Dhoom Dhaam review: A middling casual flick for some brain-rot fun!

Dhoom Dhaam, starring Yami Gautam and Pratik Gandhi, is a blend of bland entertainment that works best as background viewing for a mindless watch.

I understand that not every film is meant to be a profound work of art, where the real value lies in reading between the lines. But in an era where Bollywood struggles to produce brave films that speak unapologetically, stand by their convictions, and don’t bow to the whims of expectations, even the most mindless releases can feel good because even though they are disappointing, they are not that bad. At least they aren’t pretending to be more than what they are—careless rides that require little attention. Rishab Seth's Dhoom Dhaam falls into that category: a chaotic journey that neither excites nor disappoints but simply leaves you feeling indifferent.

The story follows a familiar rom-com formula, where the classic trope of opposites attracting is spiced up with a series of unexpected twists. On the wedding night of Koyal (Yami Gautam) and Veer (Pratik Gandhi), what should have been a mark of the beginning of a new chapter turns into a nightmare. They find themselves pursued by individuals masquerading as police, searching for a piece of critical evidence that reveals corruption within the force. What begins as a hostage situation escalates into a high-octane chase that unwraps itself as an investigation, uncovering hidden truths between the couple. Each situation—whether fleeing in a car, finding clues in a club, getting trapped in a construction site, at a bachelorette or being crammed in a car boot—peels back another layer of their personalities, revealing traits they had kept hidden from each other.

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What could have been an intriguing premise—where two strangers in an arranged marriage slowly discover they’ve married their worst nightmare, only to realise they’re exactly what the other has been missing—is undermined by the film’s overreach and desperate execution. For instance, a rule-abiding veterinarian who fears heights, enclosed spaces, and essentially, life itself is suddenly thrust into the absurd scenario of dancing as a male stripper at a random bachelorette party, where the women seem more starved for lust than sexually empowered. Meanwhile, the overturn of a shy and beautiful new bride into a bold young woman who drives like she’s on a racetrack, drinks to the point of collapse, and isn’t afraid to curse or fight feels like a forced projection than a natural progression where her sudden launch into a women's issues monologue when she’s called out for hiding her true nature comes across as unnecessary. The film's jarring attempt at blending humour and social commentary feels misguided, making this rom-com meets dark comedy feel more detracting! 

The film might've had the right intentions, but the execution feels off throughout. The same can be said for Yami Gautam’s performance. She tries hard to embody a fiery, cursing character, but her effort is too visible—when she swears, it feels more like an innocent child using bad language than an authentically angry woman. On the other hand, Pratik Gandhi is the effortless charmer and the film’s saving grace. His comic timing is a revelation for Bollywood, just as much as his body and unexpected dance skills are in this film. He brings his Madgaon Express charm, playing an innocent Gujju boy who only roars when absolutely necessary. However, the entire subplot involving the police and CID feels like filler to push the story forward, much like the couple’s families and friends, who are utterly forgettable. Even in a hostage situation, they’re the last ones to save or involved in unnecessary fighting situations.

Maybe it’s just me, but a woman who’s exhausted by the world’s red flags belatedly learns to appreciate the green ones she stumbles upon—or a man too afraid to live finally letting go holding someone's hands—deserves more than just one eventful night of sudden realisation. It’s 2025, and we need more than a token monologue on women’s issues or a gender-reversed trope where the woman throws punches not only to save herself but also her husband, while the husband only steps up as the macho hero when his wife is in danger, even if it is just made for entertainment! Dhoom Dhaam is simply more of the same, offering nothing fresh or even minutely exciting. 

Dhoom Dhaam is currently streaming on Netflix! 

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