Dhoom

''Dhoom'' (transl. ''Blast'') is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language moto action film directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The story was written by Chopra with a screenplay by Vijay Krishna Acharya. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Uday Chopra, Esha and Rimi Sen. Set in contemporary Mumbai, the narrative follows a gang of motorbike-riding robbers led by Kabir, and the efforts of police officer Jai Dixit and motorcycle dealer Ali Akbar Fateh Khan to capture them.

The film marked Yash Raj Films' first foray into the action genre since '' Vijay'' (1988). Principal photography was handled by Nirav Shah, with editing by Rameshwar S. Bhagat. The soundtrack was composed by Pritam, while Salim–Sulaiman provided the background score. Action sequences featured prominently, with a focus on motorcycle stunts, which became a hallmark of the film and its successors.

Released theatrically on 27 August 2004, ''Dhoom'' received mixed reviews from critics. While its performances, action choreography, and music were praised, its storyline drew criticism and was unfavorably compared to Hollywood action franchises such as '' The Fast and the Furious'', ''Ocean's'', and '' Death Race''. Despite this, the film emerged as a commercial success, grossing over ₹290 million (US$3.4 million) in India, making it the third highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Over time, it gained cult status and is credited with reviving the action genre in mainstream Hindi cinema.

At the 50th Filmfare Awards, ''Dhoom'' received six nominations, including Best Film, Best Performance in a Negative Role (Abraham) and Best Music Director (Pritam), and won two awards: Best Editing and Best Sound Design.

The success of ''Dhoom'' launched a film franchise, with sequels '' Dhoom 2'' (2006) and '' Dhoom 3'' (2013), both of which featured Bachchan and Chopra reprising their roles and expanded the series into one of Bollywood’s most successful action trilogies.

Plot

In Mumbai, a string of bold robberies is executed by a gang of motorcyclists who target banks and armored vehicles, making quick getaways via the Western Express Highway. The case is initially assigned to Inspector Shekhar Sharma but, due to lack of progress, it is soon handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police Jai Dixit, a determined and methodical officer.

To advance the investigation, Jai recruits Ali Akbar Fateh Khan, a garage owner and skilled street racer, after witnessing his driving skills during a scuffle in a grey market area. Although initially suspected of having been involved, Ali is cleared when a robbery occurs while he is in custody. Noting that the gang consistently uses the highway for their escapes, Jai begins to predict their next move.

The gang is led by the calm and calculating Kabir, whose accomplices—Rahul, Rohit, Tony, and Sheena—operate under the guise of pizza delivery workers. During a heist at the Bandra Kurla Complex, the gang evades capture, though one member is injured and their stolen goods are recovered by Jai. After a direct confrontation, Kabir challenges Jai to stop them at their next operation. Despite Jai's careful planning, the gang escapes once again, although Rohit is killed in the process.

Following a failed attempt to intercept the gang during a concert robbery, Jai suspects Ali of betrayal and ends their alliance, resigning from the force. Kabir approaches Ali to fill Rohit's place in the gang, unaware that Ali remains loyal to Jai and has gone undercover.

The gang travels to Goa to carry out one final heist at a casino on New Year's Eve. The operation succeeds, but they soon discover it was a trap orchestrated by Jai. Kabir escapes with the remaining members and Sheena, who is later revealed to be held hostage by Ali. In a confrontation, Kabir attacks Ali, but Jai intervenes. During the ensuing chase, the gang is eliminated one by one. Cornered at a cliffside with no escape, Kabir chooses to end his life by riding off into the sea.

The film ends with Jai and Ali resuming their banter, signaling the friendship forged during the investigation.

Cast

* Abhishek Bachchan as A.C.P Jai Dixit
* Uday Chopra as Sub Inspector Ali Akbar Fateh Khan
* John Abraham as Kabir Sharma
* Esha as Sheena Rai, only female member in Kabir's gang
* Rimii as Sweety Dixit, Jai's wife
* Manoj Joshi as Shekhar Sharma
* Aarav Chowdhary as Rahul, Kabir's second-in-command
* Farid Amiri as Tony
* Mehul Bhojak as Manu
* Rohit Chopra as Rohit
* Palash Dutta as Chottu
* Sanjay Keni as Munna
* Ajay Pande as Vinod
* Ayesha Raza as Sunaina
* Yusuf Hussain as Commissioner of Police
* Tata Young as herself in the song "Dhoom Dhoom" (cameo appearance)

Production

Development

''Dhoom'' was conceived as an action-oriented thriller aimed at modernizing the genre for Indian audiences. Initially, producer Aditya Chopra envisioned the film with car chases, but director Sanjay Gadhvi proposed the use of motorcycles instead. Gadhvi argued that bikes would allow better visibility of the actors' faces during stunts and cited his personal enthusiasm for motorcycles as a major influence.

According to Gadhvi, the film’s narrative was designed with an event every six minutes—such as an action sequence, chase, or song—drawing inspiration from Manmohan Desai’s storytelling rhythm to maintain audience engagement. Chopra allocated a significant portion of the film's budget to acquiring high-end motorcycles, even exceeding the combined remuneration of the lead actors. In ''The Romantics'' (2023), he remarked, “I spent more money on bikes in ''Dhoom'' than on Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Uday Chopra.”

Casting

Abhishek Bachchan was cast as ACP Jai Dixit, a stern and pragmatic police officer, while John Abraham took on the role of Kabir, the antagonist and leader of the biker gang. Uday Chopra was cast as Ali Akbar Fateh Khan, a street-smart mechanic and racer who adds comic relief. Esha Deol and Rimi Sen were cast in supporting roles. The film was designed to appeal to a younger audience through its casting, styling, and music.

Filming

Principal photography took place across various urban locations in Mumbai and Goa. The film's action sequences were choreographed by Allan Amin, who worked closely with Gadhvi to deliver high-impact stunts involving high-speed bike chases and precision driving.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of ''Dhoom'' was composed by Pritam, with the background score provided by Salim–Sulaiman. The lyrics were written by Sameer. The album featured a mix of high-energy tracks and romantic numbers, performed by vocalists including KK, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala, and Sunidhi Chauhan.

The title track, " Dhoom Dhoom," was released in multiple versions. The original was sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, while a remixed version performed by Thai-American pop singer Tata Young was released separately and accompanied by a music video. The Tata Young version became a major hit across India during 2004 and 2005, significantly contributing to the film’s youth appeal and promotional success.

Other notable tracks on the album include "Dilbara," "Dilbar Shikdum," and "Salaame Salaame." According to ''Box Office India'', with approximately 2.2 million units sold, ''Dhoom''’s soundtrack was the third highest-selling Bollywood album of 2004.

Reception

Box office

''Dhoom'' emerged as a commercial success at the box office, becoming the third highest-grossing Indian film of the year. The film netted approximately ₹45 million in the Mumbai circuit alone. Its total net collection in India was around ₹290 million (US$3.4 million), with an estimated lifetime worldwide adjusted gross of ₹725 million (US$8.6 million). The film also performed well in overseas markets, grossing approximately US$2 million, including US$330,400 from the United States.

Critical response

''Dhoom'' received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who praised its style, action sequences, and performances, while criticizing its derivative storyline and lack of narrative depth.

Rajesh Karkera of ''Rediff.com'' noted that while the film had "a few loopholes," its "fast-paced energy is more than enough to ensure your eyes don't stir from the screen for two-and-a-half hours." He singled out Uday Chopra as the scene-stealer, and praised Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham for their respective performances. Esha Deol and Rimi Sen, he noted, had limited but visually appealing roles.

Chitra Mahesh of ''The Hindu'' observed that the film took cues from Hollywood franchises such as '' The Fast and the Furious'' and ''Ocean's'', and complimented the "well-done" action scenes and "pacy editing." She wrote that "Chopra is delightful," Bachchan brings "style and grit," and Abraham is convincing as "the mean-but-savvy thief."

'' Time Out'' criticized the film for borrowing from '' Tango & Cash'' (1989), ''Lethal Weapon'' (1987), '' The Fast and the Furious'' (2001), and ''Thelma & Louise'' (1991), but acknowledged that it was “surprisingly enjoyable nonsense” that moved at “full-throttle.”

David Parkinson of ''Radio Times'' rated the film 3 out of 5, describing it as a "slick and stylish Indian drama" where "style unashamedly triumphs over substance," but praised the "slickly staged" set pieces.

Omar Ahmed of ''Empire'' rated it 2 out of 5, remarking that the film seemed like an "anxious attempt to blind its audience with style" rather than focusing on Yash Raj Films' "cultural uniqueness." However, he credited the actors for delivering strong performances.

In contrast, Taran Adarsh of ''IndiaFM'' gave the film 1.5 out of 5, criticizing its lack of a strong script and calling it "one of YRF's weakest films." He stated that while the action and chase sequences stood out, the film relied "too heavily on thrills" and lacked compelling drama.

Anupama Chopra of ''India Today'' called ''Dhoom'' a “testosterone overdose,” describing it as “adolescent heaven” filled with fast bikes, stylish action, and "sexy songs with water hoses." She emphasized that "acting isn't the point here," and described the performances as "pure posture."

Accolades

Real-life influence

Several bank robberies happened shortly after the film released in the similar style as shown in the film.

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Dhoom
Dhoom (franchise)
2004 films
2004 action thriller films
Indian action thriller films
2000s Hindi-language films
Films directed by Sanjay Gadhvi
Films set in Mumbai
Films shot in Mumbai
Indian heist films
Yash Raj Films films
Films featuring songs by Pritam
Fictional portrayals of the Maharashtra Police
2000s heist films
Outlaw biker films