“Dunki,” a 2023 Bollywood comedy-drama film takes the audience on a thorough thought-provoking journey which explores the challenges of illegal immigration through the lens of the “donkey route” technique. The movie, directed and edited by Rajkumar Hirani, has an outstanding cast led by Hardy (Shah Rukh Khan), Manu Randhawa (Taapsee Pannu), Suki (Vicky Kaushal), Ballli (Anil Grover), and Buggu (Vikran Kochaar). Released on December 21, 2023, the movie earned praise and criticism for its portrayal of the Dunki route and the complexities of the immigration process.
The Dunki route which means “donkey route” comes from the Punjabi word “dunki,” which means to move from one place to another. It is an illegal immigration technique used for entry into other countries like Canada, the United States, and London, but is a very dangerous method that can lead to death, imprisonment, or deportation. According to the US Customs and Border Protection, between February 2019 and March 2023, around 149,000 Indians were detained for attempting to enter the US illegally, most of those detained were from Gujarat and Punjab. Shah Rukh Khan’s new movie aims to highlight the complexities of using the Dunki route.
The movie unfolds in two different timelines—1995 and 2020. In 1995, Manu Randhawa and her friends Buggu and Balli were faced with economic hardships and had dreamed of a better life, so they embarked on a journey to immigrate to London. Hardy, an ex-army officer, becomes their guide, promising them a better future by helping them through the Dunki route after their visa applications are rejected.
The movie takes a tragic turn after the death of their friend Suki, who failed his IELT’s (an exam that would grant him a student visa to enter London) leading to Hardy vowing to personally take Manu and Baggu to London. The group encounters challenges, deception, and losses, ultimately reaching London to discover the truth behind Balli’s seemingly successful life there.
“Dunki” dives into the harsh reality of the immigration process, shedding a light on those who faced challenges when seeking a better life in a foreign land. The movie explores the emotions of such journeys, touching on themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the desperate lengths people would go to for a better future. It also addresses the implications of seeking asylum through a sham marriage, giving a new perspective on the choices that immigrants make when faced with adversity.
Overall, the cast, led by Shah Rukh Khan, delivered a compelling performance that brought depth and authenticity to the characters. The director, Rajkumar Hirani’s work seamlessly weaves the past and the present, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters and societal issues they had to face. Cinematography led by C.K. Muraleedharan, Manush Nandan, and Amit Roy truly capture the diverse landscapes of the Dunki route, enhancing the storytelling of the movie, while the soundtrack, composed by Pritam, complemented the narrative, adding emotions to key moments.
“Dunki” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and storytelling but certain plot points raise concerns. Despite the opinions, the film has reached the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023, grossing over $48 million worldwide. The movie stands as a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by people pursuing the Dunki route for a chance at a better life. Through the engaging narrative and outstanding performances, the film brought reflection on the complications of immigration, leaving audiences with an emotional cinematic experience.
