Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indian dramedy about illegal immigration; suicide, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dunki
What's the Story?
In DUNKI, when Manu (Taapsee Pannu) and her friends are unable to clear the legal immigration procedure to enter the United Kingdom, their other friend Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan) goes to dangerous lengths to help them reach there via the "dunki" route. Will they be successful?
Is It Any Good?
This overwhelming comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, tries to entertain and amuse the audience while dealing with serious topics and providing moral messages. However, Dunki fails to tell a sincere story despite the grave issues it attempts to interact and engage with. Its typical comedy and preachy sentimentality becomes repetitive and takes focus away from the politics that it clumsily makes statements on. Additionally, the movie doesn't rise beyond mediocre chivalry in the name of romance between Pannu and Khan's characters, Manu and Hardy, to the point that even some catchy Bollywood tunes can't ignite any spark. Overall, coming from a director that has produced some excellent and unforgettable comic movies -- such as PK -- this film disappoints in creating any memorable characters or story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Dunki. How did it make you feel? Was it thrilling or upsetting? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
What questions did the film raise about illegal immigration? What might cause someone to take such a risky and dangerous journey?
Talk about how the film dealt with themes of death and suicide. How did the characters support one another during such difficult times?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 21, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : February 15, 2024
- Cast : Taapsee Pannu , Shah Rukh Khan , Vicky Kaushal
- Director : Rajkumar Hirani
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Yash Raj Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 161 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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