The first half of Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback vehicle ‘Dunki’, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, offers an insightful look into the grim realities behind the phenomenon of immigration in the pursuit of better lives.
Marking a departure from Khan’s recent string of actioners projecting a comeback, ‘Dunki’ sees the superstar take on a more subdued role of a middle-aged army man helping a group of friends achieve their dream of settling in London.
While the film is pitched as a lighthearted comedy, the narrative sheds light on the desperation that drives India’s reverse brain drain in a sobering manner. It chronicles the true stories of youngsters in Punjab yearning for menial jobs abroad to escape their dreary existence back home.
The first half follows Khan’s character and his friends as they try hook or crook to make it to London – be it cramming to learn English or getting conned by agents. When all else fails, they even risk their lives illegally crossing borders out of sheer hopelessness.
Director Hirani smartly blends humor with the grim realities of immigration through a relatable, grounded lens. And SRK brings his impeccable timing to deliver comedy as well as pathos with finesse.
While Dunki serves as a reminder of Khan’s versatility, it also reflects the troubling state of affairs that continues to force the country’s youth to seek better prospects overseas at any cost. The film’s biting social commentary packs a punch amidst the laughs.
