Dunki - Movie Review

Rajkumar Hirani's latest directorial and editorial venture Dunki, tells the story of uneducated and poor people who decide to leave their loved ones and even country to make their ends meet. However, acting upon such a decision is not so easy due to VISA restrictions. Eventually, they are forced to take the riskier "Donkey Route" aka Dunki to seize their dreams. Will their dreams come true? Most importantly, if they achieve the dreams, do that feel happy? This forms the rest of the story which is presented at a runtime of 161 minutes.

The story and screenplay is beautifully written by Abhijat Joshi, Kanika Dhillon and Rajkumar Hirani himself. It has a lovely blend of humor and emotions. And a tinge of romance and lots of love. Apart from the fact that this is based on true incidents, each character has an arc. This makes us remember each one of them even after leaving the theatres. Pritam's music is another highlight of the movie. More than the songs, I loved the BGM. 

Shahrukh Khan has been carefully choosing scripts of late. If Pathaan and Jawan were spectacular, this is out of the world yet rooted to the realities of life. He is the Badshah of Bollywood for a reason. And this movie further proves that point. Kuch kuch hota hai, tum nahi samjhoge every time he tears. This movie gives several such scenarios. Vicky Kaushal who has done an extended cameo touches our soul in a way nobody has. His angst and helplessness has been portrayed to the point of perfection. Tapsee Pannu, Anil Grover, Vikram Kochchar are all lovely. Bomman Irani is brilliant as always and it's pure pleasure to see him onscreen. All these people infuse so much life into the characters that empathising with them seems natural.

Most of the movies in recent times are so fast paced that we barely get time to savor moments. Dunki comes as a savior. It let's us absorb the gravitas of moments. There is no hurry! There are no over the top action sequences or drama. There are no super hero moments or high octane emotions. The story and screenplay takes full control of everything and everything just beautifully falls into place. It also talks about an important issue without being preachy or dramatic. This matter of fact treatment makes this movie easily the best feel good Bollywood movie of the year. 

Highly recommend this movie. Watch this with your friends and family. Laugh. Cry. And feel blessed that we are safe with our loved ones. Perfect way to end this year and welcome the new year!