A lot eyebrows. That’s all I remember from the time they announced that Karan Johar has acquired the rights of Nagraj Manjule’s Sairat and that he is planning to make a remake of the hard-hitting and gripping tale. Now, I had not seen Sairat but I knew what it spoke about. All the rave reviews spread the word faster about its finesse, making it the highest grossing Marathi movie ever (read the 100 crore club). But was the shake of hands between the original makers and Dharma production an impending disaster like they wrote in columns and timelines? I was determined to find out. But Dhadak was here before I knew and I could never make time for the OG. But now that I think, it wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Also Read: Dhadak movie review: Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor’s film is a beautiful homage to Sairat
No, I lament missing good flicks just as you do, but thanks to that I could see Dhadak and only Dhadak when I saw it, without drawing any comparisons and it wasn’t half as bad. In fact, it was an engaging watch that had me glued to my seat. I was cocooned, and engulfed and I don’t think it was because of the plush theater or it’s seating.
The experience began with a lump in my throat, with the homage before the film and late Sridevi’s picture. I knew, I’d probably try to find her reflection in Janhvi but that picture set a familiar tone and I was emotionally invested already. Now, many would argue that with minimal or no caste commentary, the movie was essentially a boy-meets-girl love story with an angry father who is against their union. But even then, with a known premise, the narrative is refreshing and the treatment is instinctive, organic.
Although, it has the trademark of Dharma from the beginning itself, no frame was forced, in my opinion and the best part is it keeps you entertained throughout. While we are still at it, Ishaan Khatter deserves the biggest mention of all. It is his quirks, eccentricities and screen presence as Madhu that makes you feel for the character. Janhvi as Prathavi, you ask? She exudes an old school charm that was exclusive to the likes of veterans like Hema Malini. Poised and graceful, she made her presence felt every time she was on-screen. Janhvi’s dialogue delivery could have been better but I was almost always distracted by the discovery of this decade, Ishaan and his endearing eyes that did all the acting for him. Oh yes, he is an actor alright!
Speaking about the much-talked about twist at the end, where *SPOILER ALERT* Prathavi lives to see her husband and baby die, it was shrieking and heart-breaking. You could also fight me on the apparent fact that it doesn’t deliver as a drama, entwined in the complexities of class identities but like I said, I haven’t watched and I wouldn’t know. It was an earnest attempt that made my eyes moist with its innocence. No layers, just emotions. Again, I’m no trade critic but the duo made my heart go dhadak, especially with the soothing music in the background and I couldn’t have asked for more!