Dhunki

Tired of a hectic and monotonous professional life, Nikunj (Pratik Gandhi) and Shreya (Deeksha Joshi) quit their jobs to follow their passion. Life is all but easy as they go along establishing their startup amidst various professional and personal turbulences. Will they succeed in their dream endeavor?
Each one of us have had days when we simply want to quit our job and do what our heart says, but very few of us are actually able to do so. And that’s why the story on Dhunki strikes a chord with everyone. A simple story told well is what filmmaker Anish Shah has been able to achieve in his film which is complete with subtle nuances, heartwarming moments, smile-worthy sequences and a hopeful open-ended climax. A truly urban film, Dhunki brings to fore the struggles of our daily professional and personal lives. The never-ending dilemmas of a common person who is somewhere lost between passions and aspirations, plans and provisions and the surprises that life never ceases to throw at us. The ease with which the film enables you to identify with the characters and their struggles is what makes Dhunki a winner. It’s the simple pleasures of life that makes it worthwhile and strong personal relations add more depth to our existence.
When it comes to performances, Dhunki is an actor’s paradise. Pratik Gandhi and Deeksha Joshi yet again deliver captivating performances reinforcing their stardom and popularity as two of the top actors of Gujarati film industry. Pratik completely lives the character of Nikunj in his restrained yet powerful acting. His inner struggle to balance his passion, marital life and the risks that come with taking bold decisions is subtly delivered with absolute ease. While Deeksha’s portrayal of Shreya, someone who wishes to be a successful professional, but controlled by a dominating fiancé comes out on screen in a touching way.
The supporting cast too add depth to the film. Kaushambi Bhatt and Vishal Shah are brilliant in their performances bringing a lot of freshness with their presence. Kaushambi as a worried yet supporting wife and Vishal as a dominating and jealous chauvinist have done a credible job.
The music by Siddharth Amit Bhavsar adds more to the look and feel of the film. The use of acoustic guitars both in songs and background score gives the film a classy feel. The songs are hummable and have an upbeat feel to them. You are most likely to leave the theatre humming the title track.
For the negatives, the app Nikunj and Shreya develop for their food business is more prominent than the food itself. At certain junctures you feel they are in app development business more than being in food business. At certain other points, the scenes feel dragged, but it’s only a minor glitch.
Overall, the film is pleasing to watch. Brilliant performances, amazing direction and great music surely come together for an effort that’s praiseworthy. If you are a dreamer and want to follow what you desire, Dhunki is what you need.