A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MIGRATION, CULTURAL CONFLICT, AND SOCIETAL STRAIN IN DUNKI: A POSTCOLONIAL AND STRAIN THEORY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This research article examines the emotional and societal challenges depicted in the film Dunki from the perspectives of postcolonial theory and strain theory. The film chronicles the journey of several characters, with Manu being notably affected by the pressures of poverty and the aspiration for a better life. Manu ultimately decides to engage in illegal migration. Strain theory is employed to investigate the ways in which societal expectations and the absence of legitimate opportunities result in deviant behaviors, such as illicit immigration, as a strategy for achieving success. The research also investigates the methods through which emotional distress and decision-making are exacerbated by cultural conflict, which occurs when traditional values clash with modern aspirations. Furthermore, postcolonial theory is employed to comprehend the persistent influence of colonial legacies on identity, migration, and societal norms, which influence the characters' self-perception and decisions. The intricate interplay of societal pressure, emotional strain, and the enduring effects of colonialism on migration and identity is revealed in this article by examining Dunki through these theoretical frameworks. The results underscore the psychological toll of migration and the catastrophic repercussions that can occur when individuals are entangled between societal expectations and multiple identities.