Dhak Dhak Story:-
When four ordinary women embark on a motorcycle adventure to conquer the world’s highest drivable pass, Khardung La, they find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 13 October 2023 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Drama |
| Duration | 2h 20min |
| Cast | Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanjana Sanghi, Dia Mirza, Benedict Garrett, Ratna Pathak Shah, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Avanish Pandey, Nishank Verma |
| Director | Tarun Dudeja |
| Writer | Tarun Dudeja, Parijat Joshi |
| Cinematography | Sreechith Vijayan Damodar |
| Producer | Pranjal Khandhdiya, Taapsee Pannu |
| Production | BLM Pictures, One India Stories, Outsiders Films Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Is it the destination or the journey that truly matters? “Dhak Dhak” proves that there’s more to an adventure than just reaching a place – it’s about the experiences along the way, both on the road and in life.
Director-writer Tarun Dudeja and co-writer Parijat Joshi introduce us to the protagonists in a familiar setting. Sky (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh) is a motorcycle reviewer and influencer striving to shed her scandalous social media image and carve her own identity in a male-dominated world. Manpreet, aka Mahi (portrayed by Ratna Pathak Shah), is a grandmother, while Uzma (played by Dia Mirza) feels unappreciated as a homemaker by her family. Manjari, a girl from Mathura, is about to marry a stranger chosen by her mother. Their journey becomes a transformative experience filled with adventures, misadventures, and deep connections with each other.
While the film’s first half occasionally stumbles in portraying biases against female drivers and the challenges women face on the road, it gains momentum once the women hit the highway. Cinematographer Sreechith Vijayan Damodar beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes, from serene roads to treacherous terrains marked by landslides and flooding.
Like any true journey, the characters in the film impart life lessons through their simplicity and memorable dialogues. A truck driver advises Manjari to approach problems objectively, stating, “Take tension in your own problems and provide solutions to others’ problems; it’s human nature. So, sometimes, try to be a neighbor to yourself.”
Just like real-life travel experiences, where the destination is known but the journey is unpredictable, the story takes unexpected turns that keep it engaging. Mahi and Manjari’s antics provide comic relief, while Rishi Dutta’s upbeat soundtrack, especially the folk-rock title track “Banjara Re,” adds to the adventure.
Ratna Pathak Shah shines as the loving yet cheeky Punjabi grandmother, Fatima Sana Shaikh portrays Sky’s journey with fiery determination, Dia Mirza impresses as the resourceful mechanic with suppressed dreams, and Sanjana Sanghi delivers a heartfelt performance as the naive and sheltered Manjari.
The wholesome tale of these four women navigating life’s challenges on their motorcycle adventure is inspiring and visually captivating. “Dhak Dhak” is a must-watch for its compelling storytelling and cinematic appeal, offering a dramatic experience best enjoyed on the big screen.
