from his previous action movie avatars, delivering a performance that evokes smiles, tears and constant engagement.
Turning to the performances, Taapsee Pannu‘s charm on screen and commendable portrayal of her character make her stand out. Boman Irani (Gulati), in a smaller role as the English-speaking class teacher, exudes energy and captivates with his character.
Vicky Kaushal‘s emotive affecting portrayal as Sukhi, which resonated with the audience and brought tears to the theaters and receiving praise for her guest appearance. The supporting cast adds depth to the film, complementing the lead actors effectively.
The narrative benefits greatly from the convincing performances of Vikram and Anil among the other cast members. They never give off the impression that Taapsee’s or SRK’s celebrity are weighing them down.
The music, while good, doesn’t quite reach the heights of excellence but the background score is pleasing to the ears.
Conclusion
In summary, Dunki is a roller coaster ride filled with emotion, comedy, drama and a touch of action. Its ultimate success or scale rests in the hands of the audience. While the question of whether it’s the movie of the decade is subjective, one thing is clear – I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Dunki might not recreate the magic of ‘3 Idiots,’ but it stands as a family entertainer brimming with comedy, drama, emotion and more.
Watch or Not?
Whether you’re an SRK or Rajkumar Hirani fan or not, watching Dunki in theaters is highly recommended.
