Dil Dhadakne Do Scene Analysis - The Advantageous Use of Context

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Film - Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

Director - Zoya Akhtar

Scene - The Butter Knife Scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0rsRJXftPk)

Spoiler Alert!

A Dil Dhadakne Do scene analysis? Well, that brings to mind numerous scenes that have made us laugh, cry and ponder. However, there's one particular scene that stands out from the rest. For those of you that haven't watched the film yet, please do. Until then, this short description should work.

Dil Dhadakne Do is a film about a wealthy, dysfunctional family that is forced to face their relationships with each, other thanks to a shipboard holiday.

Why a ship? As mentioned by Zoya in an interview, the ship sets the tone for the entire film as it brings about the feeling of being trapped. The Mehras have nowhere to go now, the flawless facade won't serve as an escape for long. 

The 'butter knife' scene barely lasts for three minutes, still managing to take you on an emotional rollercoaster. However, the scene wouldn't have been as impactful if not for the previous meeting between the two families.

In this Dil Dhadakne Do scene analysis, I'll be covering how Zoya Akhtar plays with visuals and familiarity.

Let's talk about the context we are provided with and its implications on the 'butter knife' scene.  

The above snapshot is from the initial meeting between the two families. This is when Ayesha first brings up a divorce with Manav. It is important to note two things here. 
1. The nature of conversation. Manav's mother, Smita, speaks to Ayesha in a concerned, respectful way, trying to understand why their relationship has deteriorated. Mindful that she is confronting Ayesha in front of her entire family on a cruise trip sponsored by her own parents, she puts Ayesha's interests before her own son's. However, Ayesha's own family humiliates her and warns her that they won't let a divorce taint their reputation. 
2. The character blocking. Blocking is the positioning and movements of characters, used to tell the story in visual terms. The placement of characters in this scene is crucial. Ayesha sits alone, facing every other member in the room. The other members, facing her, almost seem like they are attacking her. It's clear that Ayesha has no support in this scene. 

Cut to the butter knife scene, where we can already notice major differences in the same room that the previous scene was shot in. It is important to note that this setting is used only twice in the entire film, both to discuss Ayesha's marriage. Zoya, thus, establishes this as the confrontation room. In comparison to the previous scene, we notice the following:

1. The nature of conversation. By now, Smita has realised that Ayesha has no support from her family regarding the divorce. Owing to this, she takes the liberty of raising her voice and openly disrespecting Ayesha's decision. If it weren't for the events that preceded this scene, Smita's aggressive tone would seem overly dramatic and confuse the audience. 
2. The character blocking. Ayesha now sits with her family, but is still at a distance from her mother. Kabir is now a more active part of the conversation.

Most importantly, Manav exchanges seats with Kamal from the previous scene, while Kamal does so with Ayesha.

As the scene progresses, we see that this shift in seating has managed to shift the way we perceive these characters. We begin the scene with the perception that Manav has more control now, while Kamal is simply helpless. 

Quite literally, Kamal is in Ayesha's place this time.

 

Although the scene begins with a furious Smita rebuking Ayesha, we manage to find refuge in two defining moves made by the filmmaker. The first is a short exchange of glances between Kamal and Neelam, indicating that they've understood the mess Ayesha is stuck in.

Zoya doesn't waste time converting this realisation into action, and the audience is left feeling empowered once again when Neelam holds her daughter's hand. These shots are defining moments as we can finally identify with Kamal and Neelam. The Mehras are now seeing what we have been seeing throughout the film. This time, we're on the same team.
Once more, context plays a key role. The only real relationships we have seen these characters share are that of Ayesha and Kabir, Kamal and his brother, and debatably, Neelam and Kabir. For the first time in the entire film, we see all four of these characters express heartfelt affection towards each other. Zoya finally gives us what we've been longing for.   

The scene progresses with Smita threatening to cut herself, followed by Kabir slyly pointing out that she is holding a butter knife. This particular moment is an audience favourite as it boldly incorporates humour during a serious situation. 

The urge to laugh inappropriately is a common feeling, and has a reason behind it. We laugh harder when we are expected not to do so. This is because we are resistant to control and according to Psychology Today, are "evolved to pursue self-interest." Besides, laughter is a coping mechanism for most people during a socially tense moment. Through laughter, they are able to regain a sense of control over these situations. However in the scene, Zoya uses comedy to build up the intensity, and while the audience is left with a split second of relief, we know that this has only triggered something worse. 

Manav now begins to exert power. Interestingly, he does so only when his mother is ridiculed. This simply serves as a reminder of Ayesha's dying marriage. The display, however, acts as a breaking point for Kamal. This segment displays immediate cuts from Manav's harsh behaviour to Kamal's regretful expressions. We are now provided with glimpses of Kamal's strong character breaking, reminding us that deep down, he is still a father. 

The scene concludes with Kamal pinning Manav to the wall, threatening him not to cross his limits. This is a cathartic moment, as we finally watch the entire family's relationships take a joint step towards resolution. Zoya Akhtar beautifully builds this up, pushing not only Kamal but also the audience to their limit through Manav's use of physical force on Ayesha

Delightfully portrayed, we finally get the answer to our Why. From the start, we are left rooting for the family to drop the facade and connect with each other on a deeper level. This moment justifies our need, as we see how strong the family can be once they join forces. . 

The scene would not have succeeded if not for the correct use of context and the gradual buildup. Arguably the best scene in the film, it steadily resolves most of the conflict we are faced with since we met the Mehras. In addition to Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's masterful writing, the deep visuals and impeccable acting is what makes this scene successful. The clever use of multiple OTS shots (Over the shoulder shots - used to show character's perspective and emotional connect) leads to an active involvement in the flow of the scene. 

With an array of emotions, the butter knife scene truly delivers to the expectations of an audience that loves drama with a touch of realism. 

P.S. Honestly, one isn't enough for a Dil Dhadakne Do scene analysis. Filled with wholesome scenes about life and love, this movie always manages to bring a smile to my face. Hopefully, we'll have another Dil Dhadakne Do scene analysis soon.