Shah Rukh Khan's movie 'Dunki,' directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is based on the young generation's struggle for immigration

Shah Rukh Khan's movie 'Dunki,' directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is based on the young generation's struggle for immigration
Kavya Pruthi
Author
August 01, 2026

Shah Rukh Khan's fans have reason to rejoice as the much-anticipated teaser of his upcoming movie, "Dunki," has finally hit the screens, turning the excitement into a festive celebration. The teaser takes us on a hilarious journey, unveiling the comical challenges faced by immigrants, and audiences are eagerly anticipating the full ride. Adding to the excitement, the release coincides with SRK's 58th birthday, making it an even more special occasion.

Decoding "Dunki" - The Donkey Flight Adventure

So, what does "Dunki" actually mean? SRK's next cinematic venture is centered around the concept of 'Donkey Flight,' an illegal immigration practice employed to cross borders. For many Indian immigrants, the term "donkey flights" refers to a specific route leading to the United Kingdom. Originating from a Punjabi idiom, the term symbolizes hopping from one place to another. Aspiring immigrants often apply for a tourist visa for a European Union Schengen country, embarking on a journey that's both perilous and comical.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan Universe (@srkuniverse)

Why "Dunki"? SRK's Insight

In a conversation with Deadline, Shah Rukh Khan shared the backstory of the film's title. He revealed, "In English, my film would be called Donkey, it is Donkey. But the way a part of the country pronounces donkey in India, it is ‘dunki’. The Punjabis say it (donkey) like dunki." Directed by the renowned filmmaker Raju Hirani and scripted by the talented Abhijat Joshi, "Dunki" promises to be a cinematic masterpiece.

Khan emphasized that "Dunki" is more than just a movie; it's "a story of people who want to come back home… when you finally get the calling." The film delves into the emotional aspect of individuals yearning to return to their roots.

Shining a Light on Illegal Immigration

"Dunki" is set to spotlight the widespread use of an illegal backdoor route employed by several Indians seeking migration. A 2021 report by Peeping Moon notes that Hirani's film tackles this subject with his signature blend of emotion and light-hearted moments. Described as the journey of a Punjabi man navigating the challenges of immigration to Canada, "Dunki" promises to offer a unique and engaging narrative.

Rajkumar Hirani's Take on SRK

In an older interview, director Rajkumar Hirani expressed his excitement about collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan. He said, "Through the course of my career, Shah Rukh Khan has always been on my wish list, and after trying to collaborate several times in the past, we were finally destined to have Dunki mark our partnership." Hirani praised Khan's energy, charisma, humor, and charm, eagerly anticipating the magic they would bring to the big screen together.

All You Need to Know About "Dunki"

Beyond Shah Rukh Khan, the comedy-drama features a stellar cast, including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover in pivotal roles. Bankrolled by Red Chillies Entertainment, this marks SRK's third film of 2023, scheduled to grace theaters on December 22nd. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of laughter, emotions, and a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by those chasing their dreams across borders. "Dunki" promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan Universe (@srkuniverse)

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan Universe (@srkuniverse)

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First Published: Aug 01, 2026, 16:22:02 IST
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