Dunki Review: More Of Vicky Kaushal And A Touch Of Logic Could Have Fixed The Shah Rukh Khan Starrer

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' offers some hope that audiences would go beyond the testosterone-driven action movies that are at this moment quite trendy.

New Delhi: Even days after the release of 'Animal', Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Ranbir Kapoor's magic doesn't appear to be wearing off. Films that came out during and even after it haven't received the heights they should have. It's no surprise that Shah Rukh Khan is one of the stars who can draw attention to himself in any case, and 'Dunki' offers some hope that audiences would go beyond the testosterone-driven action movies that are at this moment quite trendy.

In 2018, Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan, a pair we never knew we needed, wrapped up their last ventures. After a long break, they both got back this year with a highly anticipated film. The Hindi film industry has undergone an immense shift during Shah Rukh's absence from the camera, despite his fleeting cameos in a few films this time around. The actor leaped on the bandwagon and gave action-packed blockbusters 'Jawan' and 'Pathaan' to make his powerful comeback. Shah Rukh has the charisma to make you believe in any movie, but 'Dunki' is a flick that rebounds the star to being a thoughtful, compassionate, and morally upright hero.

While it does depict a different kind of 'desh prem' than SRK's previous two films, it also exposes the grim reality of the millions of Indians who have no choice but to flee their own land in pursuit of a better quality of life. It is not wholly fictional considering the narrative is based on real-life experiences that young people in Punjab have on hand. By leveraging genuine events, the director crafts a compelling film.

From 'Pardes' to 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', Bollywood has produced films that glorify life abroad. Rajkumar Hirani's social drama reveals the truth, which is one of fixation and feeling powerless, shattering the rose-tinted bubble. During the reverse immigration times, 'Dunki' reminds us of an era in which moving to a foreign country looked to be the only way to sustain. The film, despite its comedic tone, depicts a gloomy tale about folks forced to abandon their homes in bunkers solely to take on odd jobs in order to make a living for their families.

For a bunch of young people who want to live in the British capital, Dunki—a term for the unofficial route known as the "donkey road"—remains their sole choice. The narrative unfolds in the village of Punjab, Laltu, where locals are elated to show off the accomplishment of a family member who has triumphantly migrated overseas. On his way to the countryside to settle a debt, Hardy Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), an army man, encounters these outcasts who hope to one day move to London. However, getting to London is not an easy feat. There are several difficult challenges ahead of them, such as those that demand the squad learn English and ones where they have to steer clear of being gunned down by the cross-border army.

'Dunki' is filled with some scenes are incredibly heartbreaking, while others will leave you with a lump in your throat. In a flashback sequence, Taapsee Pannu's character Manu Randhawa pleads for Hardy's backing again in her last chance to return to her native country. She takes a risky detour to get home without a visa with two of her friends, Balli (Anil Grover) and Buggu Lakhanpal (Vikram Kochhar). With Rajkumar Hirani's distinctive voice and a more humorous tone to make a strong case, Abhijat Joshi, Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon worked on the narrative. Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal) and the entire IELTS exam, however, continue to be the highlights of the initial portion. He portrays a helpless lover who is trying to save his beloved's life by filing for a temporary visa to London. And he is determined to not stop at any cost. Even after the movie ends, you'll still be drawn into the actor's performance and the devastating part of the movie.

 The second act makes up for the first half's unhurried tempo as the characters take some of the most treacherous pathways and routes possible to reach London. But there's a lack of spark in the romance between Shah Rukh Khan and Taapsee. However, the latter captivates with her typical body language and dialect. Vikram and Anil, among the other cast members, are extremely convincing and lend much of backbone to the narrative. 

'Dunki' will take you on an emotional journey, even if it doesn't seem like a masterpiece is on its way. While it is undoubtedly not as spectacular as his past movies, the social drama is nevertheless delivered in an upright tone. Vicky Kaushal makes an outstanding appearance, and you do get back the charming Shah Rukh Khan. Finally, unlike the romanticized depictions of violence in movies, 'Dunki' is a family-friendly film that makes you feel good when you walk out of the theater.