'Dhoom Dhaam' review: Yami-Pratik struggle to save unfunny film
What's the story
Yami Gautam Dhar-Pratik Gandhi's Dhoom Dhaam follows the same, exhausting formula several other Netflix films do.
A dash of crime, "eccentric" characters, a "quirky" premise, a lot of abusive words, and an Indian Netflix film is (usually) ready!
Dhoom Dhaam is content with (what it considers) an intriguing premise and pays no attention to any other aspect, ultimately becoming a laborious watch.
Story
A newly married couple and their run-in with dangerous men
Directed by Rishab Seth, the film follows Veer (Gandhi) and Koyal (Gautam Dhar).
They don't know each other too well, but as is the case in arranged marriage scenarios, tie the knot two weeks after their first meeting.
However, chaos ensues when, on their wedding night, several dangerous men chase them, asking for a mysterious pen drive, and upending their lives completely.
#1
Takes the tried-and-tested route
Dhoom Dhaam's biggest "surprise" is that Koyal pretends to be a "sanskaari" girl, but actually loves to drink, party, and abuse profusely.
Since this was already revealed in the trailer, it amounts to nothing when finally revealed in the film.
Anyway, showing women hurling abuses is so passé, and no longer something that can be viewed as groundbreaking on OTT.
#2
We are hardly ever connected to the lead characters
Even after the first 40 minutes, I was neither drawn into Koyal and Veer's world nor worried for them, and the entire story is so enervating that it would have worked better as a subplot.
It starts as a wannabe funny film and stays that way throughout, developing no supporting character and staying in a tiring, exhausting, insipid rut.
#3
Scores low on laughs and novelty
The film plays Veer's claustrophobia and acrophobia for laughs, and if the intention is to actually critique society and spread awareness, it fails.
For a film marketed as a comedy, this is a deeply unfunny movie, and I likely laughed twice throughout the runtime.
To its credit, though, the movie is quite fast-paced, doesn't have many needless scenes, and is shot beautifully.
#4
Gautam Dhar and Gandhi keep you watching
Dhoom Dhaam is bearable because of the leads' acting prowess, and the film could not have asked for a better cast.
Both Gautam Dhar and Gandhi are deeply committed to their roles, and the film is smart enough to give them many genuine moments of affection and warmth.
They're instantly believable as a couple that get married first and fall for each other later.
#5
More on the two lead actors
Gandhi has been trapped in mediocre films recently (Madgaon Express and Agni), but his performance hasn't faltered in any project.
As for Gautam Dhar, her role reminded me of her (much better) Netflix movie Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga.
She and Gandhi do their best to uplift the material, lending the film a sparkling energy.
If only the writing were as good as them, too.
Verdict
You won't miss anything if you skip this; 1.5/5 stars
The film runs out of ideas too soon and then begins moving in circles, wondering what to do with its lead characters.
For several hours in the film, Koyal and Veer are listless, searching for a direction, and the film is no different.
Eijaz Khan and Mukul Chadda have limited scope, and overall, Dhoom Dhaam is an unfunny test of your patience.
1.5/5 stars.