Dhanak(2016)
Dhanak (2015) is an Indian Hindi-language children's road film written and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. The film stars Hetal Gada and Krrish Chhabria as orphaned siblings Pari and Chotu. Set in rural Rajasthan, the story follows Pari as she leads her blind brother on a 300-kilometer journey to meet Shah Rukh Khan. The film blends adventure, emotion, and fantasy in a family-friendly narrative. It won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film and a Special Mention Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Dhanak was released in Indian theatres on 17 June 2016.
Dhanak (2016) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 17 June 2016
- Director
- Nagesh Kukunoor
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Rating
- 7.8/10
Storyline
Ten-year-old Pari promises her blind eight-year-old brother Chotu that he will see again before his ninth birthday. When she learns that Shah Rukh Khan is shooting a film nearby, she believes meeting him can make the miracle happen. The two siblings set off alone on a dangerous 300-kilometer journey across the Rajasthan desert.
“A rainbow of hope”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dhanak
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh Kukunoor & Elahe Hiptoola (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in 45 days across real locations in Rajasthan, including remote villages and the Pushkar Mela.
- Child actor Krrish Chhabria, who played Chotu, was selected from over 500 children during auditions in Mumbai.
- The title 'Dhanak' means 'rainbow' in Hindi, symbolizing hope and the colorful journey of the siblings.
- It was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.
- Director Nagesh Kukunoor was inspired by a newspaper article about a blind child meeting Shah Rukh Khan.
- The film's music uses folk instruments like the 'morchang' (jaw harp) to reflect the Rajasthani setting.
- Despite critical acclaim, it had a limited theatrical release and gained more attention through film festivals.