A warm, gentle fable carried beautifully by its two young leads, if light on story.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Dhanak is broadly positive, with most reviewers responding warmly to the film's gentle, fable-like tone and recommending it as a family watch. The near-unanimous highlight across reviews is the naturalistic and charming performances of child actors Hetal Gada and Krrish Chhabria, who are credited with carrying the film. A recurring criticism, however, is that the narrative is thin and repetitive, with several critics noting the story lacks sufficient conflict, meanders in its second half, and can feel forced or superficial beneath its feel-good surface. A handful of dissenters also flag the film's idealized, one-dimensional portrayal of its setting and characters as a weakness.
7 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 25 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The screenplay is the star in Dhanak. With Hetal Gada and Krrish Chhabria drawing the audience effortlessly into the tale, it takes on magical dimensions. And, of course, it is impossible not to mention the ever-dependable Vipin Sharma in the role of the deeply concerned but powerless guardian whose own dreams are no less touched by benign madness. Do yourself a favour: make sure Dhanak is a part of your plans this weekend.
Top critic
Film review ·
It's a crowd-pleaser that drives the point home about seeing with your heart instead of your eyes. Shrewd message for a film that's not perfect, but is all heart.
Top critic
Film review ·
Two winsome kids in 'exotic Rajasthan' make for a pleasant watch. It's hard not to be moved by the two kids — Krish Chhabria and Hetal Gadda — and their heart-warming story, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.
Film review ·
No, you really can't pluck holes in Nagesh Kukunoor's enchanting excursion into the heart of innocence and salvation. This is a heartwarming ode to the dying spirit of the human and selfless compassion .Moving funny and memorable, the two child actors are miraculous. Ditto the film.
Film review ·
Doesn't matter if you aren't free this weekend, you have to watch this film or you will miss one of the best movies of this year! Confirm your date with Dhanak NOW!
Film review ·
The film has moments which will leave a lump in your throat and moments that will make you laugh loud.
Film review ·
It's that kind of a movie which we call "sweet and simple". This small, intimate film from Nagesh Kukunoor is a breezy, inoffensive, and often charming, two-hour ride that is all fable and fairy tale.
Film review ·
Do not miss this small gem, which shows that the best films need not come at all in big size packets at all.
Film review ·
To have a movie revolve around just two characters is hard but Kukunoor does it and how! He proves yet again why he is a filmmaker to reckon with. In the recent years, I can't remember watching a film with a big smile on my face throughout. You'll probably feel the same after watching Dhanak.
Film review ·
Young actors Gada and Chhabria do an outstanding job of playing the spirited siblings. While the first half is entertaining and feel-good, the second meanders and would have benefited from crisper editing. But don't give up on Dhanak. Stay with Pari and Chhotu, There's definitely a dhanak (rainbow) at the end of it all.
Film review ·
Dhanak is a must-watch for a brilliant act by the little ones in the lead. It is a reminder for all us that the world is not full of all evils. How long has it been since you sat to watch a film that put a smile across your face all through?
Film review ·
A lot of credit for making this film so endearing goes to the child actors' performances. While Krrish with his childlike charm steals your heart, it is Hetal who stands out with a stunningly natural performer. The rest of the cast provide good support. Music is fabulous too.
Film review ·
Overall, "Dhanak" is an enthralling film that makes you smile.
Film review ·
In the end, DHANAK may not be as lasting as Nagesh's IQBAL and DOR but certainly this feel good road trip is worth taking a ride with your family. go for it.
Film review ·
Director Nagesh Kukunoor explored Rajasthan in Dor like never before, and the same style of cinematography and character placement can be seen in Dhanak. Long shots capture sand sliding like water with minimal props. The frames rarely look crowded as enough space is allotted to the background. The secondary characters could have been given more depth though.
Film review ·
Even though Dhanak stays mysterious till its last scene, it gets too repetitive to hold your interest. Its soulful music, heartfelt style of narration and of course, delightful kids can't make this half-baked story soar.
Film review ·
This film portrays Rajasthan as the land of the forever happy - where breaking into a song doesn't warrant an excuse and ghevar is the national sweet and acceptable main course. The film's one-dimensional storyline desperately seeks conflict but only ends up straying from uncertainties, much like Ram Gopal Varma films evade a steady camera.
Film review ·
You will hear reviews like 'heart-warming', 'cute', 'innocent', 'natural', 'endearing', 'brave journey', 'restores faith in humanity' and wonder why no one is saying, 'exotic India', 'made for the festival circuit', 'annoying kids', 'silly characters', 'far-fetched'... And depending on which side of logic you are, you will either love it because 'the kids are so cute' or step out for coffee ever so often, come back and discover that the journey has gone nowhere.
Film review ·
Dhanak proves that you don't need to have an A-list star, shoot in foreign locations or spend huge amounts of money to make a good movie. In the recent past, there have been very few Bollywood movies that made you leave the theatre with a smile. Dhanak manages to do so and that's a good enough reason for you to watch it this weekend.
Film review ·
If you believe in inspirational Instagram posts and the power of positivity, Dhanak is the film for you. The cynics might find the lack of gritty realism a bit too much, but even the most hardcore realists will agree that this little road movie ticks all the boxes when it comes to ending on a happy note. This is no award winning material, but it is well worth a watch. It proves that the happily ever after notion may be overused and old, but it still gets the job done.
Film review ·
Dhanak is a simple story told simply. It looks at the world from the children's perspective and uses the journey to do what all road movies do — symbolise a coming of age. As to whether the children meet SRK and whether Pari makes good on her promise, sorry, no spoilers here!
Film review ·
In its two-hour running time, Dhanak throws more charm at the screen than one might feel equipped to handle.
Film review ·
Director Kukunoor spends more time trying to make his protagonists look cute and play to the gallery. And while Pari and Chotu do have their moments, for the most part "Dhanak" comes across as forced and superficial rather than a heartfelt story of two siblings.
Film review ·
If the movie works, it's because of the casting and direction of the children. Hetal Gada is especially lovely as the protective yet strict older sister who knows more than she should for her age. Krrish Chhabria strictly follows instructions to convey his blindness by tilting his head to one side¸ keeping his eyes down at all times, and looking at his toes while he speaks. But his affection for Pari is unmistakable, and their bond guides the movie over its many bumps.
Film review ·
Good children's films or those with children at the centre are often as unknowingly profound for adults as they are obviously engaging for kids. Here, one stayed invested and smiled along only because of the adorable actors with Bollywood references adding to the cute appeal. But it needed a lot else.
From our readers
7 ratings · user score 7.0
Dhanak is a very sweet film by Nagesh Kukunoor. Dhanak means Rainbow. Dhanak makes us believe that there is no dearth of goodness in our society. Dhanak has already garnered lot of appreciation at various international film festivals viz. Berlin Film Festival, Montreal International Children's Film Festival, International Film Festival at Los Angeles, Toronto International Film Festival etc. It beautifully portrays the story of a brother-sister duo, who embark on a journey of their lifetime across the deserts of Rajasthan in an attempt to meet the superstar Shah Rukh Khan. I could not stop myself from comparing it with 2015 release Barefoot to Goa, a film by Praveen Morchhale (Click here to read my Preview as well as Review of this film). Indeed the objectives of the travel of the brother-sister duo in both the films are different, but, the tone of the film, various positive experiences of the kids during their journey are almost parallel. Two protagonists of the film are orphaned siblings - Pari (Hetal Gadda) and Chotu (Krrish Chhabria). Pari is elder to Chotu. They lose their parents in an accident and now stay with their Chacha-Chachi i.e. uncle-aunty (Vipin Sharma and Gulfam Khan). Pari is very protective of Chotu who has lost his eyesight at the age of four. Pari is a die-hard Shah Rukh Khan fan and Chotu, a Salman Khan fan. It is interesting to watch them walk to the school everyday with stories of either Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan. Chotu tosses coin everyday morning before going to school and that is how they decide that whose story to be told that day, whether Shah Rukh's or Salman's. Pari does not even mind failing in her class for consecutive two years so as to be in the same class as that of Chotu so that she can take care of him. Vipin Sharma as Chacha is very much attached to children and they have their fun moments watching film or roaming around. Gulfam Khan as Chachi is not very tolerant towards kids. But this hardly bothers Pari and Chotu, they are always full of life and enjoy each other's company. Pari decides to write letters to Shah Rukh Khan when she sees an advertisement of Shah Rukh for eye donation campaign. She feels that Shah Rukh can help her bring back Chotu's eyesight. When she comes to know that Shah Rukh is there at Jaisalmer for film shooting, she decides to go to Jaisalmer, though very far from her place, along with Chotu to meet Shah Rukh Khan and ask for his help. Pari feels that it would be the best birthday gift to her kid brother, who was going to be 9 years old. Rest of the story is about how these two kids tread the unknown path. Whom all they meet during their journey, most of them being good samaritans, how their journey shape up? Pari and Chotu's constant banter about Shah Rukh and Salman is interesting. They do face challenges as well, be it some people with bad intention or the heat of the desert. Dhanak showcases the beauty of desert clubbed with Chotu and Pari's journey, musical performances in between, their new friendships, associations with different people, and yes dangers too. The innocence of children is captured beautifully. It is amazing to see, how the film is woven beautifully with kids' one simple wish and their journey for the same. Ultimately, do the kids manage to meet the superstar ? Chotu's high energy performance and Pari's lovely innocent performances add lot of value to the film. Both the kids are adorable, innocent as well as mature. Another kid who has given a very sweet performance is the one who played the role of Shamsher, whom Pari-Chotu meet during their journey. The way three kids bond is awesome. How Vibha Chibber, Suresh Menon and others become a part of their journey is for you to explore. Rajasthani folk Music in the film is soulful. Dhanak, a beautiful story about the journey of a brother-sister duo, is woven around one simple wish, and it encompasses the goodness existing in and around us. Not only various human emotions, relationships are explored in the film, but the beauty of deserts covered is also breathtaking. It makes one believe in one's dreams and write one's own destiny or atleast take efforts for the same. Dhanak would make you fall in love with the rainbow. Enjoy this film, it is certainly going to bring big smile on your face.
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