Celebrating 21 Years of Dhoom: A Cinematic Adventure

A Thrilling Ride Through Dhoom

Dhoom machale dhoom machale dhoom… This catchy phrase resonates throughout the 2-hour and 15-minute journey filled with high-speed action, leaving viewers irresistibly hooked on Pritam’s infectious melody. The film, aptly named Dhoom, takes audiences on a whirlwind adventure, never allowing a moment to pause or reflect on the outrageous scenarios that unfold.

The soundtrack is undoubtedly one of the loudest in recent memory. With Salim-Suleiman’s energetic background score, it captures the essence of thrill-seeking fun. Add to that a few glamorous characters dressed in outfits that resemble a mix of diapers and bikinis, and you have a quintessential action film packed with gadgets and daring escapades.

This film boldly invites you to enjoy the ride. The narrative seems to challenge viewers, asking, ‘How can you resist our high-octane style of filmmaking?’

While it may not be intellectually stimulating, Dhoom successfully channels the spirit of Hollywood thrillers—speed, style, and sound—turning them into its own unique experience. The suave cop Jai, portrayed with cool confidence by Abhishek Bachchan, and the charismatic bike thief Kabir, played by John Abraham, are both stylishly crafted characters. Meanwhile, Uday Chopra’s Ali embodies a lovable rogue, reminiscent of classic Bollywood stereotypes.

Ali’s character can be traced back to Ashok Kumar in the classic film Kismet, continuing a lineage that includes Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in Amar Akbar Anthony.

While there’s no qawwali in Dhoom, Esha Deol’s performance showcases her captivating presence on stage, joined by Ali to create a vibrant spectacle.

Uday Chopra’s chemistry with Abhishek’s character’s wife, Rimii Sen, echoes the dynamics seen in Lethal Weapon, while John Abraham’s transformation from a pizza delivery guy to a bank robber cleverly subverts the superhero narrative. Unlike Superman, Abraham doesn’t wear his underwear on the outside; instead, the women flaunt their stylish outfits.

Dhoom employs the power of visuals to craft a thrilling, almost intoxicating world where morality is blurred. The cop and the criminal share a similar outlook, with the biker often reminding the cop, ‘We could’ve been friends,’ highlighting the film’s moral ambiguity.

The first half draws inspiration from Hollywood hits like Gone in 60 Seconds and The Fast & the Furious, while the climax unfolds in a casino reminiscent of Ocean’s 11.

Director Sanjay Gadhvi deserves credit for maintaining a cohesive narrative that seamlessly transitions from the classic Kismet to the modern Ocean’s 11. Despite its fast-paced, macho, and morally ambiguous nature, Dhoom remains a lighthearted and enjoyable film. The violence is often cartoonish, and the expertly choreographed stunts cleverly mask the narrative’s absurdities.

In a humorous twist, Dhoom attempts to redefine conventional filmmaking formulas. Its stylish and unpredictable storytelling keeps viewers engaged, while the focus on powerful machines and alluring visuals is balanced by the director’s skillful handling of the material.

Ultimately, the villain meets his downfall, but the plot remains intact.

Esha Deol fondly reminisces about her experience with Dhoom, stating, “What an experience that was! Dhoom continues to resonate with audiences today. The new generation connects with it, and social media buzzes with reels of Dhoom machale. It’s heartwarming to see so many enjoying my song Dilbara. My daughters love dancing to Dhoom Machale and Dilbara. I’m grateful for the love my character has received. I owe a lot to Adi Chopra and Yash Uncle for this masterpiece.

Our director, Sanjay Gadhvi, was a joy to work with. My co-stars Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra, John Abraham, and Rimi Sen were fantastic. The energy during filming was incredible! The audience's reaction to Dhoom was unmatched. Even now, many say, ‘You were my first crush.’ I’m still known as the Dhoom girl, which is so sweet. I’m thankful for all the love this film has brought me, reaching the hearts of many!”