In a cinematic landscape craving fresh narratives, Dhoom Dhaam emerges as a bold experiment blending romance, comedy, and crime. Starring Yami Gautam and Pratik Gandhi, this film attempts to flip traditional Bollywood tropes while delivering a fast-paced, if uneven, cinematic ride. Let’s unpack the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of this ambitious project.
The Premise: A Match Made in Deception
At its core, Dhoom Dhaam revolves around an arranged marriage steeped in lies. Koel Chaddha (Yami Gautam) is introduced as the quintessential “ideal bahu” (daughter-in-law)—docile, curfew-abiding, and academically accomplished. On the flip side, Veer Poddar (Pratik Gandhi) is marketed as a fearless, street-smart hero who “beats up goons on sight.” Both families, desperate to fulfill their checkboxes, orchestrate a hasty union.
But here’s the twist: Neither character is what they seem. Koel is a foul-mouthed rebel who sneaks out post-curfew, while Veer is a bundle of phobias hiding behind a faux-macho facade. Their wedding night takes a wild turn when mysterious thugs knock on their door, demanding the whereabouts of a man named “Charlie.” What follows is a chaotic chase where the newlyweds must rely on each other’s hidden skills to survive.
Genre Whiplash: Rom-Com Meets Crime Thriller
Dhoom Dhaam struggles to balance its dual identities. The first half leans heavily into screwball comedy, mining laughs from the couple’s clashing personalities. Yami Gautam shines as Koel, delivering punchlines with razor-sharp timing, while Pratik Gandhi’s Veer oscillates between endearing awkwardness and slapstick panic.
However, the film abruptly shifts gears into a crime caper, complete with high-stakes chases and shady antagonists. While individually entertaining, these genres clash tonally. Scenes oscillate between Koel’s feminist monologues about societal expectations and Veer’s slapstick attempts to fix a broken train window mid-escape. The result? A narrative that feels disjointed, as if two different scripts were stitched together.
Yami Gautam: Breaking the “Ideal Bahu” Stereotype
Yami Gautam’s Koel is the film’s beating heart. Fresh off her stellar performance in Article 370, Gautam leans into her character’s contradictions—portraying a woman who weaponizes both her intellect and expletives. Her standout moment comes during a fiery monologue where she dismantles the pressure on women to “lie to their families to be accepted.”
Yet, the film undermines its own messaging. While Koel critiques hyper-masculinity, Veer’s “transformation” into a karate-chopping hero feels regressive. Gautam’s comedic chops elevate the role, but the writing occasionally reduces her to a plot device rather than a fully realized character.
Pratik Gandhi: From Scamster to Scaredy-Cat
Pratik Gandhi, known for his nuanced roles in Scam 1992 and Madgaon Express, embraces Veer’s absurdity. His portrayal of a man terrified of everything—from crowded trains to his own shadow—is both hilarious and relatable. A scene where he nervously fixes a train window while goons chase them is pure comedic gold.
However, the script lets him down. Veer’s “cathartic” shift toward courage is rushed, leaving his arc feeling incomplete. The film teases a deeper exploration of male vulnerability but retreats to familiar tropes, wasting Gandhi’s potential.
Feminist Themes: Bold Ideas, Uneven Execution
Dhoom Dhaam deserves credit for tackling gender norms. Koel’s frustration with performative femininity resonates, echoing America Ferrera’s Barbie monologue. However, these moments often grind the plot to a halt. Imagine pausing a life-threatening chase to deliver a speech—it’s powerful but tonally jarring.
The film’s hypocrisy also stands out. While critiquing toxic masculinity, it glorifies Veer’s sudden “heroic” violence. The message feels muddled, as if the writers couldn’t decide between subverting stereotypes or appeasing mainstream expectations.
Pacing Issues: A Rollercoaster With Broken Tracks
Director Kozyad Ali’s vision is ambitious but inconsistent. The first act’s rapid-fire humor (think Dhamaal meets Bunty Aur Babli) gives way to a sluggish second half bogged down by repetitive chases and underdeveloped villains. The “Charlie” subplot, meant to add suspense, fizzles into predictability.
The tonal whiplash is exacerbated by uneven pacing. Just as the crime thriller gains momentum, the film cuts back to forced romantic beats. By the finale, the narrative feels exhausted, relying on convenience rather than clever writing to tie loose ends.
Visuals & Music: Style Over Substance
Cinematographer Rahul Jadhav infuses the film with vibrant colors and dynamic chase sequences, particularly in Mumbai’s chaotic streets. However, the visuals prioritize style over coherence—glossy slow-motion shots clash with the gritty tone the story occasionally aims for.
The soundtrack, while catchy, feels intrusive. A romantic ballad during a rooftop chase undermines the tension, highlighting the film’s identity crisis.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity With Moments of Brilliance
Dhoom Dhaam is a film at war with itself. Yami Gautam and Pratik Gandhi share crackling chemistry, and their comedic timing salvages many scenes. However, the disjointed script and tonal inconsistency prevent it from soaring.
Rating: 3/5
For fans of genre mashups, Dhoom Dhaam offers enough laughs and thrills to justify a watch. But don’t expect the depth or coherence of genre pioneers like Andhadhun or Badlapur.
Final Takeaway:
Dhoom Dhaam is a classic case of “almost there.” It’s a film you’ll root for—thanks to its stellar cast and bold ideas—but ultimately mourn for what it could’ve been. Stream it for Yami and Pratik’s performances, but keep expectations in check.