Dunki is based on a superb idea that will strike a chord with the audience, especially the South Asian diaspora who face visa-related issues often. The first half is decent at best with a few laughs. The real Rajkumar Hirani magic is seen in the second half, which has funny and emotional moments in equal doses. The big issue with the film is that it’s directed by Rajkumar Hirani; audiences expect nothing short of a masterpiece from him, going by his incredible track record. Dunki falls short, in this regard as the funny and emotional moments are there but not in plenty. There was a lot of scope for humour and a better development of characters. Shah Rukh Khan does a fine job as expected and good to see him in a ‘not-so-larger-than-life’ role, unlike his previous two films, for a change. Yet, he could have been a little more convincing in the scenes where he’s playing an aged man. Taapsee Pannu is a revelation and rocks the show. Vicky Kaushal is terrific in a cameo. Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar lend able support. Boman Irani and Deven Bhojani are quite likeable. All in all, Dunki is a fine effort but not as memorable as Rajkumar Hirani’s previous films. Yet, it’s worth watching because as it’s famously said, Hirani’s weak film is also much better than the best film of many filmmakers.
My rating – *** out of 5!