In a surprising move, the much-anticipated trailer for “Dunki,” Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film, has been unveiled by Red Chillies Entertainment. Directed by the acclaimed Rajkumar Hirani, “Dunki” seems to blend comedy and drama with a strong societal commentary, reminiscent of Hirani’s past blockbuster hits like “Sanju,” “3 Idiots,” and the beloved “Munna Bhai” series. The film tackles the pressing issue of Punjab’s youth mass exodus and explores the concept of patriotism in a country where many are eager to leave due to limited opportunities.
The narrative commences in 1995, introducing Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Hardayal Singh Dillon, fondly known as Hardy, arriving in the quaint town of Lalti. Here, he forms deep connections with individuals who eventually become his closest companions: a barber, a clothes salesman, and Vicky Kaushal’s character, known for showcasing his proficiency in English. Each of them yearns for nothing more than to migrate abroad. However, pivotal to Hardy’s journey is Taapsee Pannu’s character, Manno, who stands by him staunchly when no one else does.
Facing constant rejections owing to their lack of language skills preventing their overseas aspirations, the group decides to embark on an illegal journey abroad following a personal tragedy. The trailer portrays their perilous endeavors—crossing vast deserts, riding atop trains, facing gunfire from soldiers, swimming across rivers, and scaling mountains. Moments of arrest and intense confrontations, including one where Hardy brandishes a gun, hint at his quest for redemption from past errors. The trailer concludes with an older, more patriotic Hardy engaging in athletic pursuits.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, casting director Mukesh Chhabra expressed immense confidence in “Dunki,” predicting its lasting impact over the next decade. Drawing parallels to the impactful films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Chhabra remarked, “The script of ‘Dunki’ left me awe-struck. If you adored ‘3 Idiots,’ this will surpass it by a hundredfold. I’ve been moved to tears every time I’ve read the script.”
“Dunki” signals a departure for Shah Rukh Khan following his recent back-to-back action hits, “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” collectively grossing a staggering Rs 2200 crore worldwide. With Rajkumar Hirani at the helm, industry insiders hold high expectations for “Dunki.” Yet, questions linger regarding the film’s reception due to thematic similarities with past disappointments like Shah Rukh’s “Zero” and Aamir Khan’s “Laal Singh Chaddha.” Scheduled for release on December 21, “Dunki” faces competition from the blockbuster “Animal,” preceding the Prabhas-starrer “Salaar” by a day.