Manu Randhawa (played by Taapsee Pannu) is a protagonist in Dunki.
A determined woman from Punjab who dreams of moving to London. After years of struggling with illegal migration routes and menial jobs abroad, she eventually gains British citizenship through asylum. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2020, she desperately seeks to return to India. She reunites with her family, accepts Hardy's proposal, and passes away peacefully upon returning home. Buggu Lakhanpal (played by Vikram Kochhar) appears in Dunki.
Manu's close friend and fellow villager who joins her in the quest to immigrate to England. After paying a fraudulent agent and struggling with visa applications, he eventually migrates to London via the Dunki route. He survives the perilous journey, works menial jobs in the UK, gains asylum, and returns to Punjab to reunite with his family. Balli Kakkad (played by Anil Grover) appears in Dunki.
Another friend from Laltu who pursues immigration alongside Manu and Buggu. He successfully passes the IELTS test and moves to London, initially deceiving his family with fake photos. Upon arrival, he discovers his college never existed and struggles to survive as a living statue. He later gains asylum and returns to India with the group. Geetu Gulati (played by Boman Irani) appears in Dunki.
The owner of an ineffective IELTS coaching center where Manu and her friends enroll. Years later in the present timeline, she assists Hardy in locating an agent who arranges their return journey to India via the Dunki route. Puru Patel (played by Deven Bhojani) appears in Dunki.
A London-based immigration lawyer who initially advises Manu on her visa complications. He suggests strategic options like a sham marriage and false asylum claims to secure citizenship. In the present timeline, he continues to guide Manu through her legal immigration hurdles. Sukhi (played by Vicky Kaushal) appears in Dunki.
A fellow student at the coaching center who hopes to rescue his ex-girlfriend Jassi from an abusive husband in London. Upon learning that Jassi committed suicide after discovering he failed his visa attempt, Sukhi takes his own life in front of Hardy, profoundly impacting Hardy's decision to pursue the illegal migration route. Buggu's Mother (played by Sapna Sand) appears in Dunki.
Dunki (2023) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Manu Randhawa
(played by Taapsee Pannu) — protagonist
A determined woman from Punjab who dreams of moving to London. After years of struggling with illegal migration routes and menial jobs abroad, she eventually gains British citizenship through asylum....
Buggu Lakhanpal
(played by Vikram Kochhar) — supporting
Manu's close friend and fellow villager who joins her in the quest to immigrate to England. After paying a fraudulent agent and struggling with visa applications, he eventually migrates to London via...
Balli Kakkad
(played by Anil Grover) — supporting
Another friend from Laltu who pursues immigration alongside Manu and Buggu. He successfully passes the IELTS test and moves to London, initially deceiving his family with fake photos. Upon arrival, he...
Geetu Gulati
(played by Boman Irani) — supporting
The owner of an ineffective IELTS coaching center where Manu and her friends enroll. Years later in the present timeline, she assists Hardy in locating an agent who arranges their return journey to In...
Puru Patel
(played by Deven Bhojani) — supporting
A London-based immigration lawyer who initially advises Manu on her visa complications. He suggests strategic options like a sham marriage and false asylum claims to secure citizenship. In the present...
Sukhi
(played by Vicky Kaushal) — supporting
A fellow student at the coaching center who hopes to rescue his ex-girlfriend Jassi from an abusive husband in London. Upon learning that Jassi committed suicide after discovering he failed his visa a...
Buggu's Mother
(played by Sapna Sand) — supporting
Key Relationships
Buggu's Mother → Buggu Lakhanpal
(mother)
Sukhi → Buggu Lakhanpal
(Social Coaching Center Peers)
Sukhi → Manu Randhawa
(Social Coaching Center Peers)
Geetu Gulati → Balli Kakkad
(Professional Teacher And Student)
Geetu Gulati → Buggu Lakhanpal
(Professional Teacher And Student)
Geetu Gulati → Manu Randhawa
(Professional Teacher And Student)
Manu Randhawa → Puru Patel
(Professional Lawyer And Client)
