'Dunki' fan reviews: Internet calls film 'timeless masterpiece,' says this is patriotism in style

Film is garnering a positive response from audiences

Entertainment Desk December 21, 2023
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Shah Rukh Khan's final offering for the year 2023 is out, and so are the initial fan reviews. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani, among others. Given that Dunki is SRK's third release of the year, anticipation was an at all-time high. Now, judging by online chatter on platforms such as X, King Khan may have done it again. 

Taking to the platform formerly known as Twitter, one user reviewed, "First half done. Dunki is an emotional roller coaster. You laugh and cry at the same time. Vicky Kaushal will be remembered and yes ‘Hardy namuna nahin hain’ – he is King Khan. Missing home." The user accompanied the tweet with the hashtag 'Dunki First Day First Show. They followed this with a video in which they thanked the director for bringing back vintage Shah Rukh vibes on the big screen and urged everyone to watch the film. “Dunki will remain forever as an emotion: missing home. Patriotism in style,” they added.

Another fan shared, “Rajkumar Hirani does it again. The script is excellent, the acting is brilliant and the movie will remain among Hindi cinema gems forever. Direction point of view I don’t think that anybody could do better than Rajkumar Hirani." Yet another fan penned, "Rajkumar Hirani's storytelling finesse, coupled with the dedication to historical accuracy, elevates Dunki to a timeless masterpiece that cements its place among the finest films ever made." The fan dubbed this the "best film" in SRK's catalogue. 

One user took to X to share an image of Vikram Rathore from Jawan. Using Dunki as a hashtag, the fan merely penned, "Old Man SRK kills it again!" A very detailed review claimed that the actor-director duo has won the hearts of audiences, labelling the film a "blockbuster." They went on to state, "The film mixes everything, be it emotions, laughter, migration issues, twists-and-turns, all of which results in several heartwarming moments. 'Tear in eyes and smile on the lips' - that’s the staple ingredient of Rajkumar Hirani films and that’s in abundance here."

They candidly continued, "The beginning is okay though and it seems like laughter moments are a little forced. You wait for things to happen. However, things started getting better from the visa interviews. The heartbreaking moments thereafter hit you hard and the interval point is a bit serious. The second half is far more entertaining and truly terrific and once drama kickstarts from Dubai, there is no looking back. Watch out for the climax, it’s one of the best for a Bollywood film and there would be thunderous cheers amongst the audience."

Commending SRK as a performer and praising his old man avatar, the reviewer also appreciated performances by Taapsee, Vicky, Boman, and the other cast members. "All in all, Dunki is a film that will play on for long. It’s beyond just a humorous affair, so brace for loads of drama which makes the film more and more entertaining as it proceeds. Watch with family."

One user took the microblogging app to share, "Dunki has proved that you don’t need an action film for a blockbuster! First non-action blockbuster of the year and truly the super film that it is! Masterpiece, truly!" Yet another said that the offering was more than a film, it was "a celebration of cinema and patriotism. They dubbed the film a "masterpiece." Another X user stated how the film had "the perfect blend of comedy, emotion and patriotism," predicting that the film will "set new benchmarks at the box office."

However, not all were pleased once they exited the cinema. One X user took to the platform to state "Dunki tells an important tale but it’s far from being Rajkumar Hirani's best! The ensemble cast shines and the film highlights the plight of immigrants dreaming of a better tomorrow. The screenplay lets the film down. Bordering on silly on many occasions. It’s good. Not great!"

Videos of fans leaving the cinema hall and expressing their disappointment in the film are also making the rounds. It is to be noted that some of these tweets, in turn, hype up Salaar, South superstar Prabhas' film with which Dunki was set to lock horns at the box office, thereby dividing fans in terms of loyalty. 

With these reviews at hand, the overwhelming response seems to be on SRK's side. However, as more people watch the film and express their respective delight or dismay, one can be more certain about the fate of Shah Rukh's final footprint on an otherwise magnanimous year for the last of stars. 

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