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 brilliant. Ditto the film.

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.

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.

Do not miss this small gem, which shows that the best films need not come at all in big size packets at all.

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.

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.

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.

In its two-hour running time, Dhanak throws more charm at the screen than one might feel equipped to handle.

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!

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. 

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.

The film has moments which will leave a lump in your throat and moments that will make you laugh loud.

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.

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.

Overall, “Dhanak” is an enthralling film that makes you smile.

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.

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!

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.