Dunki Review: Shah Rukh Khan-Rajkumar Hirani Movie About Love, Humanity, Homecoming And Humour
Dunki is not just a Shah Rukh Khan movie; it exemplifies the actor”s elevated performance, a skill some skeptics accuse him of lacking. It is equally a Rajkumar Hirani film, showcasing the maverick director”s mastery marked by a harmonious fusion of comic elements and realistic drama. This fusion stems from well-developed characters, a realistic portrayal of human emotions, and exploration of societal issues inspired by real-life situations.
The distinctive blend of these two industry stalwarts, coupled with power-packed performances by the supporting cast, makes Dunki a perfect choice for the holiday season, contributing to the universal appeal and success of their films.
Following the adrenaline-packed blockbusters of Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan is set to rekindle the loyalty of his long-standing fanbase, particularly the family audience, with Dunki returning to theaters. His mastery of facial expressions, encompassing subtle nuances and exaggerated reactions, combined with distinctive voice modulation, significantly enhances his presence throughout the movie.
Shah Rukh Khan seamlessly incorporates physicality into his performance, utilizing gestures, body language, and comic movements to elevate the humor quotient in a film that otherwise delves into the serious subject of illegal migration.
Shah Rukh Khan”s ability to grasp the essence of his character allows him to seamlessly infuse humor into a role that posed challenges due to a storyline transcending borders.
Hirani”s script, co-written by Abhijat Joshi and Kanika Dhillon, follows a predictable trajectory. However, its grounding in relatable, everyday situations enables the director and actors to explore the theme with perfection, making the movie accessible to a wide audience.
The humor in Hirani”s films typically emanates from the quirks and idiosyncrasies of well-developed characters. In Dunki, there is a limitation to this aspect. While the characters possess distinct personalities, they seldom contribute to the comedic tone of the narrative. The catch lies in what the teamwork ultimately produces.
Dunki’s humour is not as best as Hirani cleverly used satire to comment on societal norms and issues in his films, like “Munna Bhai” series and “PK”.
Hirani has not lost his unique strength of seamlessly transitioning between moments of comedy and poignant, heartfelt scenes. This blend keeps the audience engaged while offering a more holistic portrayal of life.
Even in addressing serious issues, Hirani tends to infuse an optimistic outlook. This optimism, combined with realism, creates a narrative tone that inspires and resonates with viewers.
What makes Dunki more watchable is the supporting cast. Vicky Kaushal, though comes in a long ‘special appearance’, steals the screen with a high level of vehemence in emotional scenes, and Taapsee Pannu is remarkable in her intense role, displaying tranquil emotions.
Taapsee Pannu, portraying Manu, is a visual treat. She has not disappointed Hirani for choosing her to play a major role that remains integral to the story throughout. Her composure in portraying a character that ages from youth to maturity will undoubtedly place her among the A-listers of Bollywood.
The predictability of the story may kill your mood to enjoy the movie, but suddenly Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover make appearances, and with Hirani”s magic, boom, you are back into the movie.
The movie”s core theme is homecoming, as the protagonist and his friends yearn to return to their homeland after leaving it to build a haven for their loved ones. Humanity intertwines as another vital theme, emphasized by Shah Rukh Khan in interviews. Ideas of friendship, togetherness, and love weave through both, painting a poignant tapestry. Of course, Shah Rukh Khan being the King of Romance, love takes center stage too, with Taapsee Pannu contributing to a perfect love story, albeit one with a tragic end (spoiler alert!).
The “Dunki act” spans a significant portion of the script, neatly presenting an international issue layered with local connections. While some may crave deeper exploration, remember: it”s a Shah Rukh Khan-Bollywood movie by Hirani. Expect a delightful blend of humor, love, and sacrifice, where emotions reign supreme.
Dunki showcases one of Shah Rukh Khan”s best performances, arguably surpassing even Chak De! India and Swades. He excels in conveying depth and vulnerability, making this a film for everyone, not just fans.
