Feb 15; Fans of Shah Rukh Khan were in for a surprise on Thursday as Netflix India thrilled them by announcing the streaming debut of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” on its platform. Directed by renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, the Bollywood movie had originally hit theaters on December 21, 2023.
“Dunki” marked the first combination between SRK and Hirani, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release. Preceding this venture, Shah Rukh Khan had delivered two blockbuster hits in 2023: “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” each crossing the ₹1,000 crore mark in global box office earnings. Despite high expectations for “Dunki” to follow suit or even surpass its predecessors, the film fell short of achieving similar levels of success.
“Dunki,” a film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, follows the story of four friends from a small town in Punjab who aspire to immigrate to London using the “donkey route,” a method of crossing borders without legal visas. The film explores the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate the complexities of immigration, while also highlighting the social and emotional consequences of this journey. The title “Dunki” is derived from Punjabi, meaning to move from one place to another illegally by jumping, leaping, and hopping
The film is part of a broader conversation about the importance of writing differently, as it aims to inspire academic writers and readers while offering practical guidance. In the context of “How to Write Differently,” the film could be seen as an example of writing that embraces complexity and alterity, writing to be read, and bringing joy and enlightenment to readers rather than simply writing for the metrics
The film’s story is unique in that it offers a perspective on the illegal migration phenomenon, which is often overlooked in mainstream cinema. It also challenges the notion that all characters should be written in the same way, regardless of gender, by presenting a diverse cast of characters with their own distinct personalities and motivations
The film’s release has been a commercial success, and it has been praised for its performances and its powerful message, but has been criticized for its uneven storytelling and lack of nuance in some areas.
Dunki On Netflix: Will it Surpass Theatrical Experience?
Explaining his decision to undertake three movie projects in 2023, Shah Rukh Khan had previously mentioned his pursuit of “Tan Man Dhan” (Body Mind Soul). While “Pathaan” required significant physical preparation, “Jawan” engaged his intellectual faculties, and “Dunki” was described as a fulfilling endeavor for his soul.
However, “Dunki” proved to be a commercial success, garnering ₹272 crore in domestic box office revenue and an impressive ₹182 crore internationally, resulting in a global collection of ₹454 crore. The film secured its position among the top-grossing Bollywood releases of 2023, ranking as the 6th highest-grossing film of the year, surpassing notable titles like “OMG 2,” “Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar,” “The Kerala Story,” “Adipurush,” and “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.”
