A few years ago, Anurag Kashyap appeared on Koffee with Karan, expressing his desire for the revocation of Rajkumar Hirani’s filmmaking license. Much to the shock of Karan Johar and Anushka Sharma, who were the first-hand audience for this revelation, Kashyap admitted that the reason for the same was the unique lens with which Hirani operates, providing a glimpse on pertinent issues through beautifully crafted narratives.
Anyone who has followed Hirani’s work knows this to be true. The way he fuses humour with real-life, relatable issues, birthing gems like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, 3 Idiots, and PK, is a distinct talent that cannot be replicated. In Dunki, Hirani balances his skill set on the capable shoulders of a cinematic giant like Shah Rukh Khan, thereby creating yet another magical experience.
Formulaic
Dunki makes one feel warm, fuzzy and comfortable. In many ways, the offering carries with it the weight of nostalgia. Films like Dunki are rare in today’s agenda-driven, mainstream Bollywood. The purity of the story shines bright, transporting Bollywood lovers into a time when Pakistan wasn’t always the villain and India wasn’t always in a territorial war.
There is an unmistakable familiarity to the film. Part of this is due to Hirani’s trademark formulaic progression of the plot. Hardayal “Hardy” Sukhdev Singh Dhillon, an ex-serviceman of the Sikh Regiment, Indian Army makes his entrance on a train, a welcome play on Khan’s long-standing, iconic love affair with the mode of transportation. Given that he is Hirani’s trademark outsider, it is up to him to facilitate the resolution of the central conflict, where a group of Indians wish to travel to England to alleviate various problems in their lives.
True to his formula, a harrowing, exceedingly horrific death propels the unravelling of the plot further. A spike in dramatic action, an emotionally charged monologue, and an inevitable reunion mark the rest of Hirani’s filmmaking formula, but what is so wonderful about the same is that it achieves the goal of making the offering thoroughly immersive and engaging. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, and Hirani knows that to be true, given his body of immensely successful work.
The loverboy’s return
Another part of why Dunki is a trip down memory lane is the fact that after one has seen Khan in action-fueled narratives like Pathaan and Jawan, his third offering of 2023 is a much-needed return to his romantic avatar. It is only after watching Dunki that one realises how much this aspect of the star’s persona one truly missed in his other films.
Hardy is a pure-hearted, selfless, passionate man. He feels with an immense ferocity but is never overbearing. Love oozes from every inch of his being, but he never makes it Manu Randhawa’s (Taapse Pannu) problem. In fact, his dedication to fulfilling his promise of helping Manu reach England takes precedence over his desire to profess his love. He is a man on multiple missions, and he is dutiful to all, regardless of the passage of time.
Through Khan’s portrayal, Hirani crafts a green flag that is a vital rebuttal to the titular animals that have gone on to make millions. Hardy is proof of the fact that love does not have to be unkind, aggressive, misogynistic, cruel, or self-serving. With highly problematic protagonists stealing the limelight with unmatched obstinance, Hirani and Khan’s Hardy is a character worthy of applause and praise.
The characters
When one talks about characters, the cast of the film must be highlighted. Pannu matches Khan’s energy and is impactful and hilarious as Manu. The chemistry between the two is surprisingly engaging, and their banter is truly an aspect of the film that keeps one hooked.
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