Review:
Dhanam is a serious and thought-provoking film directed by veteran K. Balachander's understudy Siva. Dhanam deals with the life of a sex worker, the taboos she faces in her young life and the trials and tribulations she goes through because of her chosen profession.
Dhanam (Sangitha) is the youngest member in a family of sex workers. Young, beautiful and vivacious, Dhanam rules the tiny suburb in Hyderabad where she resides through her beauty and service. She is the dream-girl of men who queue up to be in her company. Though reluctantly involved in the hereditary occupation, Dhanam's thoughts are pure and service-oriented. She helps the poor residents in her colony with a portion of her earnings. Anybody within her close circle knows her true self, one that is beyond the facade of a sex worker and crowd-puller.
Anantharaman (Prem) a Brahmin boy, happens to witness some of Dhanam's charitable work. Moved by her selfless nature, he decides to marry her. Soon, Anantharaman approaches Dhanam and expresses his interest and his decision. Though initially surprised at his suggestion, Dhanam scrutinizes Anantharaman's stability in his decision. After gaining considerable trust in the young gentleman, Dhanam consents for the wedding. However, she puts forth a condition. She asks Anantharaman to convince his parents and only with their approval and blessings would she agree for the arrangement. But Anantharaman's conservative family does not accept their son's weird request.
Subsequently, arguments and disagreements arise in the family. At that tumultuous situation, astrologer Vedagiri (Kota Srinivasa Rao) visits Anantharaman's family. Listening to the family's predicament and examining Dhanam and Anantharaman's horoscopes, the astrologer presents a surprising finding. He assures the family that if the couple are married, Dhanam's luck is likely to bring in more wealth into the family and it would certainly raise the family's status. Excited by the prediction and the prospect of wealth, the family finally agrees for the wedding. Dhanam and Anantharaman are happily married in a grand wedding ceremony.
However, Vedagiri tries to use Dhanam's precarious position to his own advantage. He tries to lure her to bed. Not knowing a safe way to reject his advances, poor Dhanam continues to avoid him. Eventually, Dhanam becomes pregnant which kindles a lot of doubts amid Anantharaman's family members. The situation becomes serious and unable to prove her stand, Dhanam walks out of Anantharaman's life. Does she extract revenge on the family for its messy approach and mean attitude? Does she nurture the same warmth and love on her husband even after the split? Does she wish to return to him? Does the child prove her innocence? What happens to Vedagiri? Does he continue to trouble Dhanam? How does Dhanam handle him and how does she teach him a lesson? Dhanam, the tragic tale, has all the answers.
Director Siva has indeed offered us a seminal film. However, the commercial features tucked here and there along the length of the film distract it from its authentic route. Sangitha is the heart and soul of Dhanam. Through her flawless performance and body language, she leads the entire cast in the film and adds justice to her role. Prem as Dhanam's husband too has done a good job. His insecurity and dilemma should earn him considerable empathy among audiences. Kota Srinivasa Rao in his role as the plotting astrologer is perfect. The comedy sequences involving M.S. Bhaskar, Singamuthu and Chinni Jayanth are enjoyable.
Ilayaraja's music is a valuable addition to the film; it adds life to Dhanam. Hyderabad's broad streets and its dark winding lanes along with its dangerous inhabitants are brought into clear view through cinematographer Jeeva's lens.
Focussed and full of life, Dhanam certainly lives up to audiences' expectations.
