Shah Rukh Khan’s latest offering, “Dunki,” has finally graced the silver screen today, triggering fervent anticipation among fans, eager for another blockbuster. Riding on the coattails of his previous mega-hits, “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” both crossing the monumental Rs 1000 crore mark globally, expectations soared sky-high for the star’s latest venture.
Hopes were pinned on “Dunki” to chart a similar record-breaking trajectory. However, the initial reactions paint a different picture as critics offer divergent views, casting doubt on the film’s potential triumph.
Critic Kamaal Rashid Khan minced no words, taking a dig at director Rajkumar Hirani. On Twitter, he expressed dismay during the interval, stating, “It’s interval, and I can’t believe that Rajkumar Hirani can do this. I think he is too old to make a film for today’s audience. #Dunki”
While India Today’s critic hailed the film as a “slam dunk,” the Indian Express review struck a contrasting chord, labeling the movie as “boring.” Critic Shubhra Gupta’s review rated the SRK-starrer with a mere one and a half stars out of five, deeming it an unengaging experience. She critiqued, “Shah Rukh Khan’s collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani is a crashing bore… In the 161-minute run-time of the Rajkumar Hirani film, I was hard put to find anything that made me feel. Even Shah Rukh Khan’s Hardy comes off as working too hard for not enough payoff.”
Further adding to the lukewarm reception, Lehren’s senior journalist Bharathi S Pradhan rated the movie with two stars out of five, labeling it a disappointment.
However, amid the diverging opinions, Vicky Kaushal’s character shines through, receiving praise for its impact despite its brevity.
“Dunki” faces a substantial challenge as it clashes with the imminent release of Prabhas’s “Salaar,” hitting theaters tomorrow. This clash may potentially impact the film’s initial box office performance.
With anticipation pitted against a mixed critical reception, the fate of “Dunki” now rests on navigating these varying opinions, all while facing the competitive force of “Salaar” at the box office.