Md. Iftekharul Islam Sakib

Drove an extensive 200 kilometers just to witness the cinematic marvel "Dunki" on the grand screen. After seeing the movie, we (my wife and I) found ourselves profoundly impacted by this extraordinary film. To us, it stands as a pinnacle in the illustrious careers of SRK and Rajkumar Hirani (R.H.). Dunki masterfully weaves an engaging narrative around five friends whose aspirations lead them on a quest to England, each fueled by unique motivations such as improving their or their families' lifestyle, fulfilling parental expectations, and pursuit of love. The film delves into the untold struggles of people who try to fulfill their lifelong dreams of settling in England through the perilous and, indeed, life-threatening "Donkey flight," a journey where only a quarter survive. This is a tale of desperation and hope, where the lack of proper education and job opportunities in an unfamiliar land compels individuals to take life-altering risks. "Dunki" goes beyond the surface to reveal the seldom-discussed hardships of the few lucky ones who survive this treacherous journey. It sensitively portrays the silent, profound sufferings of these individuals, who, even after reaching a developed nation, continue to grapple with the challenges of inadequate education and not having a valid visa status. The film lays bare the concealed agony they endure, often masked from their loved ones to spare them worry, portraying a poignant truth about the often invisible personal cost of chasing dreams across borders. Witnessing R.H.'s masterful portrayal of this pursuit of dreams, interlaced with genuine humor and stark reality, was nothing short of inspiring. "Dunki" is not merely a film; it's a testament to the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of a better life, making it undoubtedly one of the finest movies of the decade. Overall, "Dunki" stands as an indisputable masterpiece in the realm of cinematic creations in this century, trailing only behind the iconic "Three Idiots" in my personal ranking (way better than PK, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Sanju, and on par with Munna Bhai MBBS). Perhaps our personal connection to "Three Idiots" as engineering graduates amplifies its impact. However, "Dunki" may hold a special place, especially for those who have experienced or can more empathize with the harrowing 'Donkey Flight' and the challenges of settling in a foreign country without the requisite qualifications. For them, "Dunki" might very well surpass "Three Idiots," offering a story that resonates on a deeper, more personal level. [N.B.: For those who find themselves unable to connect with "Dunki" after viewing it, it raises a compelling point about the current state of our cinematic tastes. To us, It unfortunately suggests that perhaps we have become too accustomed to a steady diet of formulaic action movies, which often prioritize spectacle over depth and storytelling. In contrast, "Dunki" breaks away from this trend, standing as a testament to the power of thoughtful, well-crafted narratives. It serves as a reminder of the richness and depth that cinema can offer when it steps beyond the confines of conventional entertainment.]

One of the best action films that came out of Bollywood. Apart from very few VFX glitches (or not par with Hollywood movies in those scenes), the film is superbly entertaining. SRK is not finished and is back to show the world his actual stardom with a very good quality movie (Most importantly, with a good story). John and Deepika are also superb in their characters. Overall, highly recommended (y)