Dhaakad

Dhaakad is not so much a film as it is a series of embarrassments lasting over two hours. In an Indian film scenario that rarely gives women actors central roles in action flicks, the unwavering focus on Ranaut in Dhaakad should ideally have been a happy development. How though can one celebrate vacuous writing, dull direction and a boring result.

There's also a scene in which we are told that Agni has a rare congenital condition (one that does indeed exist in the real world - I checked) in which her heart tilts towards the right of her chest, unlike most human beings whose hearts lean to the left. I don't know if this was meant as a joke - but I know for sure the scene's concept is purely copied from 2009 film Ninja Assassin.

Given all this, the reference in the closing song is laughable, because even the worst of Tarantino is better than the most tolerable parts of Dhaakad and its insipid heroine.

I remember being chuffed with the headline of my Revolver Rani review: Paan Singh Tarantino. There was a cool Walking-Dhulia-Talking-Tarantino ring to it. The Chambal-set 'Spaghetti Eastern' starred a post-Queen Kangana Ranaut doing the rugged cowgirl routine to uneven effect. The film didn't do too well. So eight years on, Ranaut is back with another female-led conquest of a male-dominated action template - except this time, it's Walking-Tarantino-Talking-Tarantino-Sleeping-Tarantino-Smoking-Tarantino. Half of Dhaakad is shot in Budapest, the other half in Bhopal. But the narrative style, treatment and characterization are combed from half a dozen Hollywood female-assassin thrillers, including but not limited to Atomic Blonde and Red Sparrow. The listless and derivative action flick is a missed opportunity, because it is centered solely on its brooding super-agent - sans romantic tracks, male saviours and nationalistic fervour - in a film industry that writes women spies as either token eye-candy, supporting acts in a hero story or undercover honeytraps. The intent is correct, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

Read the full review on Film Companion.

The writing in this film is subpar, with a lackluster story and uninteresting characters. The screenplay is the biggest weakness, failing to engage the audience effectively.

The direction of the film is passable, without standing out as exceptional.

On a positive note, the production values are commendable, showcasing high-quality craftsmanship.

The action sequences in the film are well-executed, adding excitement and thrill to the overall experience.

Kangana delivers a noteworthy performance, deserving of recognition.

Her portrayal may earn her another National award.

Full non logical storyline, total waste of time and money. Producer should reimburse viewers. When I saw only 3 people apart from me inside the hall, I knew I have wasted my money.

I was super excited about this movie; a film featuring a femme fatale similar to Atomic Blonde, Salt and such. But I have come to understand that having such expectations is only going to disappoint me more. Dhaakad falls short by a lot.

Agent Agni has had a traumatic past. But she has channeled that trauma and anger into becoming one of the most ruthless spies ever. She is tasked to track down a dangerous human trafficker; her toughest challenge till date.

Kangana Ranaut is by far one of the most talented actors we have today. She has portrayed a variety of characters; each different from the next. But none of these have been successful despite the actor receiving praise for her performances. Dhaakad is no different. She is stellar in her first action film. She pulls it off with such panache! The action set pieces are well choreographed albeit a little violent. Arjun Rampal is menacing but his accent is off. Divya Dutta is excellent and so is Saswata Chatterjee.

Dhaakad could have been much better. It could have been our Atomic Blonde or so. But the plot is predictable and plods along for most part. The melodrama and emotional scenes just make it worse. But hats off to Kangana and Divya Dutta; the dhaakad duo of the film!