Dhak Dhak Movie Review: Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi Are Endearing In This Sweet Joy Ride (LatestLY Exclusive)

Dhak Dhak Movie Review: It's easy to like Tarun Dudeja's road trip film, Dhak Dhak. Personally, I'm a fan of motorcycle movies, and Dhak Dhak certainly delivers in that department. Furthermore, it boasts a likeable cast, featuring the talented Ratna Pathak Shah, who never disappoints. The screenplay is akin to vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips, offering sweetness with occasional surprises, even if it doesn't push the boundaries of your taste-buds. Dhak Dhak might not set your heart racing, but it beats harmlessly and consistently, keeping you engaged. Dhak Dhak: Dia Mirza Shares Unseen BTS Pics With Her Girl Gang Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi, Ahead of the Film’s Theatrical Release!

Sky (Fatima Sana Shaikh) is a popular vlogger recovering from a scandal and seeking a fresh start in life. A passionate biker, she's intrigued by her friend's widowed grandmother, Manpreet, aka Mahi (Ratna Pathak Shah), who owns a Royal Enfield and has taken up biking in her later years. Mahi dreams of riding to Khardung La, a pilgrimage for bikers. Sky sees this as an opportunity to create a captivating vlog that could pave the way for her to cover the Auto Expo in Spain.

She decides to embark on a bike trip with Mahi, starting from New Delhi and heading to Khardung La, with the journey to be completed in seven days. They're joined by Uzma (Dia Mirza), a Muslim woman trapped in a loveless marriage with a misogynist but skilled at bike repairs, serving as their on-road mechanic. The trio is also accompanied by Manjari (Sanjana Sanghi), a socially awkward devout Hindu girl about to enter into an arranged marriage. During their road trip, they bicker, bond, get to know each other, and at one point, one of them even leaves the group after an emotional outburst.

Watch the Trailer of Dhak Dhak:

At one point in the film, two characters debate whether the destination or the journey is more important. In the case of Dhak Dhak, I find the journey more compelling than the destination. There are some hiccups along the way, the screenplay could have been tighter in the middle sections, and the flashback scenes, while crucial for understanding the characters' motivations, should have been more concise.

But once you get to know these characters, it's hard not to love them. The dynamics between these ladies make it easy to root for them. Sky is a free spirit, tragically tethered by a scandal beyond her control. On the other hand, Mahi longs to break free from her family's expectations, which is triggered by the unexpected arrival of a bike at her home. Uzma and Manjari may come from different religious backgrounds, but they share a common experience of dealing with stifling patriarchy and control over women in their households. I'm glad the film doesn't delve into religious conflicts, except for a minor disagreement over expenses, as the Muslim woman questions why she should pay for alcohol consumed by others, while the Hindu vegetarian girl raises similar concerns regarding meat dishes.

When these women bond over their rides and the taste of freedom, the movie becomes endearing. The scenic shots of the valley, captured by Sreechith Vijayan Damodar's frames, make you contemplate taking a bike trip through the mountainous lanes of Manali and Leh. At one point, the film raises the question of whether our appreciation of this beauty comes from our privilege, as Sky encounters a construction labourer away from home for months, struggling with dust and grime. At times, I was reminded of Amazon Prime's series Sweet Kaaram Coffee, another road trip embarked upon by three women on a journey of self-discovery, which had its moments of philosophical reflection, although it stumbled in the end. Dhak Dhak: Ratna Pathak Shares Experience of Working With Fatima Sana, Sanjana Sanghi, Actress Says ‘I Learned So Much From All the Young Artists’.

Dhak Dhak abandons the need for a race against time to reach the destination in a stipulated period, emphasising the value of savouring the journey. However, the epilogue left me pondering the purpose of its inclusion. The film's standout scene, for me, is when the ladies shed their inhibitions after consuming special cookies in Manali, discussing fake orgasms and flavoured condoms, marking the first moment when they truly connect. Their personal revelations and acts of rebellion are heartwarming, aided by a charming score.

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When these women bond over their rides and the taste of freedom, the movie becomes endearing. The scenic shots of the valley, captured by Sreechith Vijayan Damodar's frames, make you contemplate taking a bike trip through the mountainous lanes of Manali and Leh. At one point, the film raises the question of whether our appreciation of this beauty comes from our privilege, as Sky encounters a construction labourer away from home for months, struggling with dust and grime. At times, I was reminded of Amazon Prime's series Sweet Kaaram Coffee, another road trip embarked upon by three women on a journey of self-discovery, which had its moments of philosophical reflection, although it stumbled in the end. Dhak Dhak: Ratna Pathak Shares Experience of Working With Fatima Sana, Sanjana Sanghi, Actress Says ‘I Learned So Much From All the Young Artists’.

Dhak Dhak abandons the need for a race against time to reach the destination in a stipulated period, emphasising the value of savouring the journey. However, the epilogue left me pondering the purpose of its inclusion. The film's standout scene, for me, is when the ladies shed their inhibitions after consuming special cookies in Manali, discussing fake orgasms and flavoured condoms, marking the first moment when they truly connect. Their personal revelations and acts of rebellion are heartwarming, aided by a charming score.

That's why I found the climax a bit underwhelming. Manjari and Uzma's problems are neatly resolved through individual monologues. While I appreciated the poems recited by the leads as they ride toward their destination, the euphoric thrill of reaching their goal should not have been rushed. Dhak Dhak doesn't take a strong stance against challenging the status quo. Similar to its fixation on turmeric milk, it uses a single mother's struggles as an excuse to stifle her daughter, only mildly questioning it. The film takes a soft stand on the rush into marriage, when it could have emphasised Manjari's need to find herself before being defined by a relationship arranged by her family. The conclusion to her character arc doesn't promise a different outcome. Dhak Dhak is good, but it had the potential to be even more impressive had it taken a stronger stand on certain aspects.

The performances from the main cast are endearing. Ratna Pathak Shah is a delight, stealing every scene with Mahi's naivete and childlike enthusiasm. Fatima Sana Shaikh excels in her tough-girl role, particularly in the scene where her emotions finally surface. Dia Mirza exudes grace and charm, and Sanjana Sanghi delivers a convincing performance.

Final Thoughts

Dhak Dhak has its minor flaws and could have delved deeper into certain themes, but the film's endearing performances and the camaraderie of its protagonists make it a pleasant ride. It's a reminder that sometimes the joy lies in the journey itself, with moments of self-discovery and rebellion that resonate.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2023 09:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).