Dunki, a 2023 Hindi-language social comedy-drama, is about “Donkey Flight” illegal immigration. Rajkumar Hirani co-wrote and directed it, while Gauri Khan, Hirani, and Deshpande produced it under Red Chillies Entertainment, Hirani Films, and Jio Studios. Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Dia Mirza, and Boman Irani star.
The answer to the question is NO. Dunki is not a remake of the CIA. This is a false rumor that has been circulating on social media platforms, especially Twitter, where some users have claimed that Dunki is a copy of the 2017 Malayalam film CIA: Comrade in America, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Karthika Muralidharan.
However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and in fact, there are many differences between the two films that prove otherwise.
In this article, we will debunk the rumors about Dunki being a remake of the CIA, compare the two films in terms of plot, cast, and cultural context, and present facts and evidence supporting Dunki not being a remake of the CIA.
Debunking the Rumors About Dunki Being a Remake
The rumors about Dunki being a remake of the CIA started when some Twitter users noticed that both films have a similar theme of illegal immigration to the USA. They also pointed out that both films have a scene where the protagonist rides a donkey across the border. However, these are very superficial similarities that do not imply that Dunki is a remake of the CIA. In fact, many fans of Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have clarified that Dunki is an original story that has nothing to do with the CIA. They have also criticized the rumor-mongers for spreading false information and disrespecting the creative work of the filmmakers.
Comparison Between Dunki and CIA
To further prove that Dunki is not a remake of the CIA, let us compare the two films in terms of plot, cast, and cultural context.
Plot Differences
The plot of Dunki revolves around an illegal immigration technique called “Donkey Flight”, which involves riding a donkey across the US-Mexico border. The film follows the journey of Shah Rukh Khan’s character, who decides to use this technique to reunite with his estranged wife (played by Taapsee Pannu) and daughter (played by Dia Mirza) in the USA. Along the way, he faces many challenges and obstacles, as well as meets many interesting characters (played by Boman Irani and others).
The plot of CIA: Comrade in America revolves around a communist activist named Aji Mathew (played by Dulquer Salmaan), who falls in love with an American girl named Sarah (played by Karthika Muralidharan). When Sarah’s family decides to move back to the USA, Aji decides to follow her by any means possible. He joins a group of illegal immigrants who are trying to cross the US-Mexico border on foot. Along the way, he faces many dangers and difficulties, as well as learns about the harsh realities of life in America.
As we can see, the plots of Dunki and CIA are very different in terms of their main characters, their motivations, their challenges, and their outcomes. The only similarity is that they both involve illegal immigration to the USA, but this is a very common and broad topic that can be explored in many different ways.
Cast Differences
The cast of Dunki consists of some of the most popular and talented actors in Bollywood, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Dia Mirza, and Boman Irani. These actors have a huge fan following and have proven their versatility and excellence in various genres of films. They are also known for their chemistry and charisma on screen.
The cast of CIA: Comrade in America consists of some of the emerging and promising actors in Malayalam cinema, such as Dulquer Salmaan, Karthika Muralidharan, and others. These actors have also shown their talent and potential in various films, but they are not as widely known or recognized as their Bollywood counterparts. They also have a different style and appeal on screen.
As we can see, the cast of Dunki and CIA are very different in terms of their popularity, experience, and personality. The actors in Dunki have a larger fan base and more exposure than the actors in the CIA.
Cultural Context
The cultural context of Dunki is based on the Indian perspective and experience of illegal immigration to the USA. The film explores the reasons, risks, and realities of this phenomenon, as well as the emotional and social impact it has on immigrants and their families. The film also reflects the diversity and complexity of Indian culture, as well as the humor and optimism of Indian people.
The cultural context of CIA: Comrade in America is based on the Malayali perspective and experience of illegal immigration to the USA. The film also explores the political and ideological aspects of this phenomenon, as well as the contrast and conflict between the American dream and the communist ideal. The film also showcases the beauty and richness of Malayali culture, as well as the courage and resilience of Malayali people.
As we can see, the cultural contexts of Dunki and the CIA are very different in terms of their themes, messages, and values. The films cater to different audiences and sensibilities.
Facts and Evidence Supporting Dunki Not Being a Remake
Finally, let us look at some facts and evidence that support Dunki not being a remake of the CIA.
- Statements from the creators: The makers of Dunki have never claimed or hinted that their film is a remake of the CIA. On the contrary, they have always maintained that Dunki is an original story that is inspired by real-life incidents. Rajkumar Hirani, the co-writer and director of Dunki, has said that he came up with the idea of Donkey Flight after reading a news article about it. He also said that he wanted to make a film that was entertaining, meaningful, and relevant. Shah Rukh Khan, the lead actor and producer of Dunki, has also said that Dunki is a unique and fresh story that has nothing to do with any other film. He also said that Dunki is a story of people who want to come back home, rather than go away.
- Differences in filming locations: The filming locations of Dunki and CIA are also very different. Dunki was shot in various locations across India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the USA. CIA was shot mostly in Kerala, India, with some scenes in Nicaragua and USA. The difference in filming locations reflects the difference in the scope and scale of the two films.
- Lack of official confirmation from production teams: There has been no official confirmation or announcement from either of the production teams of Dunki or CIA that their films are related or connected in any way. Neither of the films has used any footage or material from each other. Neither of the films has credited or acknowledged each other. There is no evidence of any legal or contractual agreement between the two production teams regarding their films.
