Dunki Movie Review

Dunki wants to make a case for desperate, needy folks from small towns and villages running off to first world countries in search of better prospects, but in his preoccupation with ’90s style sitcom humour and excessive schmaltz, he cannot establish a solid reason for us to feel bad about the situation or root for its motley bunch.

On the whole, Dunki is a hit fare. It will have a reasonably long run at the cinemas as business in the weekends after the initial week or two will be very good on the strength of family and class audience.

Hirani is known to keep things simple. This benefits and in certain ways impacts the film as well. When the film works, it does with great merit, spunk, and surprise. When it does not, it meanders into a trap that is hard to come out of. But in a time when action entertainers and spy films are very much in vogue, Dunki breaks the monotony and comes as a gush of fresh air. It is heartwarming, cheering, and uplifting reminds you, ‘Sab changa hai.’

Shah Rukh Khan fits in with ease in Rajkumar Hirani’s canvas. His charm and style of humor suit well for Hardy’s character. Throughout the film, his presence seems effortless, but in a couple of scenes, he looks a bit unconvincing. In a court scene, he’s brilliant, though!

Taapsee Pannu as Mannu is good, and her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan looks breezy and natural. Vikram Kochhar, as Buggu, has also done his job well and makes you laugh whenever he’s on the screen.

Vicky Kaushal, in a cameo, has done a superb job, and his character also serves as one of Dunki’s high points.