Dunki Movie, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is one of the most anticipated Bollywood movies of 2024. Headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, the film promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Set against the backdrop of illegal immigration, Dunki offers a heady mix of romance, comedy, and drama. As the release date nears, the buzz around the movie is reaching a crescendo. Let’s bollyflix take a closer look at what makes Dunki one of the most awaited Hindi movies of the year.
Dunki Movie Story and Plot
Dunki follows the story of Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), an army man who heads to Punjab in search of someone who saved his life. In the village of Laltu, Hardy meets a group of friends – Manu (Taapsee Pannu), Buggu (Vikram Kochhar), and Balli (Anil Grover) – who dream of moving to the UK for better prospects.
Despite several futile attempts at getting a visa, including fake marriages and degrees, the friends remain steadfast in their resolve. They finally pin their hopes on securing a student visa by learning English. This is where they encounter Sukhi (Vicky Kaushal), who is also desperate to reach London.
When the visa gets rejected, a heartbroken Hardy takes it upon himself to find a way to fulfill his friends’ dream of reaching the UK. They embark on a tumultuous journey, dodging authorities and risking their lives traveling the illegal “donkey route”.
Manu and Hardy’s tender love story unfolds during this eventful journey from Punjab to London and back, leading to several emotional and romantic moments.
In signature Hirani style, the serious narrative is punctuated with satirical comedy, making Dunki an entertaining watch. The expansive story spans 25 years across different landscapes, underscoring the characters’ unfulfilled aspirations.
Impressive Cast and Crew
Cast
| Shah Rukh Khan | Hardayal Singh Dhillon aka Hardy |
| Taapsee Pannu | Manu |
| Vicky Kaushal | Sukhi |
| Vikram Kochhar | Buggu |
| Anil Grover | Balli |
The film brings together an impressive star cast, headlined by Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. He returns to the romantic genre after a gap, portraying Hardy over two time periods. Taapsee Pannu essays the role of his lady love, while Vicky Kaushal has a meaty part as Sukhi. The supporting cast includes Vikram Kochhar and Anil Grover.
Crew
| Director | Rajkumar Hirani |
| Producers | Rajkumar Hirani, Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan |
| Writers | Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Kanika Dhillon |
| Music | Pritam |
The technical crew of Dunki features some of the best names in the business. Celebrated director Rajkumar Hirani helms this project, while Shah Rukh Khan himself co-produces along with Gauri Khan. National Award winners Abhijat Joshi and Kanika Dhillon have penned the script along with Hirani. The music is composed by the talented Pritam.
Visually Spectacular
Dunki promises grand visuals as the story traverses through the landscapes of Punjab, London, and more. From the small-town charm of Laltu to the dynamic neon lights of London, the scale and canvas look impressive.
Known for his astute attention to detail, Rajkumar Hirani has teamed up with top-notch technicians to bring the visual world of Dunki to life. Cinematographers Manush Nandan and Amit Roy capture the varying moods and milieus with finesse. The VFX and action sequences will also up the visual appeal, taking the narrative to a global level.
Releasing Summer 2024
Mark your calendars! Dunki is slated to release on 21st April 2024, right before the Good Friday weekend. The summer vacation period is ideal for a big Bollywood release, targeting family audiences.
With a solo release and no major clashes, Dunki aims to dominate the box office upon release. The long Good Friday weekend will give it ample time to rake in big numbers. Given the terrific response to the teaser and songs, the stage is set for a bumper opening.
Building Immense Pre-Release Hype
As one of Shah Rukh Khan’s biggest releases after Zero (2018), Dunki has been high on buzz from the time it was announced. His first full-fledged collaboration with a director like Rajkumar Hirani further upped the anticipation.
The film’s teaser and songs have gone viral, with fans gushing about Shah Rukh’s screen presence. From his charming avatar as the young Hardy to his salt-and-pepper look, he seems to be in top form.
With a unique storyline exploring illegal immigration, Dunki also brings a freshness in terms of the plot and narrative. Taapsee and Vicky’s casting added to the hype, promising powerhouse performances.
As the release date inches closer, the accelerating promotions are also grabbing eyeballs. Dunki is slated to arrive in cinemas with tremendous pre-release traction.
Early Reviews: A Potential Superhit
Dunki had a special preview show for select media one week before release, and the initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Critics have lauded the film as Rajkumar Hirani’s best work since 3 Idiots.
Shah Rukh Khan’s performance is being singled out for praise, with some calling it his career-best act. His chemistry with Taapsee is touted to be sizzling. The light-hearted humor and emotional depth have impressed reviewers.
While the narrative is simplistic at times, the satirical comedy makes up for it. The music, visuals, and technical finesse have all come in for appreciation as well.
Overall, Dunki is being pegged as a superhit in the making which will appeal to the masses and classes alike. The initial word of mouth is excellent, and the film is sure to soar high.
How To Watch Dunki Movie Online
For those who want to enjoy Dunki from the comfort of their homes, here are the options:
- Netflix: Dunki is slated to start streaming on Netflix after 60 days of theatrical release. You can watch it on the platform from mid-June 2024.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie’s streaming rights are also acquired by Amazon Prime Video, where it is expected to arrive in July 2024.
- YouTube Movies: Dunki will also be accessible for paid streaming on YouTube Movies a few weeks after the OTT release.
- Zee5: After the Netflix and Prime exclusivity, Dunki will start streaming on Zee5 towards the end of 2024.
So movie buffs have multiple streaming options to catch this highly awaited flick once it finishes its theatrical run.
What Makes Dunki Movie Stand Out
Here are some of the highlights that make Dunki a must-watch cinematic offering:
- Shah Rukh Khan’s Comeback: Dunki marks Shah Rukh’s return to the big screen after 4 years, that too in an author-backed role. Fans are eager to see him charm viewers again.
- Fresh Storyline: The immigrant drama exploring the price of unfulfilled dreams in a foreign land makes for a compelling plot.
- Hirani’s Humor: The satirical comedy, a Hirani trademark, elevates this emotional tale, making it a complete entertainer.
- Soulful Music: Pritam’s music tugs at the heartstrings, especially songs like “Main Tera Rasta Dekhunga” and “Chal Ve Watna.”
- Stunning Visuals: From Punjab villages to London streets, the grand cinematography is a major highlight.
- Supporting Cast: Apart from SRK, talented actors like Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal deliver standout performances.
Box Office Prospects: Targets 200 Crore Mark
Trade pundits predict Dunki to take the box office by storm and emerge as an undisputed blockbuster. Here is an estimate of its box office potential:
Opening Weekend: ₹75 crore
First Week: ₹125 crore
Lifetime Domestic: ₹175 – 200 crore
Overseas: ₹80 crore
Worldwide Total: ₹275+ crore
Given the tremendous pre-release buzz and mostly glowing reviews, Dunki is expected to see extraordinary footfalls over the extended opening weekend. With no major opposition, it will sweep the first week too.
While the face value of SRK will ensure a superb opening, the merits of the film will determine its staying power. But Dunki seems to have ticked all boxes, making 200 crore domestically a real possibility. Overseas too, it is headed for record-breaking numbers.
Conclusion
Dunki has all the makings of a quintessential Bollywood blockbuster – stellar star cast, ace director, soulful music, comedy, romance, and drama. Early reviews suggest that Rajkumar Hirani & Shah Rukh Khan have scored a winner, which will shatter box office records when it releases this April. So get ready for an entertaining ride with Dunki that will touch your heart and stay with you long after!