Dhak Dhak movie review: Director Taran Dudeja’s latest film starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza and Sanjana Sanghi rides high on fun and introspection.
Cast: Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Sanjana Sanghi
Director: Tarun Dudeja
Writers: Tarun Dudeja, Parijat Joshi
‘Safar zaroori hai ya manzil?’ While most of our answers might range from’ either of these two options’ or ‘both’, Dhak Dhak takes a road less travelled and makes a rock-solid statement which resonates strongly with you.
What’s Yay: Performances, Execution, Story
What’s Nay: The screenplay drags at a few places, choppy editing
Story
Dhak Dhak opens with four women bikers on a road. One of them loses her way and skids off her two-wheeler. Through a series of flashback, we are introduced to each of their backstories and what led them to hit the road.
Sky aka Shashi Kumari Yadav (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a travel blogger and social media influencer seeks to create her own ‘identity’ after she becomes a victim of an ugly scandal. She sees light at the end of the tunnel when struck by the idea of an all-women’s bike trip to Khardung La point which could land her an opportunity to showcase her work at Barcelona Expo.
Mahi (Ratna Pathak Shah), a woman in her 60s, wants to do something daring to become a ‘heroine’ in front of her family who usually relegates her to being the ‘dahi-bhalla’ maker at social gatherings. Uzma (Dia Mirza) who knows all the ‘jugaads’ when it comes to bikes and crisis, has a feeble voice when it comes to dealing with her dismissive husband. Manjari (Sanjana Sanghi), a timid, conservative woman longs for an adventure before her wedding with a stranger.
Sky assembles these three ladies and the quartet sets out on a trek to Khardung La point on their respective bikes. What follows next is an adventure where the women learn to lean into every curve thrown at them and rediscover themselves.
Direction
Despite a few clichéd plot elements, director Tarun Dudeja makes the heart of his film ‘dhak dhak’ loud with his effective execution sans any melodrama. The movie hits some ‘high gear’ notes with its enjoyable depiction of female bonding on screen. The sprinkling of humor just the right amount makes Dhak Dhak a joy ride.
With relatable characters and their relatable dilemma, Tarun and his co-writer Parijat Joshi barely hit the wrong side of the road. The duo deserve a pat on their back for not villainizing any gender which is often an Achilles’ heel of such films.
Having said that, Dhak Dhak does witness some punctures when the screenplay finds itself dragging through some rough terrains which could have been easily avoided.
Performances
Ratna Pathak Shah is the ‘dugg dugg’ of this bullet called Dhak Dhak. Be it throwing funny liners or depicting matters of the heart, the seasoned actress is a skillful driver on screen. Fatima Sana Shaikh brings in the right amount of sass and vulnerability and goes full throttle.
Dia Mirza has her grip strong with her subtle performance which hits the right chords. Sanjana Sanghi fuels Dhak Dhak with her compelling act. The supporting cast also ensures a smooth ride for the film.
Technical Aspects
Sreechith Vijayan Damodar’s camera works magic on the scenic locations and gives you plenty of vacation goals. Dhak Dhak slids off the road at a few places owing to Maneesh Sharma’s sloppy editing. A little chop-chop in the runtime would have made the film more effective.
Music
‘Banjaara Re’ in Sunidhi Chauhan’s vocals gives you an adrenaline rush. The rest of the songs in the film are most situational and fits like a glove, adding more layers to the story-telling.
Verdict
In one of the scenes in the film, a man tells Sky, “To influence people, aesthetics doesn’t matter, but a good story does!” Well, Dhak Dhak gets this on point. The girl squad makes you fall ‘head over wheels’ in love with their camaraderie and walk home with a life lesson or two.
