Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover, Jyoti Subhash, Deven Bhojani
Rating: 3/5
 
"Dunki," directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a film that embarks on a journey set in the year 1995, where four friends from a small village in Punjab harbor dreams of migrating to London. Facing financial constraints, they encounter Hardy, a soldier, who promises to help them realize their aspirations. However, tragedy strikes, leading them to opt for the illegal Donkey route after their visa applications are rejected. The film explores how life unfolds for them after making this fateful decision.
 
Rajkumar Hirani, known for his ability to create worlds that resonate with the masses, reunites with his longtime collaborator Abhijat Joshi and brings in Kanika Dhillon for the screenplay. The first half of the film is meticulously crafted, establishing the world and motivations of its characters. The story revolves around individuals with distinct dreams - from a girl wanting to buy back her legacy home to a boy aspiring to provide a better life for his family. The emotional depth, heartfelt dialogues, and engaging narrative make the first half a roller coaster ride, leaving a lasting impact.
 
Shah Rukh Khan, in the midst of his triumphant comeback year, delivers a heartfelt performance as Manoj. Despite the heavy use of prosthetics, Khan's portrayal shines with sincerity, capturing the essence of the loverboy that audiences have adored for years. Vicky Kaushal is a standout, bringing tragedy to the drama with his moving performance as Sukkhi. Taapsee Pannu, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover, and the rest of the cast contribute commendably to the film.
 
However, "Dunki" falters in the second half as it struggles to maintain the momentum established in the first. The focus on the Donkey route, teased as a challenging and haunting journey, is condensed to a mere 10 minutes, leaving the audience wanting more. The film fails to establish a strong connection with this crucial aspect of the story, and the narrative lacks commitment in exploring the challenges faced by immigrants.
 
The love story at the center of the film is also left unattended, with Manoj and Hardy's reunion lacking the emotional depth required for a grand event. The climax feels random and fails to evoke the desired impact, leaving the love story and immigration struggles underexplored.
 
Rajkumar Hirani's direction remains true to his signature style, placing characters in a well-defined world and evoking emotions at strategic junctures. The music, composed by Pritam, stands out, with the background score adding depth to the film.
 
In conclusion, "Dunki" starts strong, establishing a concrete world and engaging story but falters in the second half, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative. Shah Rukh Khan and Vicky Kaushal's performances shine, but the film falls short of fully realizing its potential. Despite its shortcomings, "Dunki" remains a watchable experience, providing moments of emotion and inspiration.