Dhh

"Dhh" is a charming and heart-touching Gujarati-language Indian film from 2017, filed with magical realism and directed by Manish Saini. The movie stars legendary Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, along with younger actors Kahaan and Karan Patel, who shine in their respective roles. Set in the rural areas of Gujarat, the film is a beautifully woven tale of childhood, innocence, and the boundless realm of a child's imagination.

"Dhh" follows the lives of three school-going friends – Gungun (Kahaan), Bajrang (Karan Patel), and Vakil. These three friends are not fond of studying and find it extremely difficult to score good marks in exams. In spite of their constant efforts and repeated attempts, they are always at the tail-end of their class rank list. Struggling with their academics and the consequential fear of their parents and teachers, they start to dread the word 'exams'.

One fine day, while trying to figure out a solution to their problems, they come across a magical story of a magician, played by the gifted Naseeruddin Shah. As the story goes, the magician possesses the ability to solve any problem in the world. Hearing this, the friends see a ray of hope in their gloomy world of academics. They set out on an adventurous journey to find this magician, who they believe will magically uplift their grades. The narrative masterfully showcases their journey filled with humor, sorrows, joys, and life-fulfilling moments.

One of the highlights of "Dhh" is its ability to celebrate the nurturing nature of childhood friendship. It manages to capture the innocence and imagination of a child’s world. The film does not shy away from also showing the pressure faced by students due to the current educational system. It questions the approach of evaluating a child's intelligence merely based on their academic scores. Hence, the movie evokes thought and discussions even after the credits roll.

Kahaan, Karan Patel, and the rest of the child actors deliver excellent performances as the lead characters. They anchored the plot effectively and managed to engage the audience with their convincing portrayals. It is through their eyes — filled with a sense of wonder, fear, hope, and determination — that we view the world in this film.

The acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah, despite being in a supporting role as the magician, leaves a strong mark with his performance. The magician not only adds an element of fantasy to the narrative but also serves a deeper symbolic purpose. Shah's versatile acting skills infuse color and depth into his character, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the film.

Furthermore, "Dhh" beautifully captures the local flavor of the Gujarati rural landscape. The scenes and backdrops mirror the simplicity and raw beauty of rural life. The authenticity of the regional language, dialects, and culture further add a layer of realism and relatability to this film.

The director, Manish Saini, manages to hold the audience's attention throughout, blending realism with a hint of magic. He excels in showcasing a sensitive and heart-rending story with a perfect balance of emotion and imagination. The screenplay is spot on, and the narrative rhythm keeps one connected to the fate of the protagonists.

"Dhh" has also gained several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati at the 65th National Film Awards. This recognition is a testament to its brilliant story, performances, and direction, proving that regional cinema can stand shoulder to shoulder with mainstream Bollywood.

In essence, "Dhh" is a delightful watch that invokes a sense of nostalgia, takes one back to their childhood days, adds a dose of magic, and gently nudges the viewer to think about the current educational system. It is a genuine and heartfelt story that resonates with everyone, irrespective of their age. Whether you are looking for something meaningful or simply wish to enjoy a beautifully crafted film, "Dhh" will certainly not disappoint.