20 Years of Dhoom: A Milestone in Action Cinema
Remember the thrilling bike chases, heart-pounding action, and the iconic tune “Dhoom Machale”? It’s been 20 years since Yash Raj Films released its sensational action thriller, ‘Dhoom’, which took cinema by storm. Released in 2004, this film not only defined a new era in Indian action movies but also made a lasting impression on the audiences.
John Abraham’s Breakthrough Role
In ‘Dhoom’, John Abraham played the role of Kabir, a cunning thief who stole the show with his sleek moves and killer style. Known for his passion for motorcycles, John’s authenticity while performing bike stunts resonated well with the audience. His long locks and charismatic persona quickly made him a fan favorite, catapulting him to overnight stardom. However, it may surprise you to learn that John was not the filmmaker’s first choice for this pivotal role.
Sanjay Dutt: The Initial Choice for Kabir
As per IMDB trivia, Sanjay Dutt was initially signed to play Kabir. However, he had to step down due to scheduling conflicts that have never been elaborated upon. Reports suggest that prior to Sanjay, the film’s offer had reached none other than Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who also declined the role. His refusal due to personal reasons opened the door for John to step in and make the character his own.
The Impact of ‘Dhoom’ on John Abraham’s Career
After failing to shine with several films post his debut in ‘Jism’ (2003), which was a moderate success, John faced a series of flops with films like ‘Saaya’, ‘Aetbaar’, ‘Paap’, and ‘Luck’. The release of ‘Dhoom’ was nothing short of a game-changer for him, transforming his career trajectory and proving to be his first superhit. The film’s massive success gathered a gross collection of ₹50 crores against a budget of ₹11 crores, leading to the establishment of a blockbuster franchise.
Franchise Growth and Future Prospects
Following the overwhelming success of ‘Dhoom’, the filmmakers decided to expand it into a franchise. ‘Dhoom 2’ was released in 2006, although John was replaced by Hrithik Roshan. The franchise continued with a third installment, featuring Aamir Khan as the antagonist in 2013. Throughout all three films, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra remained consistent as the police officers on a mission to capture the villains. As anticipation grows for ‘Dhoom 4’, there are talks of Yash Raj Films possibly casting Shah Rukh Khan or Ranbir Kapoor in a villainous role, though no official information is available yet.
Table: Key Highlights of Dhoom Franchise
| Movie Title | Release Year | Lead Antagonist | Box Office Gross (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhoom | 2004 | John Abraham | ₹50 Crores |
| Dhoom 2 | 2006 | Hrithik Roshan | ₹150 Crores |
| Dhoom 3 | 2013 | Aamir Khan | ₹600 Crores |
Conclusion
‘Dhoom’ remains a landmark film in Indian cinema, especially for action genre enthusiasts. With its unique blend of captivating plots, high-octane action, and unforgettable music, it opened doors to a franchise that continues to evolve. As we look forward to the future installments, one can’t help but recall the original that started it all and the impact it had on its stars and the industry.
