Dhoom:2

Producer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Sanjay Gadhvi

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Uday Chopra

Rating: 4/5

The precarious thing with a film that’s been built up too much is the question of whether it’ll live up to its hype. Dhoom:2 is very ‘aware’ of its scale and expectation, and is cautious not to let down.

Traditionally, sequels have been weaker than the original. But here, it’s Dhoom:2 that’s outdone its predecessor. The film is not a sequel in the strictest sense — this is a continuation of the same premise; but it’s not a literal continuation of Dhoom’s story. So this time ACP Jai Dixit (Abhishekh Bachchan) is chasing another chor, one slippery Mr A (Hrithik Roshan) who’s a disguise whiz kid and as slippery as a “geeli macchi.” Uday Chopra’s back as the goofy Ali, goofier and more adorable this time, with the best lines in the film. And yes, bikes do make an appearance, as do helicopters, speed boats, and the rest of paraphernalia.

This “kaabil aur cool chor,” is not interested in the riff raff, instead aiming for priceless coins, antiques and the like. So there he is, intellect with taste and dashing good looks. Who wants boring nerdy ACP Jai, then? The film has us rooting for Hrithik’s A, unabashedly.

Meanwhile, Jai is assisted by ACP Shonali Bose, played by Bipasha Basu, who has French manicured nails, and is silly enough to handcuff herself accidentally. Mr A, too finds a student in Sunehri (Aishwarya Rai).

That the film retains its commitment to masala, and against any sense of adherence to reality, is clear in its first sequence. Where Hrithik successfully completes a heist, and then you have break into the fabulous ‘Dhoom Again’ song. (The song is so good, you end up tapping your foot, and then you want to get up and dance.)

There’s implausibility rife. Like a scene in a bar, where the cop n robber meet, drink and dance, have profound conversations, and no arrest is made! What’s with the nonsense that he can be caught only in the act? Isn’t he wanted for previous robberies? But Dhoom:2 isn’t bothered about boring niceties like continuity (characters disappear without explanation, like the pregnant Rimii Sen and flop cop Bose) and scene justifications.

The only thing more impressive than the stunts are Hrithik’s disguises. You’ll have your jaw drop to the floor for some of them. And the prosthetic make-up is outstanding. 

Much has been said about the styling of the film. But the focus is obviously the two actresses. Abhishek has dressed better in other films, and looked better as well. Bipasha looks fab in the bikini scene, and carries it off fabulously.

And now Ash. You won’t believe it’s her. With the smoldering eyes, toned bronzed body, barely-there skirts, glossy lips and big hair, she looks doll-like delicate and molten hot at once. She relishes her role, and looks like she’s having a blast. Abhishek, on the other hand, looks bored. It’s one thing to underplay a performance to look aloof and intense, and another to go about with a single, sulky expression. 

Hrithik is the film. In a scene on top of a train, he stands there, hair blowing in the wind, looking like he could be in an ad for anything – shampoos, soaps, perfume, clothing, even, shoes! He’s looking that good, (over muscled though) and he was always a good actor. As the larger than life robber, he adds both fun and mystery to the role, with a dash of good ol’ herogiri. The chemistry between Ash and Hrithik is strange, but it works. It’s not electrifying, but has its moments.

The stunts far outdo those in Dhoom. They’ll have you gasping ‘wow’, more than once, as you keep your eyes glued to the screen; afraid you’ll miss something if you blink.

The soundtrack is a fit tribute to Dhoom and goes ‘dhoom, dhoom, dhoom again’ every once in a while. The songs (Pritam) range from fab to regular and have been insinuated unconvincingly.

The dialogues, here are functional, except Ali’s, which add to the humour. Corny at times, but innocently so, and will definitely make you smirk at least. Even the Baywatch spoof makes you chuckle at its cheekiness.

The last half lags due to stretched scenes. A good half hour was unnecessary and is such a burden in a fast paced film like this. Also, the cops n robbers game gets less exciting after you’ve watched it for an hour and a half already.

Action by Allan Amin should be considered the standalone hero of the film. Whether it is Jai vrooming out of the water, against the force of gravity; fights on top of the train, helicopter and bike chases, it’s almost like watching a video game and nothing seems impossible. They’ve truly outdone themselves and have definitely pushed the bar for stunts in films. Of course, in keeping with the spirit of the film, there’s not a scratch on anyone’s face and their hair is always perfect.

The camera work (Nirav Shah, Vikas Sivaraman) is competent, capturing both intense scenes and stunts perfectly. This couldn’t have been an easy film to shoot, but one wonders how elevated the film would’ve been, if the camerawork were as daring as the stunts. Director Sanjay Gadhvi has made a film that beats Dhoom several times over. That’s a compliment for a director, who’s made both the original and the always-more-challenging sequel.

The title couldn’t be more apt. I tried to find the literal translation of the word in English, and it seems to be ‘blast’. Yup… and this film is a blast. Don’t miss it. It’s totally dhoomakedaar!