The film, undoubtedly Kukunoor’s best work, deserves a perfect 5/5 rating.
By Vikrum Mathur
WASHINGTON, DC: The film industry in India is known worldwide primarily for its Bollywood films. However, in a nation that produces more than 800 films a year, the sad truth is, that audiences are typically only exposed to one particular type of film. Those films are all about stars and style, and very little comes forth in many of them in terms of content.
There are a plethora of films which do not find proper distribution, or lie in the cans, and audiences seeking unique cinematic experiences which enrich and touch them, are often left in the lurch. Many members of the audience do not even know about these films, and are often forced to digest “masala films,” which is now considered to be representative of Hindi cinema. I state with full strength that not only are “masala films” not fully representative of Hindi cinema, they are not even the tip of the iceberg as far as Hindi movies are concerned.
Fortunately for me and the Washington, DC, metropolitan area Ceasar Productions, who sponsors the annual DC South Asian Film Festival, presented a screening of the yet to be released film Dhanak to an audience hungry for good content. This film, written and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, falls into the category of one of those cinematic treasures that people need to see and realize that India can produce such beautiful films.
Kukunoor, a talented filmmaker who has directed such well known films as Hyderabad Blues, Dor, Iqbal, Lakshmi, and 8 x 10 Tasveer, has now brought what is perhaps his best work. Let’s take a look.
Dhanak tells the story of two children, a 10-year-old girl Pari and her 8-year-old brother Chotu. Both live with their uncle and aunt in poverty in a modest dwelling in Rajasthan. Chotu is blind and Pari has promised him that by his 9th birthday, he will be able to see again. When a circumstance presents itself to Pari which would enable Chotu to get his eyesight, both siblings set out on a journey which not only strengthens their bond, but also introduces them to an array of fascinating characters who help them along the way.
First things first, the performances by each and every actor deserve a standing ovation. The characters of Pari (Hetal Gada) and Chotu (Krrish Chabbria) are performed so beautifully, so naturally, and so innocently by the children that I have come to the conclusion that child actors are better than adult actors. Each emotion is so subtle yet indicative of how humans react in certain real situations, it is remarkable. The Rajasthani mannerisms are on the dot perfect. Every actor looks the part they play, and there are no “hero” type or “glam doll” actors posing to be rural Rajasthanis. Vipin Sharma and Gulfam Khan also perform incredibly as the uncle and aunt to the children.
The script is watertight and the proceedings unfold at a speedy pace. Many films that do not fall under the “masala” genre are accused of being too slow, but Dhanak is a fast paced and well edited film. There is never a dull moment, and I also praise Kukunoor’s writing for the fact that despite the film having a very touching premise, it never gets heavy. It just has the right dollops of emotion, without driving the audience to be forced to feel a certain way. The cinematography also is gorgeous, covering the various colors, shades, and landscapes of Rajasthan to the fullest.
All of this leads to one thing — excellent direction. Nagesh Kukunoor has clearly gone all out to produce a film that excels in every department from acting to visuals to set design. The authenticity in the dialogue and sets is commendable, as is the music and simplicity of the proceedings. I say again: this is undoubtedly Kukunoor’s best work.
All in all, I would give Dhanak a perfect 5/5 rating. It is truly a gem that rises from the sand of Rajasthan. It has a beautiful story, incredible performances, and an uplifting spirit. If you ever get the opportunity to see this film, go for it!
*Please also do not miss subsequent screenings for more films from DCSAFF coming up on March 25th, May 23rd, and July 31st. More information can be found here http://dcsaff.com/ .
More from Vikrum Mathur:
- The Best of Bollywood 2015: The Year’s Most Entertaining Films (January 6, 2016)
- Bollywood 2016: A guide to the most awaited films of the year (January 1, 2016)
- The Modern Saint: a tribute to filmmaker Ramanand Sagar (December 29, 2015)
- Vinay Pathak sparkles in brilliant play ‘Nothing Like Lear’ staged in Maryland (September 22, 2014)