Dashmi Review: A hard-hitting drama which calls for introspection as a society

Dashmi

Writer-Director: Shantanu Anant Tambe

Cast: Vardhan Puri, Gaurav Sareen, Ankit Khera, Daljeet Kaur, Rajesh Jais, and others.

Lyricist and Music Composer: Shabbir Ahmed

Producers: Sanjana Vinod Tambe, Bharani Rang, Sarika Vinod Tambe

Rating: 

Dashmi is a dramatic and poignant tale of a vigilante group of people who take matters in their own hands to stop the increasing menace of rape culture which doesn’t spare even the little and minor girls. The film not only talks about bringing rape accused to justice by extra-judicial means, but it also calls for introspection as a society.

In Dashmi, it has been shown how the vigilante group resort to kidnapping of high-profile figures accused or raping minors and make them confess about their crimes by making their videos. Interestingly, Dashmi is set against the backdrop of Dussehra and deep dives into the theme of justice and morality in our society which is believed to be equally complacent as the rape accused for the crimes that take place.

Directed by Shantanu Anant Tambe, the premise of Dashmi is very promising and keeps you hooked till the end. What makes Dashmi stand apart from other films is its hard-hitting narrative which remains with you even after you leave the cinema halls. Not only as a director, but as a story, screenplay and dialogue writer too Shantanu Anant Tambe brings lots of authenticity and realism into his story and presentation and delivers a film which is hard to miss. Belonging to the Marathi film industry, the director with his first effort in Hindi cinema showcases that he is a multi-facet filmmaker who is here to make films with a difference.

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The casting of the film is apt and perfect as every actor has done justice to their roles. Vardhan Puri, Gaurav Sareen, Ankit Khera, Dalljiet Kaur, Rajesh Jais, Charul Malik, Khushi Hajare, Manoj Singh Tiger, Sanjay Pandey, Ram Naresh Diwakar, Tirth Bhanushali, Aisshwarya Anishka, Swati Semwal, Shabaaz Badi have done commendable job in their respective roles and elevate the film with their acting prowess.

The lyrics and music by Shabbir Ahmed and background score by Prasad S goes with the gut-wrenching theme of the film. Director of Photography M. Ravichandran Thevar captures the drama with lots of finesse whereas Mukesh Thakur’s crisp editing doesn’t leave any scope for any dull moment in the film.

Overall, the story of age-old battle between good versus evil set in the modern era is a must watch for everyone. Films like Dashmi are rarely made which look far beyond entertaining and titillating the audiences and make them think hard for the kind of society and country we inhabit and emphasizes on the need to transform our society.