‘Dishoom’ movie review: John Abraham, Varun Dhawan pack a punch

Directed by: Rohit Dhawan
Produced by: Sajid Nadiadwala, Sunil A Lulla
Cast: John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Akshaye Khanna, Jacqueline Fernandez
Duration: 2 hours 04 minute
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3/5

It has been a while since Bollywood had a buddy-cop film outside of the ‘Dhoom’ franchise, which is now almost wearing out. The best part of director Rohit Dhawan’s latest film is its casting idea – together, John Abraham and Varun Dhawan make an entertaining team. John as the bad cop, and Varun as his funny sidekick on a mission to find India’s missing superstar cricketer, Viraj Sharma (Saqib Saleem) are a delight to watch. Another great thing about ‘Dishoom’ is its runtime – the makers have kept it crisp moving from one highlight to the other. The disclaimer here is that there is no room for any logic whatsoever.

The trailer is an indicator enough as to what’s in store for you in this film, but there’s more to keep you glued to your seats in this masala entertainer. The leading men are seen in their real life personal patterns – John is not known for his effortless acting, and Varun is a motormouth who wears his heart on his sleeves. While John’s persona as Kabir Shergill is grumpy and ruthless, Varun as Junaid Ansari plays the happy-go-lucky fool who has just found his worth. There is not much one can say about this film without giving away spoilers, so here are some things that you will enjoy the most in ‘Dishoom’.

There have been many Hollywood films in this genre, and ‘Dishoom’ is no different – other than the fact that it has been made to suit the Indian sensibilities, and to pay tributes to David Dhawan’s films and pack in some jokes that only Bollywood fans will get. Throughout the film we have a caller, voiced by Satish Kaushik who has been a staple in Sr. Dhawan’s films, who insults Junaid for being ugly, and it makes you laugh. What is commendable is the fact that the maker doesn’t let this joke die a stretched death, there’s a reason it plays out, and it lends to a cliched but satisfying climax that involves a cool cameo.

The screenplay co-credited to director Rohit Dhawan and Tushar Hiranandani is taut, and there is nothing much to complain, but for the fact that there is too much taken for granted. The presence of leading lady, Jacqueline Fernandez who plays the role of Ishika-Parvati-Pakeezah-Meera – she is said to change identities according to her will, and has documents to prove so. Jacqueline is smoking hot, no doubt, but her character’s existence in ‘Dishoom’ is highly questionable. Perhaps the makers just had to have a leading lady to ease out the tough scenario, and add some eye candy to the beefcake.

To conclude, you get what has been promised – loads of action, ample skin show, patriotism, an explosion, chopper chase sequence, and two item numbers. This is one formula that usually doesn’t go wrong, and works well in ‘Dishoom’. Rohit Dhawan is carrying his father’s directorial legacy forward, and knows the right buttons to press, so as to get the laughs at the correct moments. Cinematography by Ayananka Bose is world class, and the editing credited to Nitin Rokade and Ritesh Soni will almost leave you breathless. The songs by Pritam are catchy, and kudos to Rohit for keeping just two in the film.

‘Dishoom’ is a harmless one-time weekend watch, and Varun Dhawan is an actor to watch out for, as he never gets overshadowed by John Abraham’s towering persona. He makes the film work more than anything or anyone else. The scene where he bids good bye to John will leave you moist-eyed. Watch ‘Dishoom’ for Varun, he is a class apart, and is headed for greater glory. Also, wish there was more of Akshaye Khanna.

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