Released on 11 August 2000, Dhadkan is a Bollywood romantic drama that tugs at heartstrings with its mix of love, betrayal, and emotional conflicts. Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, the film falls into the classic “love triangle” genre, blending intense emotions with memorable music. Starring Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, and Suniel Shetty, Dhadkan became a talking point for its dramatic storytelling and soulful soundtrack. While the movie follows typical Bollywood tropes of the early 2000s, it stands out for its strong performances and timeless songs. This review explores what makes Dhadkan a film that still resonates with audiences, even two decades after its release.
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
Dhadkan revolves around Anjali (Shilpa Shetty), a middle-class woman torn between two men: her passionate college love, Dev (Akshay Kumar), and the wealthy, devoted Ram (Suniel Shetty). Anjali’s father forces her to marry Ram due to financial struggles, leaving Dev heartbroken. Years later, Dev re-enters her life as a successful businessman, reigniting old feelings and creating turmoil. The story explores themes of duty versus desire, societal pressures, and the consequences of choices. Without giving away the ending, the film takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, questioning whether love can survive betrayal and time.
3. What’s Good?
Acting: Shilpa Shetty delivers one of her career-best performances, portraying Anjali’s vulnerability and strength effortlessly. Akshay Kumar shines as the rebellious yet lovelorn Dev, while Suniel Shetty’s restrained acting as the selfless Ram adds depth. The chemistry between the trio feels authentic, making their conflicts believable.
Music: The soundtrack by Nadeem-Shravan is Dhadkan’s crown jewel. Songs like Dulhe Ka Sehra and Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein became instant classics. The music not only enhances emotional scenes but also remains popular at weddings and nostalgic playlists.
Direction and Cinematography: Dharmesh Darshan’s direction balances drama and romance without overdoing melodrama (mostly). The use of vibrant visuals, especially in song sequences like Na Na Karte, adds a dreamy quality. Scenes between Dev and Anjali are shot with a raw intensity, capturing their longing effectively.
Dialogues and Costumes: The dialogues, though dramatic, pack a punch (“Pyaar mein hum tumhare hain, par zindagi mein hum sirf apne hain”). The costumes reflect the early 2000s Bollywood glamour, with Shilpa’s sarees and Akshay’s rugged looks becoming style icons.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
The film’s biggest strength is its music, which elevates every scene. Shilpa Shetty’s performance and the emotional depth of the love triangle keep viewers invested. The pacing is decent, and the climax, though predictable, leaves a lasting impact.
Weaknesses
The plot relies heavily on clichés, like forced marriages and wealthy villains. Some scenes feel overly dramatic, like Anjali’s sudden shifts between Dev and Ram. The supporting characters, like Anjali’s friend, lack development. Also, the portrayal of women’s agency feels outdated by today’s standards.
5. Target Audience
Dhadkan appeals to fans of classic Bollywood romances and those who enjoy emotional dramas. If you love 2000s-era films with strong music and don’t mind some melodrama, this is for you. Families might enjoy it for its clean storytelling, but younger audiences could find the pacing slow.
6. Box Office Details
Budget: Made on a budget of ₹8–10 crore (approx.), Dhadkan was a moderately priced film for its time.
Box Office Performance:
The movie was a commercial success, earning ₹25–30 crore worldwide. In India, it opened strong with ₹2.1 crore on Day 1, dipping slightly on Weekdays due to competition. Here’s a rough breakdown of its first 5 days in India:
- Day 1: ₹2.1 crore
- Day 2: ₹1.8 crore
- Day 3: ₹2.0 crore
- Day 4: ₹1.5 crore
- Day 5: ₹1.3 crore
Overseas markets contributed around ₹5–7 crore, with strong numbers in the UAE and UK. The film’s music and star power helped sustain earnings beyond the first week.
7. Recommendation
Dhadkan is a nostalgic trip for 2000s Bollywood fans, offering solid performances and unforgettable music. While its melodrama might not click with everyone, it’s worth watching for Shilpa Shetty’s acting and the soulful soundtrack. Recommended if you enjoy classic love stories!
