Venturing to Khardung La on Royal Enfield Bullets already promises adventure, but director Tarun Dudeja elevates it by assembling an all-women biker gang. Their journey becomes an unforgettable pilgrimage, led by the charismatic Ratna Pathak Shah as Mahi, Dia Mirza as Uzma, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Sky, and Sanjana Sanghi as Manjari.
Tarun, in collaboration with co-writer Parijat Joshi, gathers 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 converge around a common theme—the experience of being women in a prejudiced and predatory patriarchal society. The writers deserve credit for crafting a seamless script that provides relatable glimpses into the protagonists’ pasts, even as the narrative takes a non-linear route in the first half. However, as the journey ascends in the second half, the storytelling becomes somewhat uneven and didactic. Some philosophical dialogues, including those from Poonam Gurung’s Kung-fu nun at the Buddhist monastery, felt contrived.
The film’s trajectory is steered by the performances of Tarun’s riders, who evolve into a proficient biker pack by the third act, and the cinematography of Sreechith Vijayan Damodar. While some plot twists were foreseeable and could have been more genuine, the gang’s triumphant arrival at Khardung La, surmounting the natural obstacles in their life and path, provides a fitting climax.
Bike enthusiasts and Bulleteers might hope for more scenes exploring the unique bond between the riders and their beloved Bullets. Apart from Uzma, the resourceful ‘jugaad on-road mechanic’ of the group, introducing a young girl to the rhythm of a Bullet’s ‘Dhak Dhak,’ and Manjari’s reluctance to part with her Himalayan at the ashram, the machines are often depicted merely as means of transportation.
In summary, ‘Dhak Dhak’ is an enjoyable watch, especially for families. It blends adventure, humor, and strong performances, delivering a heartwarming and entertaining journey that leaves you with a smile and a longing for your adventure.
