Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Director Rajkumar Hirani has defended his 2023 film Dunki, saying it did not connect with some viewers in India and said it resonated more strongly with a section of viewers in Canada and the United States, who faced the difficulties of living abroad. The director was criticised on social media over his remarks about Dunki’s reception.
Reflecting on the film’s reception on Sanjay Arora’s podcast, Hirani said every film reaches audiences differently, and highlighted that Dunki dealt with a subject that was not as widely relatable as one like 3 Idiots. He said he remained proud of the film and saw its response as part of the different journeys films take with viewers.
advertisement
Speaking about why Dunki did not relate to audiences in the same way as his previous films, Hirani said, “Every film will touch different people differently. If you are making 3 Idiots, it is about the education system. It will reach every household. When I am making a film like Dunki, it is very restricted to people who do those illegal immigrations. Even today, people living outside, from Canada and the United States message me every day about how difficult life is here.”
The director emphasised that a smaller section of viewers, particularly those who had migrated abroad and faced hardships, deeply regretted leaving India and strongly connected with the story. He noted that while middle-class and upper-class audiences can easily secure visas, a different segment of the population turns to illegal methods when legal routes fail, which affected how different groups related to the narrative.
Reflecting on its reception, he added, “It is not like nobody resonated with it. But I am still very proud of the film. The things that impact you less are the ones you can’t relate to.” He concluded that every project follows its own unique path, noting that in any filmmaker’s journey, some films will naturally reach a massive audience while others move a smaller group, but everything must be done with personal conviction.
While reacting to his remarks, an X user wrote, “He should accept he made a avg movie. Instead of focusing on concept of #Dunki he focused on love story more. #RajuHirani sir middle class log to bahar jane ka soch bhi nahi rahe. Parvadata nahi hai. Aap ko milta hoga aasani se visa. Humare paas paise to chahiye uske liye (Rajkumar Hirani sir, the middle class can’t even dream of moving abroad. It’s just not affordable. You might get a visa easily, but we actually need money for that) (sic).”
Another user commented, “ha, he isn’t accepting that’s the real prblm, dunki process ek 2min ke song mein khatam kr diya, aur justify kr raha audience ko blame kike (Yeah, he isn’t accepting that that’s the real problem. They wrapped up the whole Dunki process in a two-minute song, and now he’s trying to justify it by blaming the audience.) (sic).”
An X comment also read, “They played safe because of the srk image being an action Hero Right now and with his aura and stardom the underdog or weakling roles don’t suit him same thing happened with jab harry met Sejal, zero both movies could have been so much more if srk was not part of it (sic).”
Dunki featured actors Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal in key roles. The film was co-produced by Gauri Khan and Rajkumar Hirani.
Dunki was theatrically released on December 21, 2026.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
