Dhokha definitely rates as an above average film as it has the hard hitting topic of terrorism at its base. Terrorism is a topic that is currently one of the most grave issues for a number of countries and many of them like America, London and India have been affected bit it. Naturally it has created a worldwide interest and people all over the world are curious to know the mindset of terrorists. Apart from a strong topic, Dhokha has a script that is extremely powerful as it incorporates many real life incidents into the narrative. The most intriguing aspect of the script is that of a suicide bomber played by one of the leading ladies, she leads a dual life of a sweet simple house wife and that of a suicide bomber. There are many interesting twists and turns in the screenplay which heighten the drama. Director Pooja Bhatt's execution too keeps one engaged in the proceedings. However the film’s treatment caters more to niche multiplex audiences as it is devoid of the typical masala commercial trappings.
The film has been produced under the Vishesh Films banner, the story has been written by Mahesh Bhatt, the screenplay has been done by Shagufta Rafique and Pooja Bhatt has directed it. The film stars debutant Muzammil Ibrahim, Tulip Joshi, Aushima Sawhaney, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, Ashutosh Rana etc. The music for the film has been composed by M M Kreem.
Zaid (Muzammil) is a young Muslim cop who lives with his beautiful simple wife Sara (Tulip). Everything seems to be going fine, till one day a tragic event takes place. A bomb explosion takes place in which many people are fatally injured. Zaid being a cop tirelessly helps many of the injured. However his world is shattered when he learns that his wife Sara’s body is also among the dead. A grieving Zaid is further shattered when the cops inform him that after investigations they have found that his wife was responsible for the bomb explosions that killed hundreds of people. Sara, his pretty sweet simple wife whom he has been living with, under one roof for two years is a suicide bomber.
Zaid is unable to comprehend what made his wife lead this dual life and so he sets out on a mission to find out what made her take this drastic step. What led her to become a suicide bomber? His ex-girlfriend Nandini becomes his support system and Zaid stumbles on to many dark and horrifying truths. A terrorist outfit, a fundamentalist maulana who preaches fanaticism, the atrocities of police officers committed on many from the minority sections etc. One by one the evil reasons for his wife turning into a suicide bomber are revealed, alongside another ghastly evil plan is being carried out and Zaid eventually learns of this too.
Mahesh Bhatt’s story and script is impactful and he has weaved several real life instances extremely well into the narrative. Shagufta’s screenplay too moves along incorporating various reasons for people adopting a fundamentalist approach and it is emphatic. Pooja Bhatt’s execution is adept as she handles various scenes with finesse; she tries to give a glaring insight into the mind of a person who turns into a fundamentalist. But at the same time, Pooja refrains from telling the viewer what to think but gives subtle tones to the overall picture. The director makes audiences sympathize as well as empathize with her characters and their plight. The darkness and plight of people who face this oppression is depicted with alacrity.
The few flaws lie in the pace of the film which seems to be brisk at times and slow at others. The small romantic angle between Zaid and his ex-girlfriend seems unnecessary and intrusive. Also the climax seems over-idealistic and a tad unbelievable. Also the reasons for terrorism, a global problem seem extremely simplistic in the film. The reasons are not all encompassing.
Nonetheless the film does make one reflect and question various aspects that we follow and for this reason it comes across as an above average film. The music of the film is soothing and melodious; it gels well with the mood and the situations in the film. Roya Re is a melancholic good track that stands out. The cinematography is fine but the dialogues seem preachy at times. Performances are above average too with debutant Muzammil not only looking good but also delivering a fairly good performance. Tulip Joshi does not have much of a role but fits the portrayal of a sweet Kashmiri girl. Aushima is average while Anupam Kher and Gulshan Grover deliver extremely competent performances. Ashutosh Rana too is adept.
Dhokha has an enticing script, an engrossing screenplay which is backed by average performances and hence the film definitely is above average. However with such a universal topic at its fore, the film should have got better publicity in order to reach out to more people. However maybe through word out mouth, the film may pick up at the box-office.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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