Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani are two of the biggest names in the Indian film industry and the stakes are particularly high on their latest theatrical film, Dunki. Here is our review of the film.
Story: Hardy(Shah Rukh Khan) is on a mission to go to the United Kingdom at any cost along with Manu (Tapsee), Bali(Anil Grover), and Sukhi(Vicky Kaushal). But they have the most unconventional way to go to UK as they fail miserably in their mandated IELTS English language tests. What is this Dunki method?
How did the actors perform?
The film has a host of talented actors like Tapsee, Vicky Kaushal and Anil Grover in the lead roles and they are deliver fine performances. SRK is in a soft character and he delivers what is expected of him. Hirani gets the best of his actors.
What about the technical finesse?
Rajkumar Hirani is a master of sensible narration and classy filmmaking with peculiar subjects. He picks the peculiar donkey flight to UK subject for Dunki. The premise is fresh and interesting but the storytelling is not on Hirani standards. The sound engineering and the background score are alright. The visual presentation is of good quality though.
Analysis:
Dunki has the interesting premise of the main gang on their way to the UK through a risky and unconventional manner. There is good scope for funny narrative through the situations pertaining to the travel from India to UK. But the issue is that Hirani doesn't strike the chord on expected level.
The comedy part which was the key for the film has been written in an underwhelming manner. The trademark witty comedy track doesn't quite pack the desired punch.
However on the flip side, there is just about enough grip in the presentation of the plot. The opening half has a breezy vibe with the funny efforts of the gang occasionally brining the house down. There is no real flow in comedy track but it certainly has its bright moments here and there.
The climax blows hot and cold. For some, it might be appealing and tear-jerking. But for the rest, it is a bland one. Emotional drama lovers might connect with the kind of ending this film has. The court scene stands out in the latte half.
Verdict: Dunki has a Hirani mark peculiar subject but his trademark narration isn't seen. More witty comedy and gripping narration could've worked better. Nevertheless, it is a decent one-time watch.
Rating: 2.75/5
