Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Comedy drama

Dunki (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Dunki (2023) movie poster

Dunki is a 2023 comedy drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, starring Taapsee Pannu as Manu Randhawa, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikram Kochhar. It runs 2 hours 40 minutes and earned $15.5 million worldwide on a $14.5 million budget. Critics gave it 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
48%
worldwide gross
$15.5M
Echo Score
53
Loading streaming availability…
Dunki (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 40m (160 min)
Director
Rajkumar Hirani
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Original language
Hindi
Budget
$14.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dunki About?

The premise of Dunki without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a village in Punjab, four close friends dream of reaching England. When visas and travel arrangements prove unattainable, their hopes appear dashed. A charismatic soldier intervenes, offering a risky and unconventional path to help them achieve their dream.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Dunki Cast & Characters

Taapsee Pannu leads the cast as Manu Randhawa, with Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal Singh Dhillon and Vikram Kochhar as Buggu Lakhanpal. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani; 19 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Rajkumar Hirani

More films directed by Rajkumar Hirani, best-rated first: 3 Idiots, Sanju, PK and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

Full filmography
Ratings

Dunki Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Dunki 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in rewatch factor (60) and weakest in art & craft (45).

53 /100

Dunki Echo Score Breakdown

Dunki delivers a mixed cinematic experience that struggles to harmonize its ambitions with execution. Critics highlight uneven direction and a slick visual style that undercuts the film’s serious themes, while several viewers praise its heartfelt moments and engaging soundtrack. The film’s polarizing elements result in an overall impression that is neither wholly successful nor entirely dismissible. Its uneven pacing and occasional tonal shifts further contribute to the divided reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of art and craft, Dunki’s direction and visual execution appear inconsistent. Critics repeatedly describe a slick, digitally‑enhanced aesthetic that detracts from emotional weight and cite clumsy editing that hampers narrative flow. Conversely, several viewers commend the film’s vibrant color palette, effective set pieces, and a soundtrack that enhances certain sequences. Overall, the craftsmanship is uneven, reflecting both ambition and lapses.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    Regarding character and emotion, performances evoke a split response. Positive remarks highlight Shah Rukh Khan’s willingness to explore multiple facades and praise several cast members for delivering spirited and empathetic portrayals. Negative commentary points to overacting, lack of memorable character arcs, and insufficient emotional depth that weakens audience connection. Consequently, the film’s character work is unevenly perceived.

  • Story & Flow 48

    Concerning story and flow, the narrative presents cohesion challenges. Reviewers note a disjointed plot, rushed conclusions, and confusing timelines that undermine clarity. Some audience members, however, appreciate the blend of comedy and serious themes, describing the pacing as deliberate in the first half and more engaging later. Overall, the storytelling feels uneven and at times muddled.

  • Sensory Experience 58

    On sensory experience, the film’s sound and visual design draw mixed reactions. Critics criticize an overly polished digital sheen and artificial color saturation that lessen realism, while some viewers applaud a lively soundtrack and striking cinematography that enhance specific moments. The auditory and visual elements therefore oscillate between effective immersion and distracting stylization.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch factor, audience enthusiasm varies. Positive feedback emphasizes the film’s heartfelt moments, optimistic tone, and occasional humor that encourage repeat viewings and a lingering emotional resonance. Conversely, criticisms of uneven pacing, confusing narrative threads, and superficial treatment of serious issues diminish its lasting appeal for many. Consequently, the rewatch value is modest and contingent on individual tolerance for its flaws.

Plot

Dunki Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Dunki from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

During the tumultuous period of World War II, England faced a significant labor shortage, prompting the migration of countless workers from India, particularly from Punjab. Eager to better their lives, many young Indians seized this opportunity, leading to a wave of migration. However, with the implementation of the Commonwealth Immigration Act of 1962, the flow of immigrants dwindled, making the journey to England increasingly difficult. Nonetheless, the aspiration to migrate persisted.

Full summary

The whole story of Dunki, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Dunki Box Office & Budget

Dunki grossed $15.5 million worldwide on a $14.5 million budget, 1.1 times what it cost. $7.5 million came from the US and Canada and $8 million (52%) from the rest of the world.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.5M

1.1× its budget

US & Canada
$7.5M
International
$8M
Budget
$14.5M
US & Canada 48% Rest of the world 52%
Videos

Dunki Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Dunki.

Official Trailer [Subtitled]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Dunki?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What event triggered a mass migration of workers from India to England?

Details

Dunki Also Known As

44 alternative titles, including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Next Chapter” and “Tortugas Ninja: Caos mutante”.

Also known as
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Next Chapter
  • Tortugas Ninja: Caos mutante
  • Ninja Turtles: Totale chaos
  • Wojownicze Żółwie Ninja: Zmutowany chaos
  • ミュータント・タートルズ ミュータント・パニック!
  • Черепашки-ниндзя: Погром мутантов
  • As Tartarugas Ninja: Caos Mutante
  • Ninja Kaplumbağalar: Mutant Kargaşası
  • צבי הנינג'ה: טירוף המוטנטים
  • Костенурките нинджа: Пълен хаос
  • Черепашки-ніндзя: Погром мутантів
  • Țestoasele Ninja: Haosul mutanților
+32 more
  • Ninja Rùa: Hỗn Loạn Tuổi Dậy Thì
  • 닌자터틀: 뮤턴트 대소동
  • Tini Nindzsa Teknőcök: Mutáns káosz
  • 忍者龜:變種大亂鬥
  • เต่านินจา: โกลาหลกลายพันธุ์
  • TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
  • Tartarugas Ninja: Caos Mutante
  • Bruņurupuči Nindzjas: Mutantu haoss
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem
  • Mutant Mayhem
  • Breshkat adoleshente ninxha: Kaos mutantësh
  • 忍者神龟:变种大乱斗
  • Tortugues Ninja: Caos Mutant
  • Ninja Turtles : Teenage Years
  • سلاحف النينجا المراهقون: تحول مدمر
  • Tartarughe Ninja - Caos mutante
  • Ninja Turtles: Caos mutante
  • Підлітки-мутанти Черепашки-ніндзя: Погром мутантів
  • ミュータント・タートルズ:ミュータント・パニック!
  • 忍者龜:變異危機
  • Želvy Ninja: Mutantí chaos
  • Ninja Turtles: Caos Mutant
  • Vėžliukai nindzės: Mutantų siautėjimas
  • Ninja korytnačky: Mutantský chaos
  • لاک‌پشت‌های نینجای جهش‌یافته نوجوان: شورش جهش‌یافته
  • Χελωνονιντζάκια: Μεταλλαγμένος Χαμός
  • Нинџа корњаче: Хаос
  • Les tortues ninja : Chaos chez les mutants
  • Ninja želve: Mutantska ujma
  • Nindža kornjače: Makljaža s mutantima
  • Bruņurupuči nindzjas: Mutantu haoss, კუ-ნინძები: ქაოსი მუტანტებს შორის
  • Teismelised ninjakilpkonnad: Mutantide möll

Seen Dunki?

FAQ

Dunki FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Dunki, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dunki?

Dunki runs 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes).

When was Dunki released?

Dunki was released on December 21, 2023.

Who directed Dunki?

Dunki was directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

More films by Rajkumar Hirani

Who is in the cast of Dunki?

Dunki stars Taapsee Pannu as Manu Randhawa, Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal Singh Dhillon and Vikram Kochhar as Buggu Lakhanpal, among 19 credited actors.

How much did Dunki make at the box office?

Dunki grossed $15.5 million worldwide ($7.5 million domestic, $8 million international) on a budget of $14.5 million.

How is Dunki rated?

Dunki has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63% on TMDB and 3.8/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Dunki have a post-credit scene?

No. Dunki has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Dunki in?

The original language of Dunki is Hindi.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app