Through Dil
After the award-winning Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Akhtar has taken a giant leap with Dil
In Kamal Mehra, Akhtar diagnoses traits of male chauvinism and mendacity, harmonised with a yearning to look like a hero at the age of sixty. Neelam, meanwhile, is a strong on the outside but a fragile on
On the acting front: Ranveer Singh springs a pleasant surprise by playing the suave Kabir Mehra. Singh's portrayal of a confounded adult is a treat to the senses. His composure and sensuous chemistry with Anushka Sharma will slay you. Sharma performed eloquently with an equal level of deftness. However, one would want more of Sharma in the movie.
Priyanka Chopra, who plays the role of Ayesha Mehra, is equally competitive in her role. Her portrayal of a successful entrepreneur with strong business acumen is very well-written.
Rahul Bose, who plays the role of Ayesha's husband Manav, doesn't get enough scope to perform. Farhan Akhtar, who plays the role of Sunny Gill, does a fine job in a special appearance. His chemistry with Pluto (the Mehra family dog) in a scene towards the climax is palpable. Note the sequence, when Sunny debates with Manav on gender inequality: the discerningly intricate wordplay effectively highlights patriarchy.
Anil Kapoor is likeable in a graceful portrayal of a businessman. After watching Dil Dhadakne Do, one could realise that no one else could have performed the role of Kamal with brilliance tantamount to Kapoor's performance.
The actor who will leave you speechless with a first-rate performance is Shefali Shah. She brings an emotional heft to her cold character with an unparalleled brilliance.
It is difficult not to connect with her, no matter what gender you are. Note Shah in these moments: a confrontation with Chopra in a Turkish hammam, choking herself with dessert in the state of misery and spontaneous emotional confession of Kapoor's philandering that made her so cold throughout their marriage. Shah will take away all the awards for this performance.
Akhtar and Kagti have chosen to make a dialogue with the audience through a surreal screenplay to disparage the inherent disease of patriarchy and gender inequality in the society.
Akhtar has a high level of eloquence and dynamism in her work. With Dil Dhadakne Do, Akhtar and Kagti have become a voice of women against men's foibles and veiled bigotries.
The term 'men' doesn't take all the men into the fold rather it is confined to men who are practically involved in suppressing women in the society by any means.
Dil Dhadakne Do isn't so far-reaching because of the high society setup, which will hinder masses to connect with it. But as it gradually oozes in, it transcends into a genre of its own. Therefore, it is an achievement for the writers and the director.
