Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | May 23, 2023

13 proves to be lucky for Sonakshi Sinha

I penned an open letter to Sonakshi Sinha on January 14, 2015. It was to congratulate her on the completion of four years and 12 films in the industry. Lingaa, the south film with Rajnikanth was not included in that list. In all, she had completed 13 films!

I had ended the letter thus: “You can do it. Remember it took Mr. Amitabh Bachchan 13 flops to break through with ‘Zanjeer’. You too can break the chains of mediocrity. I saw that spark in Lootera.”

13 years since Sonakshi Sinha’s debut

It’s now almost 13 years since she made her debut with Dabaang in the year 2010. The number 13 does stand out for her. With her performance in Dahaad, Sonakshi Sinha has silenced her critics, including me.

In her first-ever web series, Sonakshi Sinha takes on a challenging role that pushes the boundaries of her abilities. Her portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary. She delves deep into the psyche of her character, bringing forth a nuanced and captivating performance. From the very first scene, it is evident that Sonakshi Sinha has fully immersed herself in the role, leaving no room for anything less than authenticity and depth.

One of the standout aspects of Sonakshi Sinha’s performance in Dahaad is her impeccable understanding of the character’s emotional journey. She flawlessly captures the complexities and intricacies of Anjali Bhatti’s (the character she portrays) inner turmoil, presenting a range of emotions with utmost sincerity. From moments of vulnerability to displays of strength, Sonakshi Sinha effortlessly navigates the emotional landscape.

Furthermore, Sonakshi Sinha’s command over Bhatti’s physicality is commendable. She brings a unique energy and presence to every scene, making her character both captivating and believable. Whether it’s the subtle shifts in body language or the powerful gestures, Sonakshi Sinha’s attention to detail enhances the overall authenticity of her performance, drawing the viewer further into the narrative.

Two scenes that stand out

Two scenes are worth mentioning here. One, where she tells off Anand’s father, who instructs her senior that she, being from a lower class, cannot enter his house. Her response is akin to Amitabh Bachachan’s iconic dialogue from Zanjeer: “Yeh police station hai, tumhara baap ka ghar nahin.” The viewer can see the arrogance of the high-caste man vanish into thin air.

In another heart-wrenching scene, she explains plainly to her mother how pressure from a parent to get a daughter married can lead to a devastating end. She shows her mother, photographs of the victims from the case she is in charge of. Each line is infused with the necessary depth and conviction. Her ability to strike the perfect balance between restraint and intensity adds layers to her character’s personality, making her every word resonate with the audience. 

Moreover, Sonakshi Sinha’s chemistry with her co-stars is palpable and enhances the storytelling. She shares remarkable on-screen dynamics, whether it’s with her fellow actors or the ensemble cast. Her ability to establish authentic connections and create meaningful relationships on screen elevates the narrative.

It is worth mentioning that Sonakshi Sinha’s portrayal in Dahaad also benefits from the meticulous craftsmanship of the series’ creators. The writing, direction, and overall production value contribute to creating a compelling narrative, providing her with a solid foundation to showcase her talent. 

Dahaad is undoubtedly her best yet. 13 has indeed proved to be lucky for her… from my perspective.

[Moody Marty: Sometimes funny, sometimes informative, always downright forthright!]

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Also Read: Open Letter to Sonakshi Sinha from 2015