Bollypedia

With no big star and made on a low budget, ‘Dhanak’ is simple, subtle and makes you feel good. It is a delightful film that comes straight from the heart. An extremely endearing brother-sister tale, this film has a lot to offer when it comes to human nature and emotions. It hits the right chord and might leave you teary eyed too at the end, but the brilliant act by the little gems, Chotu (Krrish Chhabria) and Pari (Hetal Gada) of the flick will make you smile too. The kids steal your heart with their flawless performance. Be it the storyline of the movie, or the picturesque locations, or execution of scenes, ‘Dhanak’ stands completely out from the ordinary movies of Bollywood.  It is a reminder for all of us that the world is not full of all evils. For those who have been longing for a film that brings a smile on the face, ‘Dhanak’ is your film!

Vaishali
Hindustan Times

There is something incredible happening around us, but we don’t know it yet. Call it magical realism or our inability to spot a rainbow (Dhanak), we keep marching ahead with our blinkers on. But, Pari (Hetal Gadda) and Chotu (Krrish Chhabria) are not like us, not anymore. Unlike most road movies, Dhanak is not about any inward journey for its lead characters. Undeniably innocent, their approach to life is pure and full of trust. The kids talk a lot and that shifts the focus from the people they meet on their road trip. Repetitive conversations make some of the most interesting characters of the film go unnoticed. 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. Thanks to its use of fusion, Dhanak slowly grows on you. And, who knows, Chotu and Pari may help you in shedding that tough exterior you’ve been burdened with.

Rohit Vats
NDTV

A film that believes – and artfully coaxes the audience to believe – in miracles, Nagesh Kukunoor’s bewitching Dhanak is itself a full-blown marvel. It’s like a dazzling flash in the sky that lights up everything around it and soaks you instantly in its warmth. This sparkling little gem deftly darts back and forth between disarming simplicity and hearty cheerfulness to deliver a feel-good road trip fable. The spell it casts is so durable that it clings to you for hours after you’ve left the auditorium. The tale is anchored by two charming child actors whose natural flair rubs off on the film as a whole, with the adults in the cast merely flowing along with the irresistible rhythm that the duo strikes without much ado. Shah Rukh Khan looms large over Dhanak without showing up in person even once. Salman Khan, too, registers his notional presence in the story. 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.

Saibal Chatterjee
Rediff

One thing as a filmmaker that Kuknoor does amazingly well is that he shows you that a film doesn't have to be high on drama and emotion to capture one's attention. If a film has its heart in the right place, it *will* weave magic on the big screen. And Dhanak exactly does that. Nothing has been done overtly and all the characters lend good support to the story. From cinematography to performances to music, everything syncs in perfectly and quite effortlessly. However, the second half did seem a bit slow in comparison to the first. Also, the back story of how Chotu loses his eyesight is hard to understand. The makers could have worked more in that area. But these elements do not hamper the flow of the story or its magic. 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. Do watch the film because if you don't, you will miss out on something extraordinary.

Namrata Thakker
The Indian Express

A little boy, who has lost his eyesight, and his sister Pari set out across Rajasthan on foot. Their mission, spearheaded by Pari’s determination, is to restore Chhotu’s sight. It’s hard not to be moved by these kids and their heart-warming story. If Chhotu had been asked to look straight ahead, instead of keeping his head constantly cocked to one side, and had been a little more loosened up while delivering his lines, it may have served the character better. But still, this is a real boy, and the interactions between the children lend the film real charm. The other problem, and this is the bigger one, is exotic Rajasthan being peddled in the name of naturalism — the ‘leheriya safas’ are too pristine, the clothes are too ‘costumey’, the huts the children live in are too constructed, they look like sets. But Chhotu keeps the rhythm going. And the best tune comes from Hetal, who is an amazing little performer, displaying just the right beats, who doesn’t keep a foot wrong. She is the real star of this enterprise. And, yes, there is a rainbow at the end.

Shubhra Gupta
The Times of India

We all need a li'l bit of sparkle and rainbow in our lives. Director Nagesh Kukunoor's Dhanak reminds us of the small joys of life and teaches us a lesson in dealing with our sorrows. Who better to learn this from, than kids? Nagesh's keen understanding of human emotions comes handy as he makes the young Pari his protagonist. Her world revolves around two things - her baby brother and her love for Shah Rukh Khan. The screenplay is a weak brew that relies solely on the humour of its sharp dialogues and the charm of the child actors. Hetal Gadda and Krrish Chhabria are crackling together and it is their camaraderie that shines when the film doesn't. 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.

Mohar Basu
Dhanak
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