Review: ‘Dhak Dhak’ is a wholesome watch that celebrates womanhood without forcing the ‘feminism’ trope

Dhak Dhak

From reviving college reunions and empowering women to recognize their self-worth to exploring their sexual desires and and again delving into reigniting their self-belief, we'we had our hands on quite a few woman-cemtric films in the past few weeks. Now bringing yet another female-centric film- 'Dhak Dhak' to the table is filmmaker Tarun Dudeja. Celebrating womenhood, friendship, and yet again portrayal of the ladies forging their paths with unwavering resolve is what the film promises. After watching this slice of life drama, here's what I feel about it.

A feel-good tale celebrating womanhood

An influencer (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a widowed and elderly woman (Ratna Pathak Shah), a housewife and mechanic(Dia Mirza) and a teenage girl survived by a single mother(Sanjana Sanghi); their destinies collide on a thrilling journey toward a common goal: conquering the treacherous Khardungla pass in Leh on their motorcycles. The narrative may appear simple on the surface, but the writing is profound, nuanced and layered. Diverse life histories tales of redemption, all wrapped in a package of captivating drama, heartwarming reunions, and pure, unadulterated fun. This film is an uplifting experience that fulfils its intended purpose, leaving some room for improvement with the editing and a few scenes that could have been trimmed to perfection.

Deja Vu - you won't mind reliving

No doubt, the plot is familiar, seen earlier, predictable and even bears a striking resemblance to films crafted on this journey before, perhaps akin to a recent one, like 'Uunchai.' However, this sense of déjà vu proves to be a captivating experience that you won't resist revisiting. As the tale unfolds, you'll inevitably connect with one of the characters, forging an emotional bond that propels your fervent desire to witness their triumphant journey despite the clichéd yet heartwarming crescendo that awaits. 

Some bone-tickling moments

Certain dialogues and one-liners strike a chord, infusing the narrative with a delightful dose of humor. While conversations among the ladies post-intoxication may follow familiar themes, they leave you giggling. The recurring elements of patriarchal jests, the heartwarming elderly romance, communal quips, and sly innuendos land well. 

The Performances

Ratna Pathak Shah as Mahi is a vibe. We already know what she is capable of doing when she is on-screen, and like every other time, she delivers.

Fatima Sana Shaikh's portrayal of Sky exudes strength and fearlessness, making her a relatable figure for the Gen Z audience. Her acting is solid, meeting the requirements of her role effectively. Her performance is a harmonious blend of humor, memorable one-liners, genuine emotions, profound insights, and a nuanced character portrayal. 

Dia Mirza's Uzma is a gradual, gentle transformation, skillfully balancing Uzma's vulnerabilities and her growing enthusiasm. Dia Mirza's performance brings out this delicate balance with finesse.

Sanjana Sanghi's Manjari starts as a timid character but blossoms into a strong, determined woman. Her acting skills shine through in this role, and with her potential and an eye for compelling scripts, she has the opportunity to make a significant mark in the industry.

The setting and aesthetics

The film's core essence revolves around the enchanting odyssey of these women as they traverse rugged terrains on their motorcycles, against a backdrop of serene landscapes. From the dusty roads to the snow-clad peaks of Manali and the challenging passes of Leh, every visual aspect has been meticulously captured. This careful attention to aesthetics not only enhances the film's visual appeal but also imparts a sense of conviction to the narrative, ultimately offering the audience a truly cinematic experience.

The Verdict

'Dhak Dhak' is a wholesome tale celebrating womanhood and a film that can be added to your 'feel good films' list. While it has a similar framework, it rises beyond the age-old 'chick flicks' where plots scream feminism using tools like 'orgasm', 'multiple relationships', 'booze and loose'.

Rating

*** (3/5) stars