Powerful, thought -provoking, disturbing. That sums up Dhoka, directed by Pooja Bhatt, but fails to appeal the masses.

Pooja Bhatt’s creations include - Paap and Holiday, However in this particular attempt she charters into a new — and most difficult — terrain with Dhoka. With terrorism raising its ugly head in Hyderabad recently, a film like Dhoka is all the most topical. In this case, the suicide bomber is the cop’s wife.

What sets Dhoka apart from films of its ilk is that the film never takes sides. It doesn’t blame any particular community, in fact it’s not pro or anti any religion. It blames the people who spread terror in the name of religion. Also, it denounces terrorism in very clear words. Dhoka hits where it hurts. You want to know the reason why people turn into jehadis. Dhoka probes into the issue and provides the answers.

The film, directed by Pooja Bhatt, seems to be a lecture to the Hindu community in India about the serious issue of terrorism.

Some of the questions asked are: Why are Muslims always viewed suspiciously when there is a bomb blast? Why is there so much angst among Muslims against the Indian State? Why are police forces so communal and one-tracked in their investigations? Why do some Muslim youth turn to terrorism? Why are Muslim youths picked up in the name of interrogations and then never heard of again? Why does no one talk about State terrorism in police lockups?

It is a good issue highlighted by Pooja Bhatt, but she fails in the execution. If only she handled the message as subtly as Shimit Amin handled the issue in Chak De India!, where Shah Rukh Khan is targeted as the hero here, because he is a Muslim. Yet, Chak De does not feel like a lecture.

To sum up, Dhoka is one of the finest and powerful films to come out of the Bhatt camp. This one dares to unruffle a few feathers; however, it fails to leave an impact on the masses.

The story is of Zaid, [Muzamil Ibrahim] a Muslim police officer in Mumbai. On the night of a deadly bombing at the New Century Club, he works tirelessly to help the shocked and shattered patients brought to the hospital. But this night of turmoil and death takes a horrifying personal turn. His wife’s body, the beautiful Sara [Tulip Joshi], is found amongst the dead. Things turn even more horrific when the police coldly announce that Sara’s injuries were typical of those found on fundamentalist suicide bombers. As evidence mounts that his wife, Sara, was responsible for the catastrophic bombing, Zaid is torn between cherished memories of their years together and the inescapable realization that the beautiful woman he loved had a life far removed from their comfortable existence together.

Dhoka is two creative minds at their best — director Pooja Bhatt and writer Shagufta Rafique. Sure, a film like this is not everyone’s idea of entertainment, but one needs to face the music too and get real. After all, Cinema isn’t only entertainment, but enlightenment too.

With terrorism raising its ugly head time and again, in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, New York and London, one cannot shut your eyes to all that’s happening around us.

Dhoka tells the story well. The director and her competent writer open the cards at the very outset, within 10 minutes of the start. But it’s the second hour that’s a complete eye-opener. The ugly past, narrated by Anupam Kher, shakes you completely. Brilliantly penned and executed, you’re stunned by the atrocities committed by the men in uniform.

The writing wobbles at times. Take the end, for instance, Ashutosh Rana getting caught for his misdeeds looks too sudden. Prior to that, the confrontation between Munish Makhija and Muzamil, although interesting, is long-drawn and tends to get preachy. However, the climax at a Mumbai Railway Station — the culmination to the horrific tale — is spell-binding.

Dhoka is Pooja’s third and also her finest work so far. She has handled the disturbing issue with utmost maturity. Shagufta Rafique’s writing packs a solid punch. Music [M.M. Kreem] is soothing and is smartly woven in the narrative. Anshuman Mahaley’s cinematography is topnotch.

But the film fails mainly because it does not give attention to details. Sarah wraps the bomb around her waist. While 20 people die in the blast, Sarah’s face remains intact and perfect.

A viewer of the movie Swati says,” the concept is nice but I did not enjoy it much.”

Anupam Kher is first-rate. Only a veteran with a terrific range could’ve essayed the part with such understanding. Gulshan Grover is perfect. He looks the character. Ashutosh Rana is menacing; very effective. The actor enacting the role of Tulip’s brother is good. Bhanu Uday is admirable. Aushima Sawhney does a fine job. Anupam Shyam is alright. Munish Makhija is competent. A real surprise, a pleasant surprise! Tulip Joshi looks gorgeous and although she hardly has any lines to deliver, she makes it up with the right expressions.

On the acting front, model-turned-debutant actor Muzammil Ibrahim disappoints. He tries hard but fails to impress. He looks like he is still walking the ramp. His character needed a powerful actor, and Muzammil looks miscast.

Gulshan Grover and Anupam Kher are brilliant, however, as is Tulip Joshi.

Dhoka has a relevant story, but is truly disappointing in the execution department.

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