Just a week after the release of Thank You for Coming, a courageous women-centric film, another Hindi movie with a similar theme has graced the silver screen.
And I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying this emerging trend.
Despite internal controversies, Dhak Dhak has managed to strike a chord with the audience through its engaging trailer.
At a runtime of 140 minutes, Dhak Dhak presents a refreshing and unique perspective on an all-female group embarking on a road trip.
In this review, I delve into the film’s strengths and weaknesses, shedding light on whether it deserves your time or not.
Dhak Dhak Synopsis (Long)
Shashi Kumar Yadav (SKY, played by Fatima), an Automobile Vlogger, is recovering from a personal setback when she senses a professional opportunity to travel to Barcelona.
But only an all-women biking trip to Khardung La Pass can secure it.
Manpreet (Ratna Pathak Shah) wins a stylish Bike in a Lucky draw but she doesn’t know how to ride it and once she learns, her longstanding dream of traveling to Khardung La Pass becomes a priority.
Uzma (Dia) has long lived under the shadow of her husband while Manjari (Sanjana) is yet to seize control of her own destiny.
These four seemingly ordinary women serendipitously cross paths and embark on what promises to be the most exhilarating journey of their lives, brimming with its own set of highs and lows.
The four ordinary women accidentally meet and plan the most invigorating trip of their lives, which comes with its share of ups and downs.
Will they make it to Khardung La Pass?
Directed by Tarun Dudeja, Dhak Dhak stars Ratna Pathak Shah (Manpreet), Fatima Sana Shaikh (SKY), Dia Mirza (Uzma), and Sanjana Sanghi (Manjari) in lead roles.
What Works for Dhak Dhak?
This film is all about shattering stereotypes without resorting to preachiness, all thanks to its idea of bringing four diverse women together.
Either they are at distinct stages of their lives or have varying goals to achieve out of the voyage. The concept is refreshingly entertaining.
The film subtly conveys a powerful message of female empowerment, particularly within the Indian context, by seamlessly integrating it into on-screen situations.
Dhak Dhak is adept at employing heartwarming dialogue that resonates with viewers, infusing a delightful sweetness into the narrative that revitalizes one’s perspective.
What sets the film apart is its refusal to make things easy for its female protagonists.
The obstacles they face feel authentic, eliciting genuine empathy from the audience.
Moreover, fun and laughter are recurrent elements in Dhak Dhak, combined with the film’s ability to sidestep clichés, even in its smartly crafted one-liners.
The consistency in delivering moments of joy keeps viewers thoroughly engaged.
In a refreshing departure from recent releases like Thank You for Coming, Dhak Dhak offers a respite from melodrama and steadfastly adheres to its bold, straightforward essence.
By the time the credits roll, Dhak Dhak leaves you inspired to reflect on life with no regrets, and you return home with a renewed perspective, understanding the importance of allowing women to make independent choices.
After all, it’s their life; let them live it to the fullest.
How are the Performances?
Ratna Pathak Shah is the star of this inspiring film. She springs fun in every scene through her nuanced expressions.
Her hold on the accent remains a profound part of Manpreet’s character development.
Known for her bold on-screen presence, Shah continues to deliver a magnetic performance in Dhak Dhak, gracing the film with quirky one-liners and an array of sarcastic smiles that add an essential charm to the narrative.
Fatima Sana Shaikh is a stylish, daring woman who has enough acuity to achieve her dreams. She can lead, defend, and exemplify her team.
As Shashi aka Sky, she effervescently uses her natural acting abilities. It is almost a no-holds-barred performance by Sana, who is growing by the day as a prime actress in the Indian Film Industry.
The evergreen Dia Mirza takes on Uzma in Dhak Dhak. You cannot find a single flaw in her act. Emotions, cheerfulness, and grit are all available in her armor.
Mirza makes acting look so easy even when the task at hand is among the most arduous ones. She flows like water, uninterrupted in her pursuit of excellence.
Sanjana Sanghi is honest as Manjari. Maybe, she got the toughest role to crack or it was something else.
Her screen presence has potential but maybe Sanghi tries to give more than what is needed, and in the process, she overdoes it.
This is just an observation and I might be wrong.
What Doesn’t Work for Dhak Dhak?
In the latter half of the film, Dhak Dhak encounters a shift towards a more philosophical tone, marked by an abundance of either musical interludes or emotionally charged conversations.
This transition might be seen as a temporary downturn, especially for those who prefer a more free-spirited storytelling approach throughout the movie.
Furthermore, while the film excels in its final moments, it falls somewhat short in consistently infusing the middle parts with the same level of inspiration.
Should You Watch Dhak Dhak?
Without a doubt, Dhak Dhak is a movie that warrants both your time and financial investment.
Films of this kind are essential to the advancement of cinema, as they challenge conventions and offer a fresh perspective.
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