Madcap ride of friendship: 'Dunki' trailer promises comedy, tragedy, and nostalgia

In what promises to be a cinematic treat for fans, Rajkumar Hirani's much-anticipated collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, titled Dunki, is set to hit cinemas on December 21, coinciding with the festive season of Christmas. The film, touted as a heartwarming tale of friendship and dreams, has had its official trailer release called the Dunki: Drop 4, and takes the audience on a nostalgic journey to 1995 in the quaint village of Laltu.

Taking to his Instagram, the superstar himself shared the trailer, penning alongside, "I started this tale in Laltu. I will end it with my friends. Dunki’s trailer will show you a journey that began with Raju Sir’s vision. It will take you through a madcap ride of friendship, the comedy and tragedy that life is and a nostalgia for home and family."

The trailer, released recently, opens with Shah Rukh's character, Hardy, standing on the edge of a train, setting the stage for a captivating narrative. Hardy introduces his friends, including Sukhi, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal, who grapples with learning English, and Mannu, played by Taapsee Pannu, known for her unwavering support of Hardy against those who mock him for his poor English skills. The camaraderie among the trio adds a touch of humour and warmth to the storyline.

Boman Irani makes an entrance as their English teacher, with the promise to train them enough to qualify for a life abroad. Justifying their aspirations to relocate overseas despite language barriers, Hardy and Sukhi draw a parallel to the British rule in India, emphasising that language is not a hindrance to success. The trailer unfolds the friends' perilous journey as they cross borders, face challenges, and even wield weapons in the face of danger.

However, the most intriguing revelation comes towards the end of the trailer when Shah Rukh unveils his look as an older Hardy, 25 years into the future. Dressed in a yellow and blue striped T-shirt, and sporting a grey beard, Hardy is seen participating in a race, marking Shah Rukh's second portrayal as an elderly character after Vikram Rathore in Atlee's Jawan earlier this year.

Dunki promises to be a poignant exploration of four friends' quest to achieve their dreams of reaching foreign shores. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, the film weaves together disparate stories in a manner that is both hilarious and heart-wrenching.

This marks Shah Rukh's third film of the year, following his action-packed roles in Pathaan and Jawan. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Jio Studios, and Rajkumar Hirani Films, Dunki is poised to grace the silver screen on December 21, delivering a perfect blend of emotions, laughter, and a timeless narrative that resonates with audiences.

Have something to add? Share it in the comments