‘Dunki’ Tackles Fraught Issue of Illegal Immigration With Slapstick Humor in Mishmash Punjabi
- While the film occasionally wanders off and oversimplifies complex issues, its poignant storytelling and strong performances deserve a drum roll.
Produced under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment, Jio Studios, and Rajkumar Hirani Films, the release of “Dunki” coincides with Shah Rukh Khan’s 50th birthday. It also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani. The film marks Khan’s first collaboration with Hirani since “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006), “3 Idiots,” and “PK” (2014).
Shah Rukh Khan as Hardy Singh Dhillon is armed with his charismatic good looks, a smile showcasing deep dimples, halting mishmash Punjabi conversational style, a buff body in linen kurtas and cargo pants, a soldier’s brave heart, and an attitude of a coach or “coach-ji” who trains the young Manu (Taapsee Pannu) in some dashing kushti style moves.
But soon, the good Samaritan who arrives in Laltu village on a “train” from Pathankot, armed with “mithai ke dibbe,” a tape recorder, and in search of a man with a “cheetah’ tattoo or “tattu” as he calls transforms into “everyone’s heartthrob.”
The storyline and performances of the ensemble cast are inspired by and set in a rural agrarian economy with dwindling means. They are patriotic to the core, connected to the dirt of their motherland but aspire for a better life in the UK.
They have limited resources and a sketchy infrastructure fraught with crooked immigration agents and overzealous but not foolproof coaching classes conducted by Geetu Gulati (a very convincing Sardarji style Boman Irani).
After a tragedy in Laltu, Hardy is shaken to the core and resolves to take Manu and Buggu to London himself through the Dunki route. After a treacherous journey through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey during which many are killed, the trio each reaches London.
“Dunki” displays a slapstick style humor that is more in line with regional Punjabi films. The characters like Balli (Anil Grover),who swoons when he passes the IELTS exam, Baggu (Vikram Kochhar), who loves to pose as a doctor in a white coat but does not know where his kidneys are located, and Mr. Gulati, aging parents, and neighbors are all cognizant of the extraordinary lengths young people go to get a UK visa.
The concept of “Dunki” resonated deeply with me because recently I heard a touching immigration story from an Uber driver in the Bay Area. His journey from Punjab via “the dunki” route was fraught with challenges in countries bordering the United States. I was amazed that he was hopeful and resilient, mirroring the themes portrayed in the film, highlighting the sheer determination and fearlessness often associated with such endeavors.
Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal exudes an evergreen nostalgic charm reminiscent of his earlier romantic roles.
Taapsee Pannu as Manu owns her character, and her determination to restore the nameplate of her father’s name on the gatepost of her “kothi” is so palpable that she is ready to cross deep waters, arid deserts, be packed in mattresses, have a fake church wedding to a drug addict, and also part with her loyal beau or “banda” to fulfill her heart’s desire.
The chemistry between Manu and Hardy is not awkward, and the way she rests her head on his shoulders after every “kand” or mess is endearing. Manu shines in her bit about how she eats parathas for breakfast and mimes how she makes “omelets” from time to time. SRK’s two-minute monologue about his family being “dead” is funny, and his heartfelt speech in front of the immigration judge where he refuses to seek asylum is powerful (reminds me of Swades-2004).
The plight of Balli and other immigrants who reach England on student visas or via illegal routes is dismal! But the performance that deserves accolades is of Vicky Kaushal’s as Sukhi Singh. Sukhi plays the role of a forlorn “Ranjha” whose ‘Heer” is married to a “tidda” in England who beats her up.
Sukhi is hellbent on going to England to rescue his “Jassi.” He is disheartened when he thinks that he might have to learn every word in the English dictionary (not just lavatory!) but is encouraged by Hardy’s comprehensive “template” for sure success, which he uses convincingly.
But alas, he fails the qualifying exam. My daughter described Vicky Kaushal’s emotional performance as a “showstopper.” The cinematography and soundtrack, which are enjoyable. Music is composed by Pritam and Shekhar Ravjiani, and cinematography handled by C. K. Muraleedharan, Manush Nandan, and Amit Roy.
While the film occasionally wanders off and oversimplifies complex issues, its poignant storytelling and strong performances deserve a drum roll. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal exudes an evergreen nostalgic charm reminiscent of his earlier romantic roles, especially from classics like “DDLJ” (1995), and the way he waits patiently for his Manu to return to Pathankot, taking care of her parents is somewhat like his character in “Veer-Zaara” (2004).
But is Hardy ever able to “slip” an engagement ring on Manu’s finger? For that and to learn the side-step-kick dance moves of the catchy number “ Main Lutt Putt Gaya,” I recommend you watch “Dunki,” based on “donkey flight,” an illegal immigration technique
“Dunki” is streaming on Netflix.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.