Dhak Dhak Saga: In the epic odyssey of four ordinary women embarking on a motorcycle adventure towards the world’s loftiest drivable pass, Khardung La, unfolds a profound narrative of self-discovery and identity.
Critique of Dhak Dhak Chronicle: Does the essence lie in the destination or the journey itself? This motorcycle expedition unveils the depth beyond mere physical travel, asserting that, akin to the road, life’s journey is equally intricate and transformative.
Director and writer duo, Tarun Dudeja and Parijat Joshi, commence the tale with familiar elements, introducing the audience to the central characters. Sky (portrayed by Fatima Sana Shaikh) navigates the world of motorcycles, striving to redefine her unintentionally scandalous social media image and break into the male-dominated sphere to establish her unique identity. Mahi, also known as Manpreet (played by Ratna Pathak Shah), is a grandmother challenging societal norms, while Uzma (Dia Mirza) grapples with being an undervalued homemaker. Manjari, hailing from Mathura, confronts an arranged marriage to a stranger chosen by her mother. The narrative unfolds as they share experiences, face misadventures, and form bonds during this transformative journey.
While the initial part of the film adeptly portrays societal biases against female drivers, issues of safety for women, and the tendency to take them for granted, the story gains momentum once the characters hit the road. Cinematographer Sreechith Vijayan Damodar masterfully captures the breathtaking landscapes—whether the smooth ride along picturesque roads or navigating through dramatic terrains, landslides, and floods.
True to the spirit of a genuine journey, the movie introduces characters who impart profound life lessons through simplicity, conveyed through memorable dialogues. A truck driver imparts wisdom to Manjari, urging her to objectively analyze her problems and stating, ‘Apni problem mein tension lena aur doosre ki problem mein solution dena, yeh toh insaan ki fitrat hai. Is liye kabhi khudke padosi ban kar dekho.’
Much like a real-life expedition where the destination is known but the journey is unpredictable, the plot unfolds with refreshing twists. The film injects humor into the narrative, courtesy of the comedic antics of Mahi and Manjari. Rishi Dutta’s upbeat soundtrack, especially the folk-rock title track Banjara Re, complements the film’s rhythm.
The cast’s performances are noteworthy, with Ratna Pathak Shah portraying a loving, shy, and cheeky Punjabi grandma, Fatima Sana Shaikh embodying a firebrand confronting her inner demons, Dia Mirza as a resourceful mechanic with stifled dreams, and Sanjana Sanghi portraying the klutzy and overprotected simple girl with finesse.
The narrative of the four protagonists riding through the storms of life paints a wholesome picture that ignites a desire for adventure, be it on the open road or by following one’s heart. Dhak Dhak is a cinematic gem, beckoning viewers with its compelling storytelling, visual allure, and an immersive experience best enjoyed on the grand canvas of the big screen.
In-depth Analysis
Our overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores below.
