Life is beautiful in every aspect, every moment and every breath. We forget to live and enjoy the life in present due to hectic schedule and aspirations. "Dhanak" is a simple story well told with a strong message embedded deep within.

"Dhanak" tells the story of siblings Chotu(Krissh Chabhra) and Phoolan(Sapna Singh) who embarks on an unknown journey of dreams and aspirations into a world never explored before.

Nagesh Kukunoor has come a long way from his early days of "Hyderabad Blues", "RockFord", "3 Deewarein","Iqbal" to the recent one "Lakshmi". Just like "Iqbal", "Dhanak" is a feel-good cinema that gives a strong message that anything is possible in life if you have a positive attitude. The screenplay, also written by Kukunoor, is superb keeping on your toes with comic scenes between brother and sister that will surely bring down the house. The movie was salvaged due to high publicity given to "Udta Punjab" but I would strongly recommend to watch it. The Art Direction by Haris Umar Khan and Cinematography by Chirantan Das captures the beautiful sand dunes of Rajasthan. The music by Tapas Relia explores the rich musical culture of beautiful state. I loved the English-Hindi fusion of "Damadam Mast Kalandar".

The young artist Sapna Singh and Krrish Chhabra are just fun to watch. The sparkling chemistry between these actors are applauding and will keep smiling throughout. Rest of cast were supportive in their respective roles.

On the whole, "Dhanak" is a perfect answer to the changing trend of Indian Cinema. Highly recommended. 5/5

Dhanak is a movie very well made and directed by one of my favorite directors Nagesh Kukunoor.

I would say the highlights are the stellar acting by the brother- sister kids, the music and the dialogues(the chats between the kids are endearing!) Once again, the kids in a Nagesh Kukunoor movie shine, unlike the adult actors who paled here in comparison. The end is uplifting and I felt the movie renewed in me a sense of magic & hope about life. It may not have glossy locales or extravagant dance & song routine that one usually associates Bollywood with and therefore, it is not an entertainment for everybody. Dhanak is without frills(simple yet serene) which is how I like it too yet there are scenes where the brand of chocolates or biscuits showed up so close on camera that it felt odd to watch on a big screen and we almost suspect the film makers of brand promotion :)

On a bigger note, let me say that I am a Nagesh Kukunoor fan. Ever since I saw & got inspired by his Iqbal, I watched every movie he has directed and what I enjoy about them is the portrayal of the human spirit, a perseverance that sets in motion chain of events that successfully guide his characters in their mission. But also, I find a divine providence in play in the stories, and it's not only about will power. That sense of mystique is what drives me to watch his movies and Dhanak is no exception. Dhanak, or more aptly, two little kids prove what a wise man once said - the world is larger and more beautiful than my little struggle.

Dhanak is about Pari and Chotu trying hard (and travelling a lot) to meet Shahrukh Khan so that he can help Chotu to be able to see again. They meet many people in their journey and in the end Chotu is not blind anymore and sees a rainbow (Dhanak).

The two main characters are Pari and Chotu played by Hetal Gadda and Krrish Chhabria respectively. They play their roles to perfection. Their characters are written very well. Pari is the mature one and is a huge Shahrukh Khan fan whereas Chotu is the funny one, the character who you root for and is a Salman Khan fan. Chotu's constant bickering will make your day. There are many other side characters as well who perform admirably.

Best things about the movie-

1. Pari and Chotu's chemistry. Almost everything Chotu says provoke laughter and almost everything pari says is logical. Their characters are so different yet their chemistry is amazing.

2. The scene where Pari and Chotu climb a sand dune along with a horde of villagers to see Shahrukh Khan and Vipin Shah (Uncle of Pari and Chotu) arrives at the scene. The background score of this scene in particular is intense.

3. Chotu's lines. The time he starts saying loudly "Sorry Salman Bhai! Sorry Salman Bhai!" when Pari and the truck driver are talking about Shahrukh Khan. A police officer asks him "Andha hai?" (Are you blind) and he replies "Kyu? Apko bhi nhi dikhta?" (Why? you can't see either?). Another scene where they go to a truck driver to ask for water and he says "Bahut dino se pani nhi piya" (I haven't drank water for days) just like a beggar. And his love for food (and toilet jokes) is hilarious.

Some gripes I have with the movie are

1. The film maintains a realistic tone but leaves it completely the moment fortune teller arrives at the scene. That small part felt disconnected and illogical as well.

2. The ending. I, for some reason felt that the ending was rushed. It could have been better.

3. The kidnappers part should have been longer and should have replaced the entire fortune teller thing.

What should you do?

Watch this movie as soon as possible because it will hit you with its simplicity and how beautiful life can be. And of course for the lead pair, Hetal and Krrish.

Great Direction by Nagesh Kukunoor. This movie is a slap on the cheap Hindi movies with no story-line which has become a trend now-days. I loved this movie and awesome acting by all the actors specially chotu(Krrish Chhabria) and pari(Hetal gada). Thumbs up to Nagesh. A request to nagesh ,please keep on making such motivational movies with good story-line and acting.

This movie deserves a award. I am hopeful about the future of Indian cinemas after watching this movie. A great detailing has went in directing this movie. It feels so refreshing to see the real rajasthan consisting of sand and small villages.

Thumbs up to nagesh and his team.

Dhanak is a very sweet film by Nagesh Kukunoor. Dhanak means Rainbow. Dhanak makes us believe that there is no dearth of goodness in our society. Dhanak has already garnered lot of appreciation at various international film festivals viz. Berlin Film Festival, Montreal International Children's Film Festival, International Film Festival at Los Angeles, Toronto International Film Festival etc. It beautifully portrays the story of a brother-sister duo, who embark on a journey of their lifetime across the deserts of Rajasthan in an attempt to meet the superstar Shah Rukh Khan. I could not stop myself from comparing it with 2015 release Barefoot to Goa, a film by Praveen Morchhale (Click here to read my Preview as well as Review of this film). Indeed the objectives of the travel of the brother-sister duo in both the films are different, but, the tone of the film, various positive experiences of the kids during their journey are almost parallel.

Two protagonists of the film are orphaned siblings - Pari (Hetal Gadda) and Chotu (Krrish Chhabria). Pari is elder to Chotu. They lose their parents in an accident and now stay with their Chacha- Chachi i.e. uncle-aunty (Vipin Sharma and Gulfam Khan). Pari is very protective of Chotu who has lost his eyesight at the age of four. Pari is a die- hard Shah Rukh Khan fan and Chotu, a Salman Khan fan. It is interesting to watch them walk to the school everyday with stories of either Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan. Chotu tosses coin everyday morning before going to school and that is how they decide that whose story to be told that day, whether Shah Rukh's or Salman's. Pari does not even mind failing in her class for consecutive two years so as to be in the same class as that of Chotu so that she can take care of him. Vipin Sharma as Chacha is very much attached to children and they have their fun moments watching film or roaming around. Gulfam Khan as Chachi is not very tolerant towards kids. But this hardly bothers Pari and Chotu, they are always full of life and enjoy each other's company.

Pari decides to write letters to Shah Rukh Khan when she sees an advertisement of Shah Rukh for eye donation campaign. She feels that Shah Rukh can help her bring back Chotu's eyesight. When she comes to know that Shah Rukh is there at Jaisalmer for film shooting, she decides to go to Jaisalmer, though very far from her place, along with Chotu to meet Shah Rukh Khan and ask for his help. Pari feels that it would be the best birthday gift to her kid brother, who was going to be 9 years old.

Rest of the story is about how these two kids tread the unknown path. Whom all they meet during their journey, most of them being good samaritans, how their journey shape up? Pari and Chotu's constant banter about Shah Rukh and Salman is interesting. They do face challenges as well, be it some people with bad intention or the heat of the desert. Dhanak showcases the beauty of desert clubbed with Chotu and Pari's journey, musical performances in between, their new friendships, associations with different people, and yes dangers too. The innocence of children is captured beautifully. It is amazing to see, how the film is woven beautifully with kids' one simple wish and their journey for the same. Ultimately, do the kids manage to meet the superstar ?

Chotu's high energy performance and Pari's lovely innocent performances add lot of value to the film. Both the kids are adorable, innocent as well as mature. Another kid who has given a very sweet performance is the one who played the role of Shamsher, whom Pari-Chotu meet during their journey. The way three kids bond is awesome. How Vibha Chibber, Suresh Menon and others become a part of their journey is for you to explore. Rajasthani folk Music in the film is soulful.

Dhanak, a beautiful story about the journey of a brother-sister duo, is woven around one simple wish, and it encompasses the goodness existing in and around us. Not only various human emotions, relationships are explored in the film, but the beauty of deserts covered is also breathtaking. It makes one believe in one's dreams and write one's own destiny or at least take efforts for the same. Dhanak would make you fall in love with the rainbow. Enjoy this film, it is certainly going to bring big smile on your face.

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.

Waiting for NK to top/equal 'Iqbal' and 'Dor' (hell, even 'Hyderabad Blues').

With his last venture being way too dark (Lakshmi), both from a content and his own role's standpoints, it looks like he needed a kind of break from dark matter, so he made this fairy-tale, that's also promising a future novelization.

It does tread towards darker themes a couple of times, but that's done softly, and veers off sharply before things become too maudlin.

If I were looking to label this movie using a thematic reference, I'd describe it as being bright, optimistic and simplistic, that is often the mainstay of most mainstream potboilers as well, but they do those loudly, without subtlety. This, on the other hand, makes a good companion piece to a movie that came out earlier this year, Nil Battey Sannaata.

But does it have the meat necessary to call it substantial? I, humbly, don't think so. But, on the other hand, why do we expect every movie we watch, to have meat, and heft? Why can't tales be as simplistic as this one turns out to be? I have no answer, save mentioning that I did have expectations going in, which were not met.

But the movie left me with a smile on my face. I did resent the frequent musical interludes, but the folksy fusion stuff is done so well, that I ultimately bought into that Bollywood-ness, ultimately (perhaps during the 3rd musical track).

Like any fairy-tale, this one's populated with quirky/weird supporting characters, that perform specific functions, and in 1 case, even surprise. They all have their unique tic, and help propel the movie forward, so that the viewing experience becomes something smooth, and something worth going through more than once, though I will not be making another trip to the multiplex for this one.

The cinematography, location/set design, score, et al are all at the top of their respective games, and support the content, which is, as I've been saying whenever I've observed it, as it should be.

Ultimately:

Good for kids/family outing.

Feel-good stuff.

Not very powerful as such, or great, but decent. Few loopholes, but stuff we won't focus on, even for the discerning reviewer, though there are no surprises as such.

Definitely far better than all the mainstream stuff on public consumption right now.

And yes, both kids have given fantastic performances. Major revelations, especially Hetal.

What can i say about this masterpiece. All I can says is that this Movie is Bollywood's reply to Hollywood's Movie "Its a wonderful Life" and French Movie "Life is Beautiful". The lead actors, the Kids and his sister are amazing in the movie, all the supporting actors left their impression and brought their characters to life. Music and Script is top notch. Finally amazing Direction by Nagesh Kukunoor. This movie made me laugh, cry, smile, giggle, sad and really really happy. The journey Chotu and Pari take feels like our own journey and feels like we are traveling with them. And all the people they meet on their journey showcase the complete spectrum of people we can find in real life. The Sweet and Sour Rivalry between Chotu and Pari for their respective favorite superstar Shahrukh and Salman also keeps audience giggling throughout the movie. A MUST WATCH.

Nagesh has directed some of the best bollywood movies yet they all go unrecognized.

A brother sister relationship entwined with the beautiful state of Rajasthan, a together spin magic on screen. Director has shown the social stigmas related to girl education, child marriage, child kidnapping, blind religion faith beautifully without harming the innocence of main plot with tinge of humor.

World will definitely be a better place if we start helping each other.

If you miss this movie, YOU WILL MISS LIFE.

Nagesh Kukunoor's Dhanak becomes a witty tale of perseverance! Krrish Chhabria plays an enlightened lad with optimism in the face of desperation. Hetal Gada portrays a responsible sibling with realistic ambitions and lightheartedness. The setting in Rajasthan illustrates the happiness still present in impoverished villages and rural areas. Drishyam Films and Kukunoor movies may have spent a modest amount since the plot of the movie relied on the dialogue and not special effects. Tapas Relia's soundtrack compositions convey the ardent spirit of the main characters and their supporting cast. Dhanak offers a whirlwind of emotions for the entire family.

Two wonderful kids, Hetal Gada as Pari and Krrish Chhabria as Chhotu walks a wonderful journey of life to give us one superb movie called Dhanak.

Pari's only wish from life is to gift the vision to her loving brother Chhotu on his ninth birthday. The kids stay with their Chacha and Chachi and when their wicked Chachi refuse to pay for his surgery, she along with her brother starts a journey to meet Shahrukh Khan (shooting in a nearby place) who they believe will pay for the surgery.

What happens in the journey makes the synopsis of the movie. Pari is a fan of Shahrukh while Chhotu is a fan of Salman. Their cute quarrel about who is a better actor gives some nice moments to the movie. The chemistry between both the kids would make you believe that they are real siblings. A female bandit on the way, an about to be wedded family, a gang wanting to kidnap Pari and sale her off, a truck driver who gives them lift, a foreigner who is walking for world peace are the various characters you meet for a short duration on their journey.

The story line is so real, the kids are so lively, the scenes from picturesque Rajasthan makes it a wonderful show piece. Above everything, it's the kids to watch out for.

Kukunoor came back after a wonderful Laxmi with this movie and with a star in Pari (Hetal Gada). She is the heart and soul of the movie even though Chhotu (Krrish Chhabria) keeps the rhythm going.

And if such a cute movie doesn't have a happy ending, nothing else would.

My Rating : 6/10

Stories from small-town can be just as captivating and entertaining as the big-budget commercial Bollywood money-spinner.

'Dhanak' is one such example where you don't need big stars or extravagant song and dance to make something meaningful.

I loved the simplicity, the humour and overall milieu the film is set in. For people who like simple films and feel-good cinema no matter where it comes from or in which form.

Dhanak is one of the best Indian movies I've seen yet. Pari and Chotu are so innocent, their spontaneousness that is typical of their age and their crazy quest to find SRK is so heartwarming. I laughed so much at some moments, it just reminded me of my own childhood, where the craziest things that you can think of can come true. I rarely give a ten, but it deserves it. Totally.

Omg thats so un expressable for me because i am full of emotional.

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!

Really amazing story by Nagesh.. Touches heart of every age group.. Songs are pretty good.. Better off movie than any thing you have seen.. its should be in your top must see movies..

Form the director who has given us so many gems in the past, I was astonished how he can give something different yet beautiful every time he's behind the camera. Its a movie about a sister and her promise to her younger brother. The movie simply portrays the story of sister and brother who embarks on a journey in Rajasthan to meet superstar Sharukh khan. The relationship between the two leads is at best and it feels like they are not the actors playing their part but sister and brother. The dialogue are so real and hilarious that you feel connected to the character. The beauty of desert covered is breathtaking. I laughed through the whole movie and at the end you will feel so satisfied that you gave it a chance. Go give this a try. Its a story with simple premise which keeps you engage with well acted and crafted journey.

Dhanak will hand you all the goodies on a silver platter. So, there is nothing that goes wrong or awry in the movie. So much unlike life. But it is a kid's movie if you look at it up close, and that makes everything okay. There are so many things this Rainbow movie teaches, that it would be a disservice not taking your kids to watch this one.

PLOT OF DHANAK Dhanak is more of a road trip movie. It is an immense struggle of a little girl and her blind brother to meet the elusive Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Her intent so brutally honest and beautiful – To beseech him to give his brother eyes so that he could see again.

Krrish Chhabria as Chotu is unlike any child actor you have ever come across. He is sweet, adorable and has just the right comic timing to throw you into pits of laughter. His sister Pari, played by Hetal Gada, retains an unflinching resolve to do something so selfless despite her heartwarming affection for Shah Rukh. It is simply commendable. The way she takes care of Chotu is really rare, something that cannot be overlooked at all. She is constantly there for him, even though she takes hell from him.

Despite the hurdles they face in reaching what they set out for, there isn't a moment that will have you worried even for a second. There is nothing that would bore you either. Rainbow is a constant joyride.

MAGNIFICENT MUSIC The music of Dhanak is beyond comparison the best you have ever heard. All thanks to Tapas Relia. It blends in beautifully with some of the superlative Rajasthani folk-song flavours to embellish the score with a rare touch. Inclusion of Chet Dixon's cameo was subtly done. The fusion that emanates therefrom is a rare mix of melody that goes on to show music has no language and that it simply keeps getting better and better with such winsome collaborations.

Humour has been added in immense amount at the right places, mostly coming from none other than the protagonist Chotu. He is a witty loud mouth who has always something to say. His unrivalled love for Salman Khan is evident right from the beginning as he keeps fighting with his sister for the sake of his hero.

DOWNSIDES OF DHANAK The big downside of the movie is its chosen cast. Sadly there were so less of them in the movie who could really act. Even Suresh Menon's character was so empty that anyone else could have done it better.

Drama of the movie is unfortunately not powerful either. Most of the characters seem to be not in a right comportment to act. Nobody's really glum in the movie. Maybe it has to do something with the happy theme of the movie.

There is also one bit that tries to scintillate superstition in the form of a clairvoyant which I think was not at all necessary. It should have been discouraged or edited out completely.

SPOILERS WALKING AHEAD: Thoughtful bits from Dhanak are when Chotu is able to see again, he chooses a high spot to see the beauty of the world. It is amazingly sentient of him to watch the sand slip through his palms. Also, the part where a guy exploits innocent ignorant people by looting them just for a selfie with a cup that Shah Rukh Khan had used, goes on to show the ugly side of film-insanity people in rural areas are still smitten with. They treat what they see on the big screen akin Gods, and it is so sad that there are such real life characters who will brazenly milk their debility nevertheless.

THE FINAL VERDICT Dhanak or Rainbow is an extraordinary movie that teaches us to celebrate life. It just focuses on all the good in the country and doesn't delve into the real muck of India. The latter would have rendered it abominable to see. Nagesh Kukunoor does a fine job there with the theme.

Dhanak is a must watch for everybody.

Read all my reviews here: http://straightfromamovie.com

Dhanak is a film that shows that if a person is simple hearted with sheer faith in goodness....then good is bound to happen to such people! All hardships are auto-removed from the path of such people. And yes, these are the people who believe in the miracles of God...and God too is only too ready to fulfil their little, simple desires through HIS various angels!

It is a story about a blind brother and his elder sister whose parents die in some mishap and they are taken care of by their uncle. Their aunt is not very kind to them and somehow feeds them reluctantly just so that they don't go hungry. It was because of her stingy behaviour towards the orphaned children that the boy lost his eyesight ... due to malnutrition. Their uncle loves them and is the only person who takes care of them.

Both brother and sister are movie buffs and while going to school they tell each other stories of films of their favourite actors! One day the sister stumbles across a poster where SRK is promising free eyesight operation for the under-privileged children. With an innocent heart, the sister writes a letter to SRK requesting him to fund her need to bring back her brother's lost eyesight! Circumstances are such that SRK was to visit a location in their state (Rajasthan) and she decides to take her brother to him and ask for help directly!

She escapes with her brother in the middle of the night and walks towards her destination! Fortunately they both get lifts from 'good' truck drivers and others who were going towards Jaisalmer! Yes, there were cheats and thugs who try to harm the children...to sell them and make money – but they were saved miraculously! In fact they don't even come to know of any impending danger – they just trot away with confidence in God ...and their luck...and of course their favourite actor!

In the end, their uncle finds them in Jaisalmer and the boys reaches the hospital and gets his eyesight back! It is shown that SRK had received the letter and he had taken care of the child's desire!

All's well that ends well!

There are movies where everything feels right - we root for the hero(es) through their adventures/misadventures, the writer/director's sleight of hand ranges from subtle humour to laugh out loud set ups/reveals and there is often a statement that lingers beyond the obvious accessibility. We leave the cinema with a nice, warm feeling of having lived the adventure vicariously through the protagonists. Ferris Beuller's Day Off and Children of Heaven would be two examples of such shows with happy endings while Cinema Paradiso and Life is Beautiful would be similar shows with a strong emotional release at the end.

Dhanak, however, is NOT one those movies. And its overhype here is simply staggering! While I found the sister character (Pari) believable, consistent and appealing, I can't say the same about her brother, Chottu.

He may have one or two aw-so-adorable moments but he starts to grate early on and this does not let up through the movie full of hokey moments. He insists on honesty with the truck driver but lies to the policeman, confident despite his disability but quick to use it to defend his shenanigans and mistakes, is demanding (insisting on food before the bus ride, wanting chocolates from the white guy) and is pretty much unapologetic and I'd say even ungrateful. He is Scrabby Doo complete with the 'lemme at him' irritation.

The writer/director is obviously very astute - preying on the insatiable Indian appetite for Bollywood name dropping, playing to stereotypes and clichés (music and all) and always choosing convenient plot development (white guy doing a Eat-Pray-Love??) over resolving any episode/topic (the child abduction racket obviously continues as does the Divine Mother con etc).

My biggest grouse and his ultimate failing is in not giving us a magical ending (like Children of Heaven) or even a satisfying one (have the kid stand up to the bully after he gets his eyesight back at least).

If people find this movie uplifting, sure, feel uplifted. But please don't make it sound like this movie is THE example of what an uplifting movie is. Children of Heaven has this beat by a mile.

A film that moved me not by sympathy but with humor.

When I watch films of underprivileged people, I feel blessed and privileged. To be sane and healthy and everything working fine in the body is a great blessing which I value much more than many other things. Dhanak is a film that made me feel blessed and privileged.

The nuances like the turn of a coin to play either Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan or dreaming a house build of sweets were simply amazing. I must say Nagesh Kukunoor is still an original director. There are elements of genuine originality in his films which are rare in Indian films. He is one of the few directors who sticks to his subject and puts it across well.

With this film, he is back to the landscape of Rajasthan where he shot few of his films. I loved his DOR. So the sand dunes, the dry lands are part of the backdrop and they are wonderful.

There are few moments I loved in the film. The song of "Dam-a-Dam Mast Qalandar", the "Maatha" moment and the letters to Shah Rukh.

Krrish Chhabria as Chotu is superb and this film belongs to him. Hetal Gadda as Pari is memorable. It's the kids who brought so much life to the film and for me as a viewer.

A 3/5 for a good film. Kudos to Nagesh Kukunoor who keeps churning good movies despite many constraints.

"Dhanak" means rainbow; and just like the seven colors of a rainbow, the film tries to bring different colors of life through a bonding of a sister and her blind brother, who take a journey of 300 kilometers on foot to meet a superstar. The two children steal the show and overshadows any adult character of the film. The dialogues and the songs of the boy elicit smile on your faces. Actually, the film stands as an escapist against the odds of the life and the ease with which the journey continues makes it a fantasy against the harsh realities of the rural India which won't make it a touching film. Despite a beautiful performance from its lead, the film makes only a passable entertainment.

Rating: 1.5 stars out of 4

Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie. Not just a Movie But a Perfect and a great Movie.