Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic King Khan, is on a roll this year with a string of successful releases. Following the box office triumph of Pathaan and the blockbuster hit Jawan, SRK is gearing up for another cinematic delight in 2023 – Dunki. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this much-anticipated film promises to add another feather to SRK’s cap, possibly marking a hattrick of successes for the actor in the same year.
The revelation of the Dunki movie occurred in 2022, leaving fans eager for more details about the release date, plot, and cast. It wasn’t until November 2023 that the cast, led by Shah Rukh Khan, started unveiling more information about the film. After teasing fans with a trailer, two songs, and a teaser, the stage is set for SRK to captivate audiences once again.
The 2023 release of Dunki marks the first collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani. Notably, SRK had turned down roles in Hirani’s previous films like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) and 3 Idiots (2009). Produced under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment and Jio Studios, the film reportedly comes with a budget of Rs 85 crore.
Cast of Dunki
Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal “Hardy” Singh Dhillon
Taapsee Pannu as Manu, Hardy’s crush and friend
Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi, a member of Hardy’s friend circle
Boman Irani as Gulati, an English teacher
Vikram Kochhar as Buggu Lakhanpal, Hardy’s friend
Anil Grover as Balli, another friend of Hardy
Satish Shah, Parikshit Sahni, and Jyoti Subhash in key roles
Rumors hint at Dia Mirza’s presence in the film.
Plot Highlights of Dunki
The storyline revolves around a group of friends from a Punjab village who share a common dream of moving to England. The catch? None of them has a visa or a ticket. Hardy, played by SRK, promises to fulfill their dream through an unconventional method – the “Donkey Flight,” an illegal backdoor entry strategy to countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA. The film unfolds the friends’ journey as they embark on an illegal venture to reach England and their subsequent struggles to return home.
Release Date and Shooting Locations
Contrary to earlier rumors of a 2024 release, Shah Rukh Khan clarified during a press conference for Jawan that Dunki is set to hit theaters on 21 December 2023. The film’s promotion will feature six “Drops,” including teasers, songs, and the trailer.
Principal photography took place in Mumbai, with additional shoots in Budapest, London, Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Neom), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), and a final wrap-up in Kashmir, covering locations like Srinagar, Pampore, Sonamarg, Thajwas Glacier, and Pulwama. A special song sequence was also filmed in Kashmir.
Soundtrack and More
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam, includes singles like “Lutt Putt Gaya” and “Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se,” enhancing the movie experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the Dunki movie based on?
The movie centers around the concept of “Donkey Flight,” an illegal technique for entering a country without a visa or ticket.
Is the 2023 movie Dunki a remake?
No, the Rajkumar Hirani directorial is an original creation.
Who is the heroine of Dunki?
Taapsee Pannu plays the heroine in Dunki, portraying the love interest of Shah Rukh Khan.