In Dunki, struggling Punjabi immigrants ingeniously crack an English test by memorizing and parroting a paragraph, revealing the resilience in their quest for a better life.

Unintentionally, the prolonged scene with diminishing returns mirrors Rajkumar Hirani's recurring storytelling pattern. Despite the familiar story structure, he consistently infuses it with a pulsating heart and a joyful countenance.

In Dunki, the much-anticipated partnership between Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan brings forth commendable social concerns, yet the storytelling becomes strained and simplistic over time. Hirani, reluctant to explore novel narrative approaches, leaves behind the spontaneity we typically associate with his work.

Set in a small Punjab town, Dunki unfolds in flashback, narrating the journey of four modest characters aspiring to overcome life's challenges by immigrating to London. On the verge of giving up, ex-armyman Hardy (Shah Rukh) enters their lives, paving an illegal path to turn their dream into reality. Amid the journey, he forms a connection with Manu (Taapsee Pannu), only to discover that her desire for a foreign land eclipses her love for the one who instilled belief in her.

While the theme of illegal immigration may be relatively new for Hindi cinema, Punjabi films and real-life accounts have long addressed the perilous journeys undertaken by these so-called 'donkeys.' Consequently, when Dunki portrays these challenges as a novelty, it lacks surprise. The picturization feels tepid, leaving audiences yearning for more nuance and poignancy. This sentiment intensifies during the end credits, where factual information overlays heart-rending images of illegal immigrants.

Hirani consistently prioritizes emotional logic over conventional reasoning, employing situational humor effectively. However, in Dunki, the results lack the consistent charm seen in his previous works. While emotional moments occasionally overwhelm, the seamless unpredictability typical of Hirani and Abhijat Joshi's writing is noticeably absent. The lighthearted first half, marked by English-related jokes, becomes repetitive, with some, like those surrounding the national anthem, failing to land effectively. Hirani's choice of England over the US and Canada, possibly for its colonial connection, seems less relevant given the current focus on illegal immigration to the latter destinations.

Nevertheless, Hirani's emphasis on how immigration policies disproportionately affect the impoverished resonates, showcasing his skill in weaving social commentary into the screenplay. The observation on the trousers-wearing mother of a candidate offers a glimpse into the entrenched patriarchy in rural India, illustrating the son's embarrassment over his mother working as a security guard.