Dil Dhadakne Do, is a path breaking Indian Hindi-language film released in 2015. Even years after its release, it remains one of the most loved films modern Bollywood has produced. Dil Dil Dhadakne Do is directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced under Excel Entertainment by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. It is an exploration of family, love, and societal norms, all set against the backdrop of a scenic Mediterranean cruise.
The film stars an ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and Farhan Akhtar. Aamir Khan also provides a voice-over narration.
Who are the Mehras?
The story focuses on the Mehras, a wealthy but dysfunctional Delhi family. Kamal Mehra, the patriarch, is a self-made billionaire facing financial troubles with his company, AyKa. His relationship with his wife Neelam, daughter Ayesha, and son Kabir is strained. Ayesha, successful in her own right with a travel business in Mumbai, is stuck in an unhappy marriage with the controlling Manav Sangha, who, along with his mother, detests her family. Kabir, pressured into the family business, dreams of becoming a pilot instead.
To celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, Kamal and Neelam organized a cruise trip, inviting family and friends. This includes the Sood family, with whom they plan to marry their son Kabir to the Soods’ daughter Noorie as part of a business deal to save AyKa from bankruptcy. However, Kabir falls in love with Farah Ali, a British Pakistani dancer on the ship. Meanwhile, Noorie develops feelings for Rana, the son of the Soods’ business rival, the Khannas.
Ayesha, longing for freedom, contemplates divorcing Manav. The plot thickens with the entry of Sunny Gill, the son of Kamal’s manager and a childhood friend of Ayesha and Kabir. Sunny, once in love with Ayesha, was sent away to Yale University through Kamal’s arrangement, putting an end to their relationship. Now a successful journalist, Sunny’s return reignites old feelings between him and Ayesha.
Why did Kamal fall sick?
The film intricately weaves various subplots involving the Mehras and their guests. Neelam discovers Kamal’s flirtatious behavior and questions her decision to stay with him despite his infidelities. Ayesha confronts Sunny about their past, leading to a kiss that surprises them both. Farah learns of Kabir’s arranged marriage and distances herself. Kamal discovers Noorie’s relationship with Rana. Soon after that, Kamal has a medical emergency, which forces the family to sit down and talk out their issues face to face.
In a dramatic turn, Kabir declares his love for Farah and his intent to leave the family business, suggesting that Ayesha, who has a keen interest in business, take his place. He confronts his parents about their hypocrisy regarding marriage and family values, revealing the family’s awareness of Kamal’s adultery and Neelam’s silent suffering. Kamal, faced with his faults, seeks Neelam’s forgiveness.
Dil Dhadakne Do ending: Did the Mehra family rescue Kabir?
The climax unfolds dramatically. Farah is fired for her involvement with Kabir and leaves the ship. Kabir, learning of this, informs Sunny of Ayesha’s impending divorce. He then publicly rejects his arranged marriage and dives into the sea to pursue Farah, prompting his family to rescue him. A touching moment occurs when Ayesha asks Sunny to wait for her, to which he responds with a promise to stay forever.
The Mehra family united in their effort, rescuing Kabir and finding Farah, chased by the ship’s crew. In these final moments, the Mehras are shown together, happy and supportive of one another for the first time.
The film is available to stream on Netflix.
