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Dhokha

Name: Dhokha
Director: Pooja Bhatt
Released: 2007
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2007

Director

Pooja Bhatt

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dhokha is a psychological thriller that avoids simple moral choices. It stands out by reversing the traditional roles of both male and female leads, moving away from typical hero formulas. The film excels in its nuanced exploration of ethnic and religious identity. By centering a Muslim officer in a post-9/11 investigation, it offers a sophisticated view of faith and national loyalty. However, the film does not include representations of LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities. Its focus remains on a specific religious and cultural framework, neglecting other underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dhokha have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses on a marriage between Zaid and Sarha, which follows traditional heterosexual norms. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-traditional gender identities presented in the film.

How does Dhokha portray gender?

Fair

Sarha breaks traditional gender roles by taking the lead in driving the plot forward. Her actions force the male protagonist into a vulnerable, reactive role rather than a protective one.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dhokha?

Good

The film presents a nuanced portrayal of Muslim identity by featuring a Muslim character in a high-ranking police position. This challenges the stereotype of Muslims as terrorists through a detailed investigative storyline.

How does Dhokha represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative questions state security and religious orthodoxy by depicting a conspiracy involving systemic issues. It avoids idealized family life, focusing instead on moral ambiguity and the complexity of truth.

Does Dhokha include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges the stereotype of Muslims as terrorists by featuring a Muslim officer in a high-ranking position.
Reverses traditional gender roles by making the female lead the main driver of the central conflict.
Offers a sophisticated critique of state security and systemic corruption through moral ambiguity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any explicit representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-traditional gender identities.
Does not engage with physical or neurodivergent disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Post-September 11, 2001, Zaid Ahmed Khan lives a wealthy lifestyle in Mumbai and resides in an apartment at Shanti Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai, and works as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. One day terrorists strike at a club, killing 20 people, & critically injuring several others. The Police are put on alert, and Zaid is summoned to Police Headquarters to identify a body. To his shock the body turns out to be that of Sarha, his wife - who was not a victim but was a suicide-bomber. While trying to put his life together, Zaid comes across evidence that Sarha may have had an hand in the killings, and thus intrigued he decides to travel to Nasik to find out what really happened, whether his devout Islamic wife was really a terrorist or the victim of a deep-rooted conspiracy.

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