Cast: Malhar Thakar, Shruhad Goswami, Prashant Barot
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Writers: Himalay Dave, Ankit Gor, Dev Mehta
Director: Anish Shah
Gujarati cinema takes a refreshing step into the cyber-thriller space with Dharpakad, a film inspired by the alarming rise of digital frauds and online scam networks. Blending suspense, emotion, and social awareness, the film creates an engaging narrative that manages to entertain while highlighting a modern-day issue that feels highly relevant in today’s digital era.
Screenplay
The screenplay begins on a strong and gripping note, effectively building tension through its investigation-driven narrative and scam-related sequences. Director Anish Shah successfully creates an atmosphere of urgency and fear, allowing viewers to emotionally connect with the victims and their struggles. The first half remains engaging and tightly paced, though the second half slightly loses momentum with a few predictable twists that reduce the overall impact.
Performances
Malhar Thakar delivers a sincere and mature performance, carrying the emotional depth of the story with confidence and restraint.
Shruhad Goswami brings intensity and a commanding screen presence, adding strength to the thriller elements of the film.
Prashant Barot and the supporting cast perform naturally, helping the narrative stay grounded and believable throughout its runtime.
Music
The music and background score play a significant role in elevating the suspenseful mood of the film. Rather than overpowering the narrative, the soundtrack complements the emotional and tense moments effectively. The background score during the scam and chase sequences particularly enhances the gripping atmosphere and keeps the audience invested.
Cinematography
Cinematography stands out as one of the film’s strongest technical aspects. The visuals maintain a realistic and immersive tone, capturing both emotional depth and urban tension with effectiveness. The editing keeps the film fast-paced for most parts, although a slightly crisper treatment in the latter half could have made the storytelling even sharper.
Verdict
Overall, Dharpakad is a bold and refreshing attempt by Gujarati cinema to explore a contemporary and socially relevant subject through the lens of a thriller. Despite a few flaws in pacing and predictability, the film succeeds in delivering both entertainment and awareness. A commendable effort that deserves appreciation for bringing something fresh and meaningful to regional cinema.
⭐ 3.5/5 Stars
— A Film Review By Dharmit Shah