Dhonima Movie Review: Despite Kaali Venkat's performance, this wandering drama fails to impress.
The narrative lacks coherence, with the conflicts stemming from Koti's actions and the family's financial struggles being readily predictable. These elements appear unrefined, drawing upon clichéd themes that seem worn out.
Some filmmakers and actors contend that there is no universal formula for creating a successful narrative. Nevertheless, certain themes, such as those involving a protagonist and their pet dog, remain timeless. These stories often resonate profoundly, instilling a sense of hope and illuminating the screen. In this vein, director Jagadeesan Subu introduces Dhonima, a film that follows a young boy with hearing impairment as he develops a lasting bond with his pet dog while confronting the hardships of poverty and an alcoholic father. Despite the strength of this theme, the film ultimately squanders its potential by presenting an incoherent screenplay that fails to evoke the warmth inherent in the story.
Cast: Kaali Venkat, Roshni Prakash, Vishav Raj, Vivek Prasanna, Kannan Ponnaiah, Rajesh Sharma, PL Thenappan and Aadukalam Stella
Director: Jagadeesan Subu
Dhonima opens with a promising start, featuring engaging scenes that draw the viewer in. A sequence shows Dhanam (Roshni Prakash) preparing a smoothie, contrasted with a woman struggling to consume milk. Another scene depicts an individual drinking from a tall glass alongside a child whose grandfather is mixing Bournvita in a small tumbler for him. These cinematic moments effectively entice the audience into the lives of the characters.
The characters in Dhonima are difficult to dislike. Roshni Prakash delivers a commendable performance as Dhanam, an independent and determined woman who works diligently as a domestic helper. Her limited earnings barely sustain her family of five, making her character arguably the most well-developed in the film. Additionally, Kaali Venkat portrays a father characterized by his kindness, caring for his wife who suffers from paralysis affecting one arm and one leg. However, the supporting characters are less effectively crafted, which risks diverting attention from the main conflict. While they could have served as compelling subplots with more refined writing, they fail to cohesively contribute to the overarching narrative.
For example, Suganthi and James are a couple who choose to live according to their own principles, even if it subjects them to societal judgment for pursuing a profession deemed "disreputable." However, they do not firmly uphold their beliefs in front of James’ mother, ultimately allowing societal norms to influence their decisions. Their impact on the lives of Koti and Dhanam’s family remains ambiguous, raising questions about their significance within Dhonima. Although Mani, a dog catcher, provides some light-hearted moments, his character quickly becomes another forgettable element in the story.
Kaali Venkat presents a formidable challenge in eliciting empathy for his character, Koti, who is portrayed as an alcoholic and a liar. This is an area where he demonstrates considerable skill as an actor. Koti is a character that evokes disdain, and Venkat navigates this role with apparent ease. Although he is undeniably flawed, the characterization approaches a troubling portrayal of a criminal who escapes consequences too readily and too soon. This notable logical inconsistency undermines the narrative and hampers the audience's ability to engage fully with his journey toward redemption.
In the realm of film, it is sometimes necessary to acknowledge the contributions of animal actors. Following the impressive performance of a rooster in Kottukkaali, Dhonima, a golden retriever, merits recognition for her role as an unpaid performer, offering unconditional affection to the cast. She responds to cues and displays her compassion towards Dravid’s ailing grandmother during emotional moments, creating numerous heartwarming scenes. However, as the narrative unfolds, the conflicts stemming from Koti’s actions and the family's financial struggles become predictable. They appear somewhat amateurish, relying on clichéd tropes that have lost their impact.
Dhonima possesses a commendable intention and has the potential to evolve into a touching drama. Nevertheless, its wandering screenplay detracts from maintaining focus on both the primary storyline and the emotional intricacies of the characters. While Koti and Dhanam face the significant challenge of poverty, the film's true flaw lies not in its predictability but in its lackluster storyline, which fails to resonate deeply with the audience.
