In what is emerging as a cinematic piece resonating with audiences for its vibrant portrayal of aspiration and identity, ‘Dunki’, the latest film entrant captivates with its relatable storytelling and exceptional character arcs. Taapsee Pannu, the star actress of ‘Dunki’ turned the spotlight on the significant influence of writer Kanika Dhillon in shaping her on-screen persona, in an interview that peeled back layers on the film-making process.
Playing a character set against the background of Amritsar, Pannu’s portrayal has been widely acknowledged for its authenticity and depth. Integral to her performance was the behind-the-scenes guidance of Kanika Dhillon, a writer on the film, whose insights into the local vibe and struggles of Punjab were pivotal. Dhillon, herself from Amritsar, lent the film her understanding of the societal nuances, particularly in relation to the English language proficiency test IELTS—an integral plot element in the story.
Taapsee reminisces a day spent meticulously crafting a visa interview scene alongside Dhillon and other key crew members. The challenge lay in transforming a single line of dialogue into a highlight moment within the film. The discussed dialogue had the potential to elicit laughs or to miss the mark entirely. The team hunkered down in director Rajkumar Hirani’s basement, sorting through words, their pronunciations, and the portrayal of the character’s linguistic struggles with painstaking detail.
Dhillon’s expertise in sculpting female characters, previously illustrated in collaborations with Pannu on acclaimed projects such as ‘Manmarziyaan’ and ‘Haseen Dilruba’, was especially crucial in adding layers to the character in ‘Dunki’. Her suggestions on word choice, Punjabi accents, and English pronunciations were instrumental in crafting a scene that has since become a crowd favorite for its authenticity and relatability. This creative jam session was described by Pannu as a delightful confluence of talent and dedication, leading to a memorable cinematic moment.
The film, directed by the distinguished Rajkumar Hirani, boasts an impressive roster of acting talent including cinematic heavyweight Shah Rukh Khan, and notable stars like Boman Irani, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. Presented by JIO Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films, the production is jointly produced by Hirani and Gauri Khan, noteworthy for their past successes in the industry.
The theatrical release of ‘Dunki’ on December 21, 2023, marked the culmination of a project that combined the artistic vision of its creators with the verve of its cast. Pannu’s acknowledgement of Dhillon’s contribution to her performance underscores the collaborative spirit that often drives cinematic excellence.
Through meticulous preparation and a keen understanding of cultural idiosyncrasies, the scene, and by extension, the film, captures the struggles and dreams of its characters in a manner that resonates deeply with its audience. Behind every line delivered on the silver screen lies the invisible but potent influence of strong creative partnerships. ‘Dunki’ exemplifies this collaborative filmmaking ethos and stands as a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling that is able to touch the hearts of audiences across geographical and cultural divides.
As ‘Dunki’ finds its way through theaters, drawing viewers into its emotive narrative, it is the off-screen sorcery of talents like Kanika Dhillon and their impact on talents like Taapsee Pannu that completes the magic of the movies.
