Dunki is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, featuring Shah Rukh Khan as Hardy and Taapsee Pannu as Manu. The film explores the perilous journey of individuals seeking illegal immigration routes, known as the "Dunki" route, to enter foreign countries in pursuit of better opportunities.
The narrative centers on Hardy, an ex-soldier from Punjab, and his friends Manu, Buggu, and Balli, who aspire to relocate to the United Kingdom for improved prospects. After failing to secure visas through legitimate means, Hardy proposes using the "Dunki" route—a dangerous and illegal pathway involving travel through multiple countries without proper documentation.
Their journey takes them across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey, facing numerous life-threatening challenges, including encounters with hostile border patrols and treacherous terrains. Tragically, some members of their group lose their lives during these ordeals. Upon finally reaching London, they discover that the reality of life as illegal immigrants is fraught with hardships, far from the dreams they had envisioned.