Dhoom
2004 film by Sanjay Gadhvi
title: "Dhoom" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["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-scored-by-pritam", "fictional-portrayals-of-the-maharashtra-police", "2000s-heist-films", "outlaw-biker-films"] description: "2004 film by Sanjay Gadhvi" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhoom" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary 2004 film by Sanjay Gadhvi ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox film"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Dhoom |
| image | DhoomPoster.jpg |
| caption | Theatrical release poster |
| director | Sanjay Gadhvi |
| writer | Vijay Krishna Acharya |
| story | Aditya Chopra |
| producer | Aditya Chopra |
| starring | |
| cinematography | Nirav Shah |
| editing | Rameshwar S. Bhagat |
| music | Original Songs: |
| Pritam | |
| Background Score: | |
| Salim–Sulaiman | |
| studio | Yash Raj Films |
| distributor | Yash Raj Films |
| released | |
| runtime | 129 minutes |
| country | India |
| language | Hindi |
| budget | 110 million |
| gross | 725 million |
| :: |
| name = Dhoom | image = DhoomPoster.jpg | alt = | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Sanjay Gadhvi | writer = Vijay Krishna Acharya | story = Aditya Chopra | producer = Aditya Chopra | starring = | cinematography = Nirav Shah | editing = Rameshwar S. Bhagat | music = Original Songs: Pritam Background Score: Salim–Sulaiman | studio = Yash Raj Films | distributor = Yash Raj Films | released = | runtime = 129 minutes | country = India | language = Hindi | budget = 110 million | gross = 725 million Dhoom (transl. Blast) is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language musical buddy cop comedy action thriller 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 Deol as Sheena Rai, only female member in Kabir's gang
- Rimi Sen 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 an item number "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
Main article: Dhoom (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
::data[format=table]
| Award | Ceremony date | Category | Recipients | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Awards | 12 January 2005 | Best Comedian | Uday Chopra | ||
| Best Music Director | Pritam | ||||
| Best Background Music | Salim–Sulaiman | ||||
| Best Cinematography | Nirav Shah | ||||
| Best Editing | Rameshwar S. Bhagat | ||||
| Best Sound Design | Dwarak Warrier | ||||
| Best Action | Allan Amin | ||||
| Global Indian Film Awards | 25 January 2005 | Best Comedian | Uday Chopra | ||
| Best Music Director | Pritam | ||||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Sunidhi Chauhan (for "Dhoom Machale Dhoom") | ||||
| Best Editing | Rameshwar S. Bhagat | ||||
| Stardust Awards | 20 February 2005 | Breakthrough Performance – Female | Rimi Sen | ||
| Filmfare Awards | 26 February 2005 | Best Film | Dhoom | ||
| Best Villain | John Abraham | ||||
| Best Music Director | Pritam | ||||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Sunidhi Chauhan (for "Dhoom Machale Dhoom") | ||||
| Best Editing | Rameshwar S. Bhagat | ||||
| Best Sound Design | Dwarak Warrier | ||||
| Zee Cine Awards | 26 March 2005 | Best Villain | John Abraham | ||
| Best Comedian | Uday Chopra | ||||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Sunidhi Chauhan (for "Dhoom Machale Dhoom") | ||||
| Best Song of the Year | "Dhoom Machale Dhoom" | ||||
| Best Dialogue | Vijay Krishna Acharya | ||||
| Best Background Score | Salim–Sulaiman | ||||
| Best Costume Design | Anaita Shroff Adajania | ||||
| Best Editing | Rameshwar S. Bhagat | ||||
| Best Action | Allan Amin | ||||
| Best Special Effects | Pankaj Khandpur | ||||
| Best Sound Re-Recording | Leslie Fernandes | ||||
| Best Audiography | Dwarak Warrier | ||||
| Best Film Processing | Yash Raj Films | ||||
| Bollywood Movie Awards | 30 April 2005 | Best Comedian | Uday Chopra | ||
| Best Villain | John Abraham | ||||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Sunidhi Chauhan (for "Dhoom Machale Dhoom") | ||||
| IIFA Awards | 9–11 June 2005 | Best Film | Dhoom | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Esha Deol | ||||
| Best Villain | John Abraham | ||||
| Best Comedian | Uday Chopra | ||||
| Best Music Director | Pritam | ||||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Sunidhi Chauhan (for "Dhoom Machale Dhoom") | ||||
| Best Action | Allan Amin | ||||
| :: |
In popular culture
Several bank robberies happened shortly after the film released in the similar style as shown in the film.
References
References
- (23 August 2004). "''DHOOM'' (12A)". [[British Board of Film Classification]].
- "Dhoom 2 set to make big splash".
- "Box Office 2004". Box Office India.
- (29 August 2019). "As Dhoom Clocks 15 Years, Esha Deol Shares a Heartfelt Long Note Celebrating the Film".
- "Cinema Express – Revisiting Dhoom".
- Ashraf, Syed Firdaus. (26 August 2004). "People will love Dhoom!". [[Rediff.com]].
- (2024-08-27). "Dhoom's director cracked a 6-minute formula way before streaming era's algorithms, walked away when franchise became hit".
- (2024-05-21). "Aditya Chopra spent more money on bikes in 'Dhoom' than on Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham".
- (2024-08-25). "20 Years of Dhoom: Behind the Scenes Secrets and Stories - Jay-Ho!".
- "Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)". [[Box Office India]].
- "Top Lifetime Grossers 2000-2009 (Figures in Ind Rs)". Box Office India.
- (16 June 2023). "Dhoom Box Office Collection | India | Day Wise | Box Office – Bollywood Hungama".
- "Yash Raj Films".
- "Home".
- "Dhoom mach gaya!".
- Mahesh, Chitra. (3 September 2004). ""Dhoom"". [[The Hindu]].
- (2004). "Dhoom". [[Time Out (magazine).
- Parkinson, David. (August 2004). "Dhoom – review". [[Radio Times]].
- Ahmed, Omar. (1 January 2000). "Dhoom Review". [[Empire (magazine).
- Adarsh, Taran. (27 August 2004). "Dhoom : Movie Review".
- Chopra, Anupama. (13 September 2004). "Film review: 'Dhoom' starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Uday Chopra". [[India Today]].
- bollywoodproduct. (2022-05-10). "11th Screen Awards 2005".
- (2007-01-25). "GLOBAL INDIAN FILM AWARDS".
- (2018-06-22). "Diaspora News & Network Ltd.".
- "Filmfare Awards 2005 Winners". The Times of India.
- "Sunfeast Zee Cine Awards 2005 - 8th Zee Cine Awards & Winners".
- (2013-11-02). "Bollywood Awards {{!}} Bollywood Fashion Awards {{!}} Bollywood Music Awards".
- "Archive Details".
- (30 November 2004). "Cops apply brakes on 'Dhoom' style robbers".
::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::