Dunki (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 40m (160 min)
- Director
- Rajkumar Hirani
- Original language
-
Hindi
- Studio
- Jio Studios
- Budget
- $14.5M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
- Director Rajkumar Hirani
- Taapsee Pannu as Manu Randhawa
- Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal Singh Dhillon
- Vikram Kochhar as Buggu Lakhanpal
- Anil Grover as Balli Kakkad
Also Starring in Dunki
· 15 moreMore from Rajkumar Hirani
More films directed by Rajkumar Hirani, best-rated first: 3 Idiots, Sanju, PK and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.
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).
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.
-
IMDb 6.5 /10
85935 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 48% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 74%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
527343 ratings
See on Letterboxd
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$15.5M
1.1× its budget
- US & Canada
- $7.5M
- International
- $8M
- Budget
- $14.5M
Dunki Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Dunki.
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What event triggered a mass migration of workers from India to England?
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 Show fewer
- 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?
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.
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