Dhaakad has an interesting premise that has not been tapped to the optimum. The genre the film tackles is run of the mill for Hollywood but remains relatively unexplored for Bollywood. The film tries to make a sincere effort to be different but does not impress in totality thanks to insipid screenplay and lackluster writing.
Director Rajneesh’Razy’ Ghai misses the bus for he had everything at his disposal right from the star cast, huge budget, stunning locales of Budapest and Central India but all that glitters is not gold.
Dhaakad starts on a terrific note. The mass massacre by Agent Agni [Kangana] right at the very start sets the tone of the film. The turn of events thereafter is equally fascinating. A story of dreaded criminal who has been giving sleepless nights to Intelligent unit is supposed to be captured by our heroine makes for an engaging watch. Arjun Ramal playing the criminal is extremely venomous and deadly. Especially the entire part of screenplay where his journey is narrated sends a chill down the spine. This is all covered in first 30 minutes. Dhaakad comes to a screeching halt after that and nothing much happens thereafter.
The problem with Dhaakad is it starts to run out of steam after a point. The screenplay abound in cliches after an interesting start. Despite all the padding and glossy looks, it turns out to be the same revenge drama that we have been watching since time immemorial. How a concept like this was even okay-ed in the first place is what runs in your mind as the film begins to unfold. The basic story feels so outdated that you break into yawns at several points.
Dhaadak has violence in the overdose but you still do not root for the protagonist primarily because the emotional connection is missing. The film feels superficial in touch and treatment. It’s an apt case of body beautiful minus soul where more attention has been made for every frames to look stylish but story goes for a complete toss. Even the final twist which has been added for shock value fails to convince you.
Kangana has been trying so hard these days and it shows in her performance. Her performance seems labored and not as spontaneous when compared to the Likes of TWM and Queen. However, she must be appreciated for her stunts which are death defying. She does look convincing playing a no nonsense secret agent.
Arjun Rampal has evolved as an actor and he does manage to scare the day light out of you. However, his role is not given a proper conclusion in the final. Introducing a main villain and making him a sidey was just not required.
All in all, Dhaakad disappoints. Its disastrous fate at the ticket window is not really a surprise. The film lacks in merits and tests your patience.
4 on 10.