Dhokha: Round D Corner – A Comprehensive Review – Beyond the Trailer

Dhokha: Round D Corner (2022), directed by Kookie Gulati, is a Hindi-language psychological thriller that weaves a tangled web of deception, betrayal, and suspense. Starring R. Madhavan, Aparshakti Khurana, Darshan Kumaar, and Khushalii Kumar, the film attempts to carve a niche in the crowded thriller genre by blending domestic drama with high-stakes crime elements. Released on September 23, 2022, the movie promises a rollercoaster of twists and turns, but does it deliver on its ambitious premise? This review delves into the film’s narrative, performances, technical aspects, and thematic depth to offer a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and shortcomings.

Plot Overview: A Maze of Motives

Dhokha: Round D Corner centers on a seemingly ordinary couple, Yathaarth (R. Madhavan) and Sanchi (Khushalii Kumar), whose marriage is on shaky ground. The story kicks off when their home becomes the stage for a dangerous hostage situation involving a terrorist, Haq Gul (Aparshakti Khurana), and a determined police officer, Shiv Nath (Darshan Kumaar). As the situation unfolds, layers of deceit unravel, revealing that nothing—and no one—is as it seems. The narrative unfolds primarily within the confines of the couple’s apartment, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ emotional turmoil.

The plot thrives on its non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives, with each character’s version of events casting doubt on the others. The screenplay, penned by Kookie Gulati and Anjaan, keeps the audience guessing by introducing red herrings and unexpected revelations. While the film’s tagline, “Round D Corner,” hints at the twists that await, the narrative occasionally struggles to balance its ambitious plotting with emotional depth, leaving some threads unresolved.

Performances: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance

The ensemble cast is one of the film’s strongest assets, with each actor bringing distinct energy to their roles.

R. Madhavan as Yathaarth

R. Madhavan, a seasoned performer known for his versatility, delivers a compelling portrayal of Yathaarth, a man whose calm exterior masks a complex inner world. Madhavan’s ability to convey both vulnerability and menace makes him the emotional anchor of the film. His nuanced performance ensures that Yathaarth remains unpredictable, keeping viewers on edge as they question his motives.

Khushalii Kumar as Sanchi

Khushalii Kumar, in her debut role, shows promise as Sanchi, the distressed wife caught in a web of danger. While her performance is earnest, it occasionally feels one-dimensional, particularly in scenes requiring intense emotional depth. Kumar shines in moments of quiet intensity but struggles to match the gravitas of her co-stars in high-stakes confrontations.

Aparshakti Khurana as Haq Gul

Aparshakti Khurana delivers a standout performance as Haq Gul, the terrorist with a chilling agenda. Known primarily for comedic roles, Khurana reinvents himself here, exuding menace and unpredictability. His ability to shift between calm calculation and explosive rage adds a layer of terror to the narrative, making Haq Gul a memorable antagonist.

Darshan Kumaar as Shiv Nath

Darshan Kumaar’s portrayal of Shiv Nath, the police officer tasked with resolving the crisis, is competent but somewhat overshadowed by the more layered performances of Madhavan and Khurana. Kumaar brings intensity to his role, but the character’s motivations feel underexplored, limiting his impact.

The chemistry among the leads is palpable, particularly in scenes where tension boils over. However, the uneven development of certain characters prevents the ensemble from reaching its full potential.

Direction and Screenplay: Ambitious but Flawed

Kookie Gulati, known for The Big Bull, brings a bold vision to Dhokha: Round D Corner. His decision to set much of the film in a single location amplifies the sense of entrapment, drawing parallels to thrillers like Phone Booth or Panic Room. Gulati’s direction is confident in its pacing, particularly in the first half, where the narrative builds suspense through tight editing and strategic reveals.

However, the screenplay falters in the second half, as the introduction of multiple twists sometimes feels forced. While the film aims to keep viewers guessing, some plot developments border on implausible, undermining the story’s credibility. Additionally, the dialogue, while functional, lacks the sharpness needed to elevate the film beyond genre conventions. Gulati’s attempt to juggle psychological drama, thriller elements, and social commentary results in a narrative that feels overstuffed at times.

Cinematography and Visual Style: Claustrophobic Brilliance

The cinematography by Amit Roy is a highlight, effectively using the confined setting to heighten tension. The camera work emphasizes the apartment’s tight spaces, with close-ups and dynamic angles that mirror the characters’ psychological states. The use of muted color palettes and stark lighting creates a moody atmosphere, reinforcing the film’s themes of distrust and isolation.

One notable sequence involves a cat-and-mouse game within the apartment, where the camera follows the characters’ movements with precision, creating a palpable sense of dread. However, some exterior shots feel jarring in contrast to the tightly controlled indoor scenes, disrupting the film’s visual cohesion.

Music and Sound Design: Setting the Mood

The film’s background score, composed by Gourov Dasgupta, is effective in building suspense, with pulsating rhythms and eerie undertones that complement the narrative’s intensity. The use of silence in key moments is particularly impactful, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the characters’ decisions.

The soundtrack includes a few original songs, such as “Mahi Mera Dil,” which, while melodious, feels somewhat out of place in the film’s high-stakes context. The songs, performed by Arijit Singh and Tulsi Kumar, are well-executed but do little to advance the narrative, occasionally breaking the film’s momentum.

Themes and Symbolism: Deception and Desks

At its core, Dhokha: Round D Corner explores themes of deception, trust, and the fragility of relationships. The film delves into the idea that truth is subjective, with each character’s perspective revealing a different facet of reality. The title itself, with “Round D Corner” suggesting unexpected twists, serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of human motives.

The apartment setting symbolizes the characters’ entrapment, both physically and emotionally. Objects within the space, such as a broken mirror or a locked door, serve as subtle metaphors for fractured relationships and hidden truths. However, the film’s attempt to weave in broader social commentary—such as references to terrorism and societal prejudice—feels underdeveloped, diluting its thematic impact.

Strengths: What Works Well

1. Strong Performances: R. Madhavan and Aparshakti Khurana deliver captivating performances that keep the audience invested.
2. Tense Atmosphere: The confined setting and tight cinematography create a claustrophobic, suspenseful experience.
3. Twist-Driven Narrative: The film’s multiple twists, while not always seamless, succeed in keeping viewers engaged.

Weaknesses: Where It Falls Short

1. Overambitious Plot: The screenplay’s attempt to juggle multiple twists and themes results in a convoluted narrative.
2. Uneven Character Development: While some characters are richly drawn, others feel underdeveloped, limiting emotional resonance.
3. Pacing Issues: The second half drags at times, with some twists feeling forced or unnecessary.

Audience Reception and Cultural Context

Since its release, Dhokha: Round D Corner has garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics. On platforms like X, viewers have praised the film’s suspenseful moments and Madhavan’s performance but criticized its uneven pacing and convoluted climax. The film’s attempt to blend domestic drama with thriller elements has drawn comparisons to earlier Bollywood films like Apartment (2010) and Raat Akeli Hai (2020), though it lacks the polished execution of those titles.

In the context of Indian cinema, Dhokha taps into the growing popularity of psychological thrillers, a genre that has gained traction with films like Andhadhun (2018) and Badla (2019). However, its reliance on familiar tropes—such as the unreliable narrator and the twist-heavy climax—makes it feel less innovative than its contemporaries.

Comparisons to Other Thrillers

Dhokha: Round D Corner shares DNA with Hollywood thrillers like Gone Girl (2014), which also explores deception within a marriage, and The Invitation (2015), which uses a confined setting to build tension. However, unlike these films, Dhokha struggles to maintain narrative coherence, with some twists feeling more like plot devices than organic developments.

Within Bollywood, the film aligns more closely with Drishyam (2015), another thriller that hinges on deception and family dynamics. While Drishyam excels in its emotional grounding, Dhokha prioritizes shock value, which sometimes comes at the expense of character depth.

Final Verdict: A Thrilling but Flawed Ride

Dhokha: Round D Corner is a bold attempt to deliver a twist-laden psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With strong performances from R. Madhavan and Aparshakti Khurana, coupled with effective cinematography and a tense atmosphere, the film succeeds in creating moments of genuine suspense. However, its overambitious screenplay, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped themes prevent it from reaching the heights of its genre predecessors.

For fans of psychological thrillers, Dhokha offers enough intrigue to warrant a watch, particularly for those who enjoy unraveling complex narratives. However, those seeking emotional depth or narrative cohesion may find it lacking. The film is best enjoyed as a popcorn thriller, where its twists and turns provide fleeting excitement, even if they don’t always hold up under scrutiny.

Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommendation: Watch it for the performances and suspense, but temper expectations for a fully satisfying resolution.