Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Motorcycle stunts in action-packed Bollywood crime drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dhoom
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DHOOM, a motorcycle gang led by mastermind thief Kabir (John Abraham) has been pulling off major heists across the city. Police inspector Jai (Abhishek Bachchan) is assigned the case and teams up with Ali (Uday Chopra), a mechanic with motorbike expertise, to catch them. Will Jai succeed, or will Kabir outsmart him?
Is It Any Good?
This action crime drama became a Bollywood hit by setting new standards for motorcycle stunts and chase sequences. Directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, Dhoom is packed with catchy songs, intense action, and memorable characters. Bachchan's determined but cocky police inspector Jai and Chopra's comedic mechanic Ali remain fan favorites decades after the film's 2004 release. Where the film disappoints is in its treatment of female characters, who appear mainly as romantic interests or comic relief rather than fully developed roles. Set those shortcomings aside, however, and it's easy to see why Dhoom remains popular.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and action in Dhoom. Did you find it entertaining or over-the-top? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
How did the film depict drinking, drugs, and smoking? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter?
Discuss the portrayal of good guys versus bad guys in the film. Did you think Jai and Ali were good role models? What character strengths did they show, and what negative behaviors did they display?
Talk about the female characters in the film. What roles did they play? Did you find this problematic? How can you find positive gender representations in movies and on television?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 27, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : March 8, 2017
- Cast : Abhishek Bachchan , John Abraham , Uday Chopra
- Director : Sanjay Gadhvi
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Yash Raj Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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