Dhak Dhak is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language road adventure drama film written and directed by Tarun Dudeja and produced by Ajit Andhare, Kevin Vaz, Pranjal Khandhdiya and Taapsee Pannu under the banner of BLM Pictures, Outsider Films Productions and Viacom18 Studios. It stars Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza Rekhi, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi. The film was released on 13 October 2023.
At the 69th Filmfare Awards, the film received three nominations, including Best Actress (Critics) for Shaikh and Best Supporting Actress for Shah.
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Plot
Four women set out for a road trip to the highest motorable pass in the world on their bikes on a journey of self-discovery. They take their motorcycles like large-winged birds to a gust of wind. They ride beyond the limits of their lives and to the heights of freedom.
Production
In May 2022, the film was announced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and stars Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi. The principal photography of the film began in May 2022. The filming took place in Greater Noida, New Delhi, followed by Manali, Himachal Pradesh before moving on to Leh, Ladakh, and it was shot across 83 locations. The filming was completed in 40 days and wrapped up in June 2022.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 70% of 10 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.
Reviewing the movie, Sajesh Mohan of Onmanorama wrote, "embarking on a journey to Khardung La on Royal Enfield Bullets is a promise of adventure in itself. Yet, director Tarun Dudeja, in his debut film, takes it a step further by forming an all-women biker gang. This ride turns into an unforgettable pilgrimage with the charming and evergreen Ratna Pathak Shah as Mahi, Dia Mirza as Uzma, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Sky, and Sanjana Sanghi as Manjari. Tarun, collaborating with co-writer Parijat Joshi, assembles this group of riders from the bustling streets of Delhi. It's a world where the trials and tribulations of Mahi, Uzma, Sky, and Manjari all converge on a single theme—the experience of being women in a prejudiced and predatory patriarchal society." A critic from Bollywood Hungama rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Dhak Dhak is a well-intentioned genuine effort laced with some fine performances by the leading ladies. But due to a weak second half and negligible buzz, the film will suffer at the box office."
In a less positive review, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express wrote "The Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza starrer is a patchy effort." But she added, "Dhak Dhak’ starts off with many of the expected tropes playing out in a movie of this kind. Very different women, from different walks of life. Troubled past. Conflicted present. All looking for a way out, a way forward. Bumps on the road. Breakdowns of men and machines. And finally, that most elusive, precious element, the connection which binds us despite our differences."
In a slightly negative review, Prathyush Parasuraman of Film Companion said, "Road Trip to Nowhere" with "inane and predictable" plot elements in the second half.
Sequel
A sequel, Dhak Dhak 2, has been confirmed by actress Sanjana Sanghi, who played the character of Manjari. Sanjana Sanghi shared the news of Dhak Dhak 2 on her social media.