Director Rajkumar Hirani defends his 2023 film donkeyStating that it does not connect with some audiences in India, it added that it connects more strongly with a section of audiences in Canada and the United States who have to face the difficulties of living abroad. The director was criticized on social media for his comments regarding the reception of Dinky.

Reflecting on the film’s reception on Sanjay Arora’s podcast, Hirani said that every film reaches audiences differently, and highlighted that donkey Discussed a topic that was not as widely relevant as any other 3 idiots. He said he is proud of the film and sees its reaction as part of films’ individual journeys with audiences.

speaking about why donkey Hirani said, “Every film will touch different people in different ways. If you are making 3 idiotsIt is about the education system. It will reach every home. When I’m making a movie like donkeyIt is limited to those who immigrate illegally. Even today, people living outside Canada and the United States send me messages every day about how difficult life is here.”

The director emphasized that a small section of the audience, especially those who had gone abroad and faced hardships, felt deep regret at leaving India and remained strongly connected to the story. He said that while middle-class and upper-class audiences can easily obtain visas, a different section of the population turns to illegal methods when the legal route fails, affecting how different groups relate to the narrative.

Reflecting on its reception, he said, “It’s not that nobody agrees with it. But I’m still very proud of the film. The things that affect you less are the ones you can’t relate to.” He concluded that each project follows its own unique path, noting that in any filmmaker’s journey, some films will naturally reach a mass audience while others will pursue a smaller group, but everything must be done with personal conviction.

Responding to his comment, anRajuhirani sir, middle class people are not even thinking of going out. Not a mountain giver. It will be easy for you to get a visa. We need money for that (Rajkumar Hirani sir, the middle class cannot even dream of going abroad. It is not cheap. You can get a visa easily, but we really need money for it) (sic).”

Another user commented, “yesHe is not accepting that this is the real problem, Donkey Process ended in a 2 minute song, and blamed the audience for justifying (Yeah, he’s not admitting that’s the real problem. He ruined everything donkey Process in a two-minute song, and now he’s trying to justify it by blaming the audience.) (sic).”

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donkey Actors Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal were in lead roles. The film was co-produced by Gauri Khan and Rajkumar Hirani.

donkey It was released theatrically on December 21, 2026.