Dunki (2023)
DirectorRajkumar Hirani
StarringShah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Fans of Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani who enjoy a heartfelt comedy-drama about friendship and dreams.
Where to watch Dunki online in India
Subscription
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Apple TV Store
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Apple TV StoreYouTubeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Dunki OTT release date
| Theatrical release (India) | 21 December 2023 |
|---|---|
| OTT / digital release (India) | 15 February 2024 |
| Gap between theatre and OTT | 56 days |
| Streaming now on | Netflix |
Release dates for India as listed on TMDB.
Dunki story (no spoilers)
In a small Punjab village, four friends — Manu, Buggu, Balli and Sukhi — dream of reaching England, but they have no visa and no ticket. One day a soldier named Hardayal 'Hardy' Singh Dhillon steps off a train, and their lives change. Hardy makes them a soldier's promise: he will take them to the land of their dreams. What follows is a perilous journey through desert and sea, and through the hinterlands of their own minds. The film mixes adventure, comedy and drama as the group faces the absurd and emotional hurdles of an illegal route to England, while Hardy's promise becomes the thread that holds them together. The tone swings between laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt drama, anchored by the bond between the friends and the soldier who refuses to give up on them.
Should you watch Dunki?
Watch it for
- Shah Rukh Khan plays Hardy, a soldier bound by a promise, and Taapsee Pannu plays Manu Randhawa, one of the four friends determined to reach England.
- Director Rajkumar Hirani blends comedy and drama in a 159-minute adventure about friendship and a dangerous journey.
- The film features a supporting cast including Boman Irani as Geetu Gulati and Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi.
- Pritam Chakraborty, Aman Pant and Shekhar Ravjiani provide the music for this Hindi and Punjabi-language story.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced thrillers over a 159-minute mix of comedy and emotional drama.
- You are looking for a purely light-hearted comedy without the tension of a perilous journey.
- You dislike stories that blend adventure with sentimental moments about home and dreams.
Dunki cast
Shah Rukh Khanas Hardayal 'Hardy' Singh Dhillon
Taapsee Pannuas Manu Randhawa
Vikram Kochharas Buggu Lakhanpal
Anil Groveras Balli Kakkad
Boman Iranias Geetu Gulati
Vicky Kaushalas Sukhi
Deven Bhojanias Puru Patel
Sapna Sandas Buggu's Mother
Jyoti Subhashas Buggu's GrandmotherDunki movie details
| Director | Rajkumar Hirani |
|---|---|
| Writer | Rajkumar Hirani, Kanika Dhillon, Abhijat Joshi |
| Music | Pritam Chakraborty, Aman Pant, Shekhar Ravjiani |
| Cinematography | C.K. Muraleedharan, Manush Nandan, Amit Roy |
| Producer | Gauri Khan, Jyoti Deshpande, Rajkumar Hirani, Shah Rukh Khan |
| Release date | 21 December 2023 |
| Runtime | 2h 39m (159 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi, Punjabi |
| Original title | डंकी |
| Certificate (India) | U/A 13+ |
| Budget | $14.5 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $15.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Dunki family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the U/A 13+ certificate and the adventure-comedy-drama genre; parents may want to check specifics. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Dunki official trailer
Our verdict
Dunki is an earnest mix of comedy and drama that leans on Shah Rukh Khan's charm and Rajkumar Hirani's knack for balancing laughs with emotion. The 159-minute runtime lets the journey unfold at its own pace, though the tonal shifts may not work for everyone. It is a solid watch for those who enjoy stories about friendship and impossible promises.
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Jab Harry Met SejalFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Dunki online in India?
Dunki is available for streaming in India on Netflix with a subscription. It is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV Store and YouTube.
When did Dunki release in India?
Dunki was released in Indian theatres on 21 December 2023.
Who is in the cast of Dunki?
The cast includes Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal 'Hardy' Singh Dhillon, Taapsee Pannu as Manu Randhawa, Vikram Kochhar as Buggu Lakhanpal, Anil Grover as Balli Kakkad, Boman Irani as Geetu Gulati, Vicky Kaushal as Sukhi, Deven Bhojani as Puru Patel and Sapna Sand as Buggu's Mother.
Who directed Dunki?
Dunki is directed by Rajkumar Hirani.
What is the runtime of Dunki?
Dunki has a runtime of 159 minutes.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.