Karthik (Chetan Maddineni) shares a deep bond with his father Ram (Sai Kumar), who dreams of seeing his son achieve greatness and always stay ahead. Their close relationship, however, begins to shift when Suhana (Hebah Patel) enters Karthik's life. A series of misunderstandings create tension initially between Karthik and Suhana, but soon they fall in love, and their families warmly agree to their marriage. But a shadow from the past then surfaces, leaving Karthik and his father unable to face Suhana's family. Driven by their love for each other, the father-son duo then need to make choices that bring about unforeseen consequences.
From the get-go, Dhoom Dhaam aims to be a wholesome family entertainer, featuring comedy, romance, wedding sequences, exotic locations and lively song-and-dance numbers. The film's entertainment and emotional elements are engaging, and it includes every tried-and-tested ingredient of its genre. The producer of the movie, Ramkumar Maddineni, is a wealthy man from Visakhapatnam who has no history in filmmaking, and made this movie just to launch his son Chetan in the movies - and it is a surprisingly good effort. Only, unfortunately, Chetan can't act.
Indeed, despite excellent production values, a strong ensemble cast and a decent storyline in the film, Chetan becomes its Achilles' heel. His dance moves and expressions remind you of the legendary
Sam Anderson of Yaaruku Yaaro. As we said, he simply cannot emote. Replace Chetan in the movie with any half-talented young actor, and you'll have a decent family entertainer worthy of a Diwali release.
Though rich with potential, Dhoom Dhaam stumbles through its early moments, as Gopi Mohan's screenplay loses momentum in crucial sequences of the first half. The second half, however, redeems the movie, with lively comic sequences and an engaging atmosphere. A more consistent blend of fun and energy throughout could have turned this into a standout entertainer. Yet, the film maintains a refreshing purity, steering clear of cheap laughs and vulgarity for an earnest, family-friendly experience.
Vennela Kishore, as expected, shines as a comedic force. His witty charm electrifies the screen, particularly in the second half, where he effortlessly draws laughter and keeps the audience invested without a dull moment, so much so that it becomes a Vennela Kishore movie.
Hebah Patel adds a radiant appeal, her carefree character bubbling with innocence and charm, while Goparaju Ramana, portraying her grandfather, delivers a memorable performance with endearing mannerisms. Praveen and Naveen round out the comic ensemble, creating a vibrant trio with Kishore that lifts the humour and spirit of the movie.
On the technical side, too, the film has its strengths. Gopi Sundar's music stands out, adding a compelling layer to the narrative. Siddharth Ramaswamy's cinematography is another highlight - his lens captures Poland's scenic landscapes beautifully, turning each frame into a visual treat, almost as if he handpicked the country's finest views for the film.
Ultimately, Dhoom Dhaam entertains, particularly in its second half, through wedding sequences and well-timed humour. Chetan's lead performance becomes a stumbling block, with his limitations often pulling the film down, but if you can look past that, this is an enjoyable one-time watch that keeps things light and engaging.