I think that Dunki is one of those movies that I really need to see again. I went into Dunki under the assumption that it was a comedy (that is really on me) when it is way more of a drama. If I had known that it was going to be a bit of a heartbreaker, I am sure that I would have probably connected with the story more than I did.
How to Download Dunki
Dunki was released on 21 December 2023. You can download or stream the film from JioCinema. Click on the Download button at the end of this review.
The Movie Review
Dunki is a Hindi language movie and as it stars SRK (check him out in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, Pathaan, Jawan, or Tiger3) I thought that it would probably be pretty good. It also stars the stunning Taapsee Pannu as Manu and the movie is basically hers and Hardy’s story, with Hardy being played by SRK. They have great chemistry and their “love story” is a real heartbreaker, to be honest with you.
Understanding the Story
I am sure some people will see the title “Dunki” and know exactly what it is about. Being as ignorant as I am, I did not know that this was based on the term “Donkey Flight” which is an illegal immigration term that some people use to hop from country to country to find their way to a better life in a country they have always dreamed of.
Plot Summary
The movie starts off in the present day in London. Manu takes off from a hospital and she asks a lawyer to track down a man called Hardayal Singh, better known as Hardy. Hardy is excited to hear from his long-lost love after all these years, but she wants him to come and meet her in Dubia and to help her get back to India via the Dunki route as she cannot get a visa to get there legally.
Journey Back in Time
What happens next is that we jump back in time to the mid-90s. Manu is a soldier who comes to Manu’s village to bring back her brother’s items who he served with. Manu’s brother saved Hardy’s life while they served together and that is what makes him willing to do what he can to help Manu and her friends.
Challenges and Hardships
Manu along with her friends, Buggu and Balli want to go from their village to London. They try to get visas, but it is way more challenging than they thought and while Balli makes it to London, Manu does not! This is what makes Manu say that he will help her and take her to London via the Dunki route.
Dramatic Themes
We get a travel movie with them making their way there and the brutal hardships along the way. It does not actually get any better once they arrive in London as they are faced with the hardships of what it is like to be an illegal immigrant in a place like this. There are some humorous moments in the movie, but it is way more of a drama. I have also heard some people say that they loved the ending, but to me, it was a real downer!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
I have read more than a few reviews where people say that they loved this movie, which is why I do feel like I need to give it a second watch. In typical Hindi language movie fashion, it has a hefty runtime of over two and a half hours and to be honest, I do not think this story needed to be that long. I would very much advise checking out the trailer at least a couple of times before deciding if you think this is for you.
