Soumajit Nath

"Dunki" gets better when one sets aside the expectation of a typical Raju Hirani production. While immersed in the movie's narrative, the urge to draw comparisons dissipates, allowing for a unique experience unlike any other Hindi film in 2023. It doesn't claim to be outstanding or the pinnacle of hilarity, yet there's an inexplicable charm that still resonates. Initially, those familiar Hirani touches bring a sense of comfort—you'll occasionally be reminded of every Raj Kumar Hirani movie from past decades, spanning from "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S" to "3 Idiots" and even "PK". Similar to "3 Idiots", the story here revolves around three friends attempting to recollect their past, embarking on a journey to reunite with the friend who played a pivotal role in transforming their lives. Then the journey triggers a prolonged flashback that unravels the entirety of their shared narrative. Vicky Kaushal, with his scene-stealing prowess, embodies a role reminiscent of Ali Fazal's impact in "3 Idiots" and Jimmy Shergill's presence in "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S" (2003)—evoking a poignant representation of life and reality amid Hirani's trademark playground of light-hearted cinematic humor. Yet, it doesn't take long for the shallowness of the movie to surface. It becomes evident that it isn't propelled by Dunki-driven commentary; instead, this commentary merely sets the backdrop for a different story—one centered around love and friendship—to emerge. The pivotal route barely surfaces until moments before the interval. Then most attempts at humor, attempting to lighten serious situations, falter. Yet, amidst this tonal quagmire, SRK and the remarkable ensemble— Tapsee, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kocchar—invoke the familiar chant, "ALLLLL IZZZ WELL... AALL IZZ WELL," resonating with sincerity and skillfully steering through the film's missteps. The accomplished cast masks Dunki's deficiencies with their stellar performances, striving admirably to meet our expectations. But still the best thing about "Dunki" is that here you'll see this movie isn't solely about the process of leaving one's country in pursuit of a better life in abroad. Rather, it encapsulates a profound realization that says: as long as you're surrounded by friends and family, you possess the care, comfort, and love necessary to nurture dreams of settling in distant lands. Yet, departing from these integral components—essential elements that truly transform a house into a home—means leaving your heart behind. The very essence of 'home' loses significance when these fundamental units are left miles away. Every day, millions of us embark on journeys in search of a better place, bidding farewell to the best place we've ever known: the place where we used to live with our families, friends, and dear ones. "Dunki" isn't merely a tale of an illicit voyage to a foreign land; it's a narrative that mirrors the lives of countless individuals like you and me, striving to establish roots in unfamiliar territories among the strangers. It echoes the sentiments of the poems and songs our hearts recite everyday whenever we dream of settling in the distant lands, far from the embrace of our homes. So, what's that song about? Just tune in to Sonu Nigam's "Nikle the kabhi hum ghar se" or Javed Ali's "Chal ve Watna" on Spotify, and you'll understand the resonance. "Dunki" makes for an ideal Christmas weekend movie—one that prompts reflection on the value of family bonds. Gather your loved ones, watch it together, and by the movie's conclusion, you'll find yourself appreciating the moments spent in their company.

Tarkovsky's cinematic creations transcend the realm of mere entertainment; they offer profound meditations, beckoning audiences to delve deep into the enigmatic recesses of their own lives. Critics who dismiss a Tarkovsky masterpiece as languorous, tedious, or excessively protracted fail to grasp the profound purpose that underpins his artistry. His cinematic tapestries aspire to liberate viewers from the monotony of everyday existence, guiding them into the contemplative labyrinth of his fictional realms. With meticulous precision in every frame, he seeks to illuminate profound and elusive truths, intricately woven into our reality but shrouded from ordinary perception. So, do not mistake any of his movies as mere cinematic experiences. They function as reflective mirrors, casting the ordinary contours of one's emotions in anticipation of discovery as one embarks on a walk alongside a Tarkovsky protagonist!! It's akin to an immersive journey through experiences —a voyage with its own distinct narrative, commencing with inception, maturing with time, and eventually culminating. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the verdant expanse of a countryside garden or a spirited odyssey along the bustling arteries of city highways, the sentiments and feelings that unfold within you (if you stay awake by then) are honest and profoundly authentic. In the tapestry of our quotidian existence, these feelings are often considered to languish or frequently overlooked, perhaps due to their perceived banality. However, remember that every ephemeral moment, whether observed with unwavering attention or allowed to clandestinely slip through the fissures of our awareness, imposes a subtle levy upon the currency of our existence. To conjure forth recollections from the profound wellsprings of memory, we must first embark upon the sacred voyage of new experiences. In this contemporary epoch, the intrinsic worth of life seems to waver, its essence slipping away like grains of sand through an open hand. Thus, it becomes an imperative, a vital calling, to firmly grasp these fleeting moments. Within them lies our sanctuary against the inexorable gravitational pull of an alien realm, where one might otherwise find themselves adrift, bereft of any tethering anchors. Life can assume the guise of a daring adventure, or it may diminish into the void of nothingness. Whether man embarks on cosmic odysseys into the uncharted realms of space, navigates the enigmatic landscapes of the Zone, or simply traverses the span of his own temporal domain, he carries the weight of his own flawed desires as an unyielding companion. He is a vessel destined for metamorphosis, a canvas upon which experiences and memories are etched with unfaltering resolve. However, transcending all is the unwavering faith that shall sustain him, whether nestled within the embrace of his own illusions or, perhaps, tethered to the convictions of another!!!! It's the same faith, the young boy from "Andrei Rublev" had when he claimed he knows the secret of recasting a broken bell, although he knows nothing about the process!

A wise person once said, “All Work and No Joy will make handsome a dull boy...” So, just leave all the doubts you’ve in your mind, unwind with Anirudh's music, and throw yourself into a captivating three-hour cinematic journey with a Shahrukh (sorry TWO) whom you’ll adore, respect, and salute!! Far from being a run-of-the-mill mass action spectacle primarily designed for the adulation of a mega-star, Atlee’s Jawan transcends conventional paradigms by taking us on an emotional rollercoaster ride that culminates in a powerful message, delivered by one of the two SRKs as he breaks the fourth wall to remind you of your civic duty in the next election! Take any frame of Jawan and inspect...you'll invariably find yourself marveling at the sheer grandeur of the meticulously crafted action set pieces. No doubt, in a colossal resurgence, Atlee and SRK have orchestrated a cinematic revival that reverberates with a resounding roar, echoing through hundreds of theaters in thousands of cities. Fans, once again, have united to celebrate cinema in its purest form. After Pathaan, Jawan continues SRK's triumphant journey of success at the Box Office, where he, akin to a resilient Mufasa (from The Lion King) in this parallel universe, emerges like a ghost to vanquish all forms of negativity with his positive charm. The cinematic manifestation of his return comes with a BANG in Jawan at the interval block as the older SRK, adorned with silvered locks and a cigar, exudes an irresistible aura of unshakable confidence!! HE RETURNS TO HIS KINGDOM. May his legacy persist for generations to come, stretching into the far reaches of the next century.