CAST: Shahrukh Khan, Tapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Anil Grover, Vikram Kochhar, Boman Irani

DIRECTOR: Raj Kumar Hirani

Despite its lack of depth and a deeper understanding of the issue, Raj Kumar Hirani boldly picks up the subject of illegal immigration without complicating it with geopolitics and identity.

Living in the United States, illegal immigration is perhaps the most volatile topic in political parlance with sides deeply polarized about the human vs legal battle. Raj Kumar Hirani comes dangerously close to verdicting himself as belonging to one of the sides by propositioning open borders. While the movie portrays the desperate and often perilous journey of individuals seeking a better life abroad, it also opens up a dialogue about the near obsession in parts of Punjab in India to immigrate to the UK or Canada.

Hardial “Hardy” Singh Dhillon (Shahrukh Khan) reaches a village in Punjab to thank a man who saved his life earlier only to find out that the man had died leaving his family hapless and struggling. To help the dead savior’s sister Manu ( Tapsee Pannu), Hardy stays back to help her immigrate to the United Kingdom. As they try several legal methods to immigrate, their plans fail as their near abysmal proficiency in English makes them fail their IELTS  ( or aye LETS, as they call it).

The urgency to reach London escalates when one of their classmates from the English Speaking class named Sukhi ( Vicky Kaushal in a special appearance), immolates himself after being refused a visa that he desperately needed to save his love whose husband was abusing her in England.

Hirani presents the complex issue of illegal immigration by touching upon various perspectives, including humanitarian, legal, economic, and social aspects of the debate; often presenting the case for open borders lucidly. Hardy argues that many individuals who immigrate illegally are fleeing war, persecution, or violence. They seek safety and a chance for a better life, and strict immigration laws based on access, class, and money might not offer them a legal pathway to safety.

He presents the case using Hardy’s argument in front of the immigration judge arguing that illegal immigrants often take up low-paying, labor-intensive jobs that are crucial yet typically overlooked by the native population.

He borders on political risk by offering the argument that by offering a million pounds, a person can become a legal immigrant in another country overnight while the neediest individuals seeking opportunity, safer livelihoods, and economic safety have to justify the migration system why they need these opportunities.

While gingerly admitting that nations have the right to control their borders and manage immigration in a way that serves their national interest, Hirani’s Dunki ( Donkey’s route to immigration) highlights the humanitarian, economic, and cultural benefits that immigrants, even illegal ones, can bring to a nation.

The issue is complex and requires solutions that consider human dignity, the rule of law, and the economic and social realities of immigration. The debate continues as societies strive to find the most ethical and effective approach to managing immigration and Hirani makes his point and returns to bringing immigrants home.

“Dunki” takes on a narrative that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. Rajkumar Hirani, known for his socially conscious themes, doesn’t shy away from addressing relevant issues through a story that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful. The film’s plot navigates complex emotions and societal topics, wrapped in a narrative that’s accessible and resonant. It’s this blend of entertainment and introspection that sets the storyline apart, making it a journey worth investing in.

The screenplay of “Dunki” is a testament to Hirani’s ( Abhijat Joshi, Kanika Dhillon) skills as a storyteller. The dialogues are sharp, often laced with humor and poignancy, driving the narrative forward while keeping the audience engaged. The pacing is well-calibrated, ensuring that the story unfolds in a manner that’s compelling and emotionally resonant. It’s a screenplay that knows when to make you laugh, think, and feel, often all at once.

Shah Rukh Khan, leading the cast, delivers a performance that’s both charismatic and layered. He brings a depth to his character that’s crucial for the film’s emotional core. The supporting cast, too, is commendable, each bringing their unique flavor to the ensemble, ensuring the characters they portray are memorable and impactful. The performances across the board add a layer of authenticity and emotional gravity to the film, making the narrative more engaging.

The cinematography in “Dunki” is nothing short of visual storytelling. Every frame is thoughtfully composed, not just to capture the moment but to enhance the story’s emotional undertones. The use of color, light, and camera angles contributes to the overall mood of the film, making it a visual treat. The cinematography works hand in hand with the narrative, accentuating the drama and the subtleties of the characters’ journeys.

Pritam brings his magic back with his Arijit-laced scores. You will Lut Put for sure. From sound design to editing, “Dunki” shows a high level of technical proficiency. The sound design adds a layer of immersion, capturing the film’s atmosphere and the nuances of the characters’ environments. The editing is sharp, ensuring the story maintains its rhythm and that the emotional beats hit at the right moments. Other technical elements, like production design and costumes, contribute to the film’s authenticity and aesthetic appeal, making “Dunki” a well-rounded cinematic experience.

Dunki” stands out as a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought and emotion. Its blend of storytelling, performance, visual craftsmanship, and technical precision makes it a noteworthy film in Shah Rukh Khan’s and Rajkumar Hirani’s repertoire, as well as a significant addition to contemporary Bollywood cinema. It’s a film that’s likely to resonate with a wide range of audiences, offering something for everyone, from the casual viewer to the ardent cinephile.

For its American viewers, it will spark a few inner debates next time you see the workers in your stores or delivery guys or that guy from Punjab serving food in your neighborhood South Asian restaurant.

Dunki is in theaters.