Film:
Dhak Dhak

Dhak Dhak Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Director: Tarun Dudeja

Starcast: Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah & Sanjana Sanghi

Platform: Theatres

DHAK DHAK REVIEW

Won’t lie – I entered the screening of Dhak Dhak with almost no expectations but the next 140 minutes just blew my mind. I was surprisingly impressed and how. Director Tarun Dudeja has presented four wonderful women taking the ride of their lives in the most presentable manner in Dhak Dhak. Starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah & Sanjana Sanghi, the film is Taapsee Pannu’s first production. But what I failed to understand is why a film made with so much love, honesty, and hard work wasn’t promoted well enough.

Dhak Dhak is not your regular biker film. It captures the real essence of four women from different parts of society and diverse age groups who come together for a journey to Khardung La. On their bike trip to one of the most challenging motorable passes in the world, the ladies try to overcome several obstacles of nature and their personal lives. The women go through a significant journey of self-discovery, self-love and self-realization of their true worth.

Watch the trailer while reading Dhak Dhak review:

STORYLINE

Sky (Fatima Sana Shaikh) is a motorcycle reviewer and influencer with a dark past in trying her best to rebuild her image and make it to the Barcelona Biker Tour. But her sponsor needs a story from her to make it work and that’s when Manpreet aka Mahi (Ratna Pathak Shah) comes into the picture. Sky’s friend’s grandma Mahi wins a bike in a lottery and soon falls in love with it. But her goal is big – she wants to take a bike trip to one of the most challenging motorable passes in the world – Khardung La. That’s where Sky gets her inspirational story and decides to take that trip with her.

Next, they need an on-road mechanic and much to everyone’s surprise it’s Uzma (Dia Mirza) who takes charge. Uzma – a homemaker unappreciated by her highly regressive husband – joins the team. The last member to enter is Mathura girl Manjari who is set to marry a stranger of her mother’s choice and wants to go on a trip before making this life-changing decision. How the strong women take the trip of their lifetime and support each other at every junction is what makes the crux of the story. The rest of the movie is all about their experiences, misadventures, and equations with each other as they take a transformative trip.

The basic plot of a group of four people going for a mountain-clad adventure trip did remind me of Sooraj Barjatya’s 2022 film Uunchai. But here the way the story is presented is quite different. What worked for me was the screenplay and its narration.

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A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh)

PERFORMANCES

The casting of Dhak Dhak couldn’t have been more perfect. Ratna Pathak Shah as Mahi breathes life into the movie. As a Punjabi granny who’s just expected to live her last few years at home silently, Ratna depicts every emotion of a single mother so realistically. She lights up the screen each time she makes an appearance.

Fatima Sana Shaikh as Sky is fierce, fiery and flawless. She drives the entire story of Dhak Dhak. Dia Mirza as Uzma showcases her inner turmoil and pain through her eyes. She captivates the screen with her presence. Sanjana Sanghi as Manjari is sweet, charming and relatable. She tries something new and it works in her favour.

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A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96)

TECHNICAL ASPECT

Director Tarun Dudeja has presented the inspirational story of Dhak Dhak at its best. He, along with co-writers Parijat Joshi and Anvita Dutt, has made characters who teach life lessons through simplicity, delivered through memorable dialogues. The film wouldn’t have been what it is if it wasn’t for cinematographer Sreechith Vijayan Damodar. The way Sreechith has shot each and every location and emotion – it’s incredible. Manish Sharma’s editing is brilliant too.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THE TARUN DUDEJA-DIRECTORIAL

The essence of female friendship: Now this is what we call a film that is truly based on female friendships without being too preachy about it. Dhak Dhak will make you be more grateful and thankful for all your girl-friends in life. It’s a film that talks about why women supporting women are important in our lives.

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A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96)

Captivating screenplay and narration: What’s interesting about Dhak Dhak is that each of these women has a character arc to them, fleshed out adequately for you to understand their journey. The screenplay and narration are captivating and relatable throughout.

DRAWBACKS

Length: Although the movie is a little over 2 hours long, I felt it was stretched at many parts. The first half dropped at a few places and you would find yourself looking at your watch a few times. The thrill escalated post-interval but after a point, the film lost its steam.

CONCLUSION

The drama, thrill and adventure of Dhak Dhak are unmissable. The wholesome tale of the four riders on the storm will make one want to gear up and go on an adventure. This is truly the female friendship film we all deserve. Watch it for the incredible cast and a heartfelt storyline!

Also Read: Dhak Dhak trailer: Dia, Fatima , Ratna, and Sanjana take us on a thrilling ride filled with emotions and drama

Rashita Sahni

I make celebrities talk, laugh & spill the tea!
Film & Fashion Journalist | Bombay