Dhandoraa review: A relevant idea undermined by weak execution
Dhandoraa review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
Dhandoraa sets out with a serious purpose, aiming to explore caste-based prejudice and the emotional scars it leaves behind. The intention behind the film is sincere, and its core theme is undeniably relevant even today. However, while the movie has moments of strength, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently engaging or powerful cinematic experience. What could have been a gripping social drama ends up feeling scattered and only partially effective.
The narrative unfolds across different time periods, attempting to connect past actions with present consequences. On paper, this structure promises depth, but in execution it feels confusing at times. The shifts between timelines are not always smooth, making it difficult to stay emotionally invested in the characters. The first half, in particular, moves at a sluggish pace. Several scenes linger longer than necessary, diluting the impact of key moments and testing the audience’s patience.
A romantic track forms a major part of the early portion. While it is rooted in social conflict, the way it is presented lacks freshness. The emotional beats feel familiar, and the screenplay repeats similar ideas without adding new layers. Songs appear frequently and, instead of strengthening the narrative, they often disrupt its rhythm. As a result, the film struggles to maintain momentum during stretches where it should have been tightening its grip.
Performances are one of the film’s more positive aspects. Sivaji stands out with a composed and convincing portrayal, especially as the story progresses and his character gains complexity. He brings restraint and seriousness that suit the subject matter well. Nandu also makes a decent impression, particularly in emotionally charged scenes later in the film. Navdeep’s role adds some spark, though his character could have been written with more depth and purpose. The supporting cast does their job competently, but inconsistent writing limits the overall impact of their performances.
Technically, Dhandoraa does a fair job. The visuals effectively capture the rural atmosphere, lending authenticity to the setting. Production design supports the story without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. The background music has its moments, occasionally elevating emotional scenes, but it is not consistently memorable. Better placement and restraint could have improved its effectiveness.
The film’s strongest section arrives in the latter half, where the focus sharpens and the drama gains urgency. The courtroom elements and revelations add much-needed intensity, making the story more engaging than before. The climax manages to deliver some emotional weight and leaves a reasonable impression. Unfortunately, by the time the film reaches this point, it has already lost some goodwill due to its meandering earlier portions.
In conclusion, Dhandoraa is a film with good intentions and a relevant message, but its uneven pacing and unfocused storytelling hold it back. While the performances and final act offer redeeming qualities, the overall experience feels inconsistent. It is a movie that deserves credit for addressing an important issue, yet leaves the viewer wishing it had been handled with more narrative discipline and emotional clarity.
