Other meanings of Dhoom (film)
Film
The Dhoom series is a popular Indian Hindi-language action thriller film franchise produced by Yash Raj Films, known for its high-octane bike chases, stylish heists, and catchy music. The series began with Dhoom (2004), directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, and was followed by Dhoom 2 (2006) and Dhoom 3 (2013), with a fourth installment in development. The films center on a police officer and his ally pursuing charismatic criminals who specialize in spectacular robberies, often involving motorcycles. The franchise has become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood series, with Dhoom 3 being one of the top-grossing Indian films of all time.
The series follows the dynamic between a no-nonsense police officer, ACP Jai Dixit (played by Abhishek Bachchan), and his street-smart sidekick, Ali Akbar (played by Uday Chopra). Together they pursue master thieves who execute elaborate heists using high-performance motorcycles. Each film introduces a new antagonist: in Dhoom, it is a gang led by Kabir (John Abraham); in Dhoom 2, the international thief Mr. A (Hrithik Roshan); and in Dhoom 3, a circus performer-turned-bank robber Sahir (Aamir Khan). The films blend action, comedy, and romance, with the villains often portrayed as charismatic and skilled, adding moral ambiguity to the chase.
Produced by Yash Raj Films, the series is known for its lavish production values, exotic locations (including Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, and Chicago), and elaborate action sequences choreographed by international stunt teams. The films feature a signature blend of slow-motion bike stunts, stylish costumes, and a pulsating background score. The theme song, "Dhoom Dhoom," became a cultural phenomenon. The third installment, Dhoom 3, was directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and marked the franchise's highest budget, with extensive visual effects and a plot inspired by the 1985 film The Great Train Robbery.
The series has been a commercial powerhouse, with each installment breaking box office records. Dhoom (2004) was a sleeper hit, while Dhoom 2 (2006) became the highest-grossing Bollywood film at the time. Dhoom 3 (2013) grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide, becoming one of the top-grossing Indian films ever. Critics have praised the action and music but often criticized the thin plots and over-the-top logic. Despite mixed reviews, the franchise's popularity endures, with a dedicated fan base and frequent television airings.
Beyond the main films, the franchise includes a spin-off web series, Dhoom: The Series (2020), which was planned but later shelved. The character of Ali, played by Uday Chopra, was originally intended to be a comic relief but became a staple. The bikes used in the films are custom-built by specialists, and the series has influenced Indian pop culture, inspiring numerous parodies and references. Notably, Dhoom 3 faced controversy for its plot similarities to Now You See Me, though the filmmakers denied any direct influence. The franchise also holds the record for the most expensive Bollywood film at the time of each release.
Box office figures are approximate and based on available reports.
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