Dunki

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*Dunki* explores the perilous journey of illegal immigration, focusing on the hardships faced by Punjabis seeking to move to London by any means necessary. The film opens in 1995 in a small town in Punjab, following the lives of Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Sukhee (Vicky Kaushal), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar), and Balli (Anil Grover), who are determined to emigrate despite the odds. They attend an English coaching class taught by Gulati (Boman Irani), learning the language to improve their chances of passing the IELTS exam. The first half is lighter, driven by comedy, particularly through Gulati’s attempts to teach English, reminiscent of the sitcom *Mind Your Language*. However, the tone shifts dramatically in the second half as the characters embark on the dangerous "dunki drop" route to London, only to discover that the promised land is far from the utopia they imagined.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, *Dunki* begins slowly, with the comedy in the first half feeling somewhat detached from the deeper emotional core the film eventually reaches. While it provides humor, it feels more like filler compared to Hirani’s past work, where humor was used to advance themes and characters. The second half, however, sees the director regain his usual command, delivering the poignant drama and emotional beats that make the film impactful.

The film’s strength lies in its stellar cast. Shah Rukh Khan, in his first collaboration with Hirani, is outstanding. The director understands Khan’s unique charm and nuances, crafting a role that allows the actor to shine not just as a star, but as a performer. His expressive eyes convey the deep emotional weight of the character, especially in key moments, such as when Hardy is drunk and at the climax. Taapsee Pannu matches Khan’s energy, delivering a strong performance and proving once again her ability to hold her own in dramatic roles. Vicky Kaushal’s role, though brief, is memorable, and Boman Irani brings his usual warmth and humor to the character of Gulati, the well-meaning teacher. Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar also deliver well-rounded performances, balancing comedy and pathos.

*Dunki* is a heartfelt commentary on immigration, borders, and the social divide, with Hirani’s signature humanism shining through. The film tackles serious themes without becoming preachy, using humor and heartfelt moments to convey its message. It’s a story about the yearning for a better life and the realization that borders, in the end, are only a barrier for the poor. The film's charm lies not just in its timely message but in the superb performances by the entire cast, making it a must-watch for both its emotional depth and its reflective commentary on the world beyond borders.