POOJA AS FILMMAKER WITH 'DHOKHA' By Satyajit
Critic's I-view "Suicide Bomber"! Indeed a dreadful phenomenal terrorist attack that can be grueling and blasphemous in a corner of the world. In its sixtieth year of Independence, India still faces the curse, fear and panic of international terrorist attacks. 'Dhokha', a third directorial offering by Pooja Bhatt, proves to be her most receptive and intellectual attempt at filmmaking. The filmmaker who had disappointment in her initial phases of career with idealistic love stories like 'Paap' and 'Holiday' has really matured into a competent filmmaker. 'Dhokha' depicts the sufferings of Indian Muslims as a result of some Muslims having been swept away by the winds of Islamophobia, the world over. This Mahesh Bhatt scripted film may not be his finest commercial endeavor but is certainly a thought-provoking presentation that should be applauded for its audacity and boldness. There have been countless films in Bollywood that dared define terrorism their way but 'Dhokha' tries to be introspective in this matter.
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The highlight of 'Dhokha' is the voice-over of moderate and educated Muslims who try to appeal to their fellow beings to rescue their pride and honor and historic religion from the clutches of barbaric murderers who claim to be messiah but are defaming Islam. It tries to be intellectual or rather philosophical in the climax where the ideologies of the moderate and the extremists clash. Earlier, Mahesh Bhatt scripted 'Zakhm', his autobiographical version, was pro-Muslim and drew attention on the issue on declining moral values in our political system. This time he has a story about "deceit" ("Dhokha") committed on the innocents among the minority who retaliate as "suicide bombers" and finally ruin the whole governmental machinery. The protagonist (Muzzamil Ibrahim) in the film is a police cop who hails from this minority community and is presumed to be the voice of moderate Muslims and believes in the authority of judiciary and law. The obedient and law-abiding police cop's life is traumatized following the betrayal by his most trusted soul-mate (Tulip Joshi) . Doesn't this amount to illusion or rather deceit ("Dhokha") ? This leads to the growth of hatred and abhorrence in small the distressed sect of minorities.
'Dhokha' is an unfortunate story of Zaid Ahmed (Muzamil Ibrahim) who always trusted his beautiful and innocent wife Sarah (Tulip Joshi) . They share lovely moments together and have a heavenly and peaceful life . However, one day he finds all this changed ! New Century Club, Mumbai, happens to be deadly spot for massive bomb blasts which claims twenty lives and leaves dozens injured. One among the affected is Sarah, a charming housewife of Zaid who is alleged to be a suicide bomber. Zaid's dream-world is shattered and for him it's the end of his life. Investigating officer Raj Verma (Gulshan Grover) proves to be the old fox from the intelligence bureau inquring from Zaid in this heinous matter. Zaid is accused to be part of this conspiracy but finally he is set free due to his honesty and sincerity.
Zaid has a forgettable past in Nandini (Aushima Sawhney) where their love relationships rocked due to parental opposition.
Zaid's friends (Bhanu Uday, Abhay Sachar) turn hostile towards him for his alleged involvement in the case. Zaid suffers a severe jolt when he receives a DVD containing Sarah's confessions to be part of the militant group and working as a suicide bomber for the sake of "jehad". The roots of this conspiracy are traced from his native town. He comes to know that Sayeed (Anupam Kher), grandfather of Sarah, had told about the atrocities that his families had suffered at the hands of the corrupt policemen. This leads Sarah and her brothers to convert themselves into the hands of missionaries of militant groups.
The confrontation between moderate and the extremist Muslims triggers off when Zaid finds Sarah's absconding brother in Mumbai slums. It was all the handiwork of Omar Faridi (Munish Makhija), a self-styled leader of Muslim terrorist group who encourages every youth to turn a jehadi. The climax of the film proves to be the gist of the film where the minority finds an amicable solution to their problems . The end comes as "Aandhi men Ek doosre ka haath pakkad kar chalna chahiye…". This is the spirit of living and fighting together against all odds. 'Dhokha' can be a statement but certainly can't be a solution to the heinous acts of terrorism .
The strongpoint of 'Dhokha' lies in its scripting department where veteran Mahesh Bhatt corelates his heartfelt experiences with fine support of Shagufta Rafique as screenplay and dialogue writer. Cinematography (Anshuman Malay) is another plus point that works positively for the film where beautiful locations of Udaipur are captured in a modest style. Tulip Joshi's beautiful face and charming structure is remarkably highlighted by fine piece of cinematography in couple of soundtracks. Actions (Abbas Ali Moghul) are adequate for all the situations and add to the merits of the film.
Newcomer Muzzamil Ibrahim is impressive in his first silver screen presence. The actor proves to be another notable model-turned-actor and the film really works wonders for him. His "wooden" face appearance and typical ramp-model looks might alienate him from commercial mainstream but his confidence and performance live up to everyone's expectation. If Shahrukh Khan showed the grit of sporty "Muslim" in 'Chak De India' with panache, then Muzzamil showed his zeal for the character of Muslim cop in 'Dhokha'. Tulip Joshi has another remarkable performance to her credit and works appreciably as per the demands of the script. Her ravishing looks are an added charm that works for the restricted glamour quotient of the film. Newcomer Aushima Sawhney shows confidence in her small role and looks impressive in trendy outfits. Munish Makhija is a complete revelation in the role of a terrorist group leader . The verbal confrontation in the climax between him and Muzzamil Ibrahim shows the rise of actor in him. Spearheaded with razor edged dialogues, the actor proves to be competent in his first groomed silver screen role.
Bhanu Uday, Abhay Sachar and Raj Saluja work well in their character roles. Anupam Kher is at his versatile best while Ashutosh Raina shows his villainous trait again with flair.
'Dhokha's weak point lies in its music and it comes out as rare failure from the Bhatt camp. Pakistani singer Shiraz Uppal rendered "Roya Re" proves to be the saving grace while the rest of the numbers are simply accommodated Background score (Raju Singh) works well in grim and compelling situations of the film. 'Dhokha's major setback lies in its negligible glamour quotient and low face value that might restrict pop genre audiences into multiplexes. Pooja Bhatt has chosen a commercial format to emote her feelings but the spark and glossy of trendy multiplex entertainer is completely missing.
Secondly, the film deals with a bold and socially relevant subject that might allure only class audiences and decimate the interest of young viewers. It was earlier witnessed in thought-provoking 'Chak De India' where audiences showed their interest in innovative subjects and thereby in its indifferent treatment. 'Chak De India' opened to lukewarm response in its first weekend but proved to be one of the biggest hits of this year and if good word of publicity works, then there can be another surprise with 'Dhokha'. If 'Chak De India' showed grit and determination of Muslim sportsman for India then 'Dhokha' works for the redeeming of the pride and honor of the Muslim community by lending its voice through the thoughts of moderate Muslim youth.
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