Rainbow

I'm watching this movie with my 6-year old daughter as if it was a TV series: Bollywood movies are too long for her. We're watching it for the second time now, and we're loving it as much as the first time. She as a child, because the film is an adventurous fairytale, and me as a parent, because it shows the ugly world while giving the chance to believe in a better one, it praises beautiful family values, and it encourages girls to go for their dreams. A lovely movie. Bollywood did it again!

What a beautiful film, magnificently poetic and fun, the children simply put on a show, wrapped by the fantastic soundtrack, with the participation of the little one, who sings and enchants, very graceful, the story and the script alone are already passionate... But with all these cute combinations, there's no way not to love... Ah these Bollywood artists ...

First and foremost let me start with a short review of the Nagesh Kuknoor super-awesome children music travel saga Dhanak! Dhanak is story of two very sweet and direct kids Chhotu and Pari, who embark on a tour in search of Great King Shahrukh Khan ji so that he can help return Chhotu's eyesight. Along the way they meet a cast of colorful characters. The backdrop of rural Rajasthan is as much a character. These 2 children give a heart-melting performance to make this the breakout film of the season. The mute role by Suresh Menon and some other support cast is very commendable. The music is its own star in this beauty. The Manganiyaar tradition larks back to times of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I elaborate on that on http://passionsprimitive.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/dhanak-film- manganiyaars-nusrat-fateh.html

10 stars from me.

Definitely a must watch. Very good sibling bond and beautiful story.

What worked:

• humorous dialogues and beautiful screenplay; what keeps the movie engaging is the interaction between the siblings, and their journey, meeting new people at different circumstances. The movie is a feel good family drama which holds its value and narrative despite some flaws and loopholes. Also, the movie impresses because of the lead child actors, their charisma, nuances and childlike qualities.

What did not work:

• surreal theme; although the movie holds strong with its intend and narrative, we cannot overlook the fact that the kids journey is more superficial than reality. I am not trying to bash the makers, culture and society but it all seemed like a child fiction and adventure where they use their cliche childish behavior to get what they wanted. However, we cannot also deny the fact that the movie's theme worked also because of the innocent and true motives of the kids.

Final verdict: recommended, should give it a try at least once