Dhai Aakhar Movie Review: Brilliantly Performed, Compassionate, Evolving & Empowering

Dhai Aakhar Movie Review

Writer director Praveen Arora along with his fellow writer Asghar Wajahat displays a fine skill of storytelling in simple manner and remarkably make the sad, unfortunate, discriminative and inhuman subject matter of ‘Dhai Aakhar’ shine in a relatable way.

Amreek Singh Deep’s book ‘Teerthatan Ke Baad’ which deals with the domestic abuse, male dominance issue prevalent in the society, gets a sensitive and sensible on-screen adaptation. It’s simple, real, at times poetic and profound.

Using interesting metaphors like that red bulb blinking below the image of the deceased husband of Harshita in the hall of the house where the generation next Vineet and Ranjeet proudly adapting the chauvinist, patriarchy legacy of their father and plan how to deal with their mother when she comes back makes a solid statement.

Another highlight of ‘Dhai Aakhar’ is the ability of the maker to make it subtle, relatable and the way the pure pious relationship between Harshita and Shridhar is shown is touching even after when it feels like a fantasy a dream at times.

The way the relationship between Harshita and Shridhar develops through letters as their pain and loneliness bounds them together giving a true meaning of love and companionship is heart warming as said earlier but rebellious as well.

The characters are specific enough to relate to and the way the disturbing indictment of the harsh reality of failed marriages and ill-treatment of women comes out when Harshita painfully apologizes for his son’s violent behavior towards Bela who understands and supports her makes you think.

“Bhagyashali hai wooh aurat jisse apni pasand ka aadmi Jeevan mein milta hai”, Harshita says with tears in her eyes and previously when Shridhar comments which goes like “marriage is a custom designed to protect the uncivilized act of males” underlines the atrocities, domestic abuse women face in closed doors of their so-called happy family that follows traditions.

But, Praveen Arora in his heartfelt simplicity in ‘Dhai Aakhar’ makes some blunders which unfortunately gets noticed.

How come a chauvinist like Harshita’s husband who doesn’t even allow his wife to even move out from the house can agree to have the house and bank account in joint names. Surprisingly nothing is in the name of the sons Vineet and Ranjeet.

Performances

Mrinal Kulkarni is a brilliant actress and here as Harshita she is pulsing with fear, energy, determination, love and hope with amazing simplicity and honesty.

Harish Khanna as Shridhar – is remarkably subdued as the forward-thinking writer who provides hope and solace to Harshita.

Prasanna Bisht as the younger daughter in law Bela who understands the pain and suffering of her mother-in-law is natural and she makes her presence felt.

Rohit Kokate as the chauvinistic husband is perfect.

Neer Rao as Vineet and Chandan Anand as Ranjeet fit the bill while Smriti Mishra as Sushma the elder daughter in law makes her mark.

Technicalities

Good production values. Music by Anupam Roy feels good while one is watching the film. Cinematography by Sandeep Gn Yadav is beautiful. Editing by Rahul Jaiswal, V.S. Kanan is up to mark. Art Direction by Asad Khan is niece.

Dhai Aakhar movie review – final words

There are remarkable movies on domestic abuse, empowerment, self-discovery, what makes ‘Dhai Aakhar’ stand on its own is its ability to be so simple, effective and agreeable movie on love, compassion and empowerment.

Going with a deserving four stars

Dhai Aakhat is releasing in theaters on November 22, 2024.