A couple on the run, relentlessly pursued by unknown enemies—this is one of Bollywood’s most frequently explored tropes. To stand out, a film in this genre needs to bring something fresh to the table, be it a gripping thriller, a hilarious comedy, or an innovative mix of both. Unfortunately, Dhoom Dhaam fails to deliver on any front, resulting in a lackluster experience.
A Promising Premise That Falls Flat
Directed by Rishab Seth, Dhoom Dhaam stars Yami Gautam Dhar and Pratik Gandhi in the lead roles. The story kicks off with Koyal (Yami) and Veer (Pratik), who meet through an arranged marriage. On their wedding night, their intimate moment is interrupted by two mysterious men searching for ‘Charlie.’ Veer, a timid man burdened with multiple phobias, finds himself accused of hiding something. The mystery unfolds as the couple flees for their lives, raising questions about Charlie’s identity and Veer’s supposed involvement.
The film begins on a promising note, with Yami’s transformation from a shy bride to a fearless, foul-mouthed car racer injecting some excitement. However, this charm fades quickly. One particularly jarring moment occurs when, amidst a high-stakes chase, Koyal launches into a monologue about the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. While the message is important, its placement within the screenplay feels forced and unnatural. In such a life-threatening situation, pausing for a socio-political discourse seems absurd and disrupts the film’s pacing.
Underwhelming Character Arcs and Predictable Twists
Veer’s character, meant to provide comic relief with his irrational fears, initially succeeds but soon becomes overplayed. The repeated emphasis on his phobias drags on until the climax, at which point it loses its comedic impact.
While the film attempts to maintain intrigue through its twists and turns, it largely fails to surprise. The so-called revelations are predictable, making it easy for viewers to figure out the mystery long before the climax. The irony in the character names—Koyal (who is anything but sweet) and Veer (who is far from brave)—is acknowledged but doesn’t add much depth to their arcs.
Supporting Cast and Missed Opportunities
Eijaz Khan delivers an entertaining performance as a confused pursuer, bringing some much-needed energy to the narrative. Prateik Babbar’s cameo, however, leaves little impact, and Mukul Chadda, playing a cop, does a competent job but isn’t given much material to work with.
One of the few positives is the film’s runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes, ensuring that it doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, tighter editing and better execution of suspense elements could have significantly improved the experience. The film employs several red herrings, but none prove effective for audiences accustomed to intricate global thrillers available on OTT platforms.
Verdict: A Thriller That Lacks Thrill
Despite its potential, Dhoom Dhaam struggles to deliver an engaging or memorable experience. The film attempts to blend action, comedy, and suspense but ends up feeling disjointed. With predictable twists, underdeveloped characters, and misplaced social commentary, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. For those looking for an edge-of-the-seat thriller, it might be best to revisit the classics or explore better-crafted narratives elsewhere.
