PremiumDunki - An energetic Shah Rukh Khan in an ‘unconventional’ Rajkumar Hirani film
Directed and edited by Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki releases on December 21
Last Updated: 07.02 PM, Dec 05, 2023
Dunki, Shah Rukh Khan’s third release in 2023 after Pathaan and Jawan, has been more in the news for its box office battle with Salaar during the Christmas season. Various theories have been floating around the net about its premise, with a few even suspecting it could be a remake. The film, directed and edited by Rajkumar Hirani, is releasing in theatres on December 21.
The trailer, launched earlier today, confirms that Dunki is a story of five people from the heartland of Punjab, who are desperate to shift to London in search of livelihood. While documenting their day-to-day realities, struggles and embarrassments, the film showcases the various risks they undertake to go abroad. There’s a touch of old-school drama, NRI angst with heavy emotions, humour, action and romance.
Also read: Dunki plot revealed! Expect Shah Rukh Khan to unpack a 25-year-old adventure Rajkumar Hirani style
Unlike Hirani’s earlier films - 3 Idiots, the Munnabhai series and PK - the humour doesn’t appear to be the driving force of Dunki. The trailer suggests it’s neither a quintessential Shah Rukh Khan vehicle nor an out-and-out Rajkumar Hirani film. They’ve tried to find a common ground, give what the audiences wish for and still explored something new.
Rajkumar Hirani’s cinematic language took a different turn especially with Sanju, where the father-son drama steered the ship. While the drama still appears to be the lifeline of Dunki, the broad strokes are undeniable and one can’t wait to see how the filmmaker deals with action sequences. After two larger-than-life outings, Shah Rukh Khan woos crowds in a relatable, common man-avatar with a few heroic touches.
In a world where migration continues to be a norm in search of greener pastures, Dunki promises to be an immensely relevant tale. As a collaboration between SRK and Rajkumar Hirani, will it meet expectations? That’s a different story altogether. Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani and Vicky Kaushal essay other pivotal roles in the film.