Abraham and Dhawan's bromance carries a thin, formulaic screenplay.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Critical consensus on Dishoom is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a passable, undemanding masala entertainer while stopping well short of genuine enthusiasm. The chemistry and camaraderie between John Abraham and Varun Dhawan is the most consistently cited strength, along with high-octane action sequences and slick production values. The most common criticism is a weak, formulaic, and predictable screenplay that relies heavily on familiar genre tropes with little originality or logic. A minority of critics found the film largely without merit, while the majority conceded it delivers surface-level entertainment within its limited ambitions.
10 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
You won't remember Dishoom for its plot or for its performances. It's like junk food that's meant to be savored in the moment, but cannot be counted on for nutrition. At two hours flat it's that rare masala film that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Top critic
Film review ·
The film keeps trying to concentrate on the plot, which is weak, and because the action scenes and chases are long and repetitive, merely changing backgrounds don't help things as much.
Top critic
Film review ·
John Abraham and Varun Dhawan's movie is designed like a fast-paced caper but lacks impact. It shines in bits and pieces but the rest is a stretch.
Top critic
Film review ·
The audience sits through the cacophony hoping for a genuine knockout blow to be delivered somewhere down the line. It never materialises. Dishoom doesn't land a single half-decent punch.
Film review ·
DISHOOM has a predictable storyline. However, the engaging narrative, coupled with rich visuals and high octane action work in the favour of the film. Add to this the star power of John Abraham and Varun Dhawan which will definitely attract the youth. At the box office, the film faces no competion for next two weeks and hence it will ensure good returns to the makers.
Film review ·
"Dishoom" is timepass entertainment, and, since it has little competition till Aug. 12, will do well. Varun Dhawan, of course, will pull in the audience apart from the songs.
Film review ·
As an entertainer, Dishoom delivers. If you're good with laughter, not logic, Dishoom is actually two much fun.
Film review ·
Dishoom may not be the best action spectacle Bollywood has made. However, it is still entertaining thanks to John and Varun's camaraderie, and a few funny scenes. At two hours in runtime, it can be worth your ticket.
Film review ·
This is an out and out pot boiler film which does have its moment where logic can be questioned. But as long as the film keeps you entertained, it won't hurt watching this film.
Film review ·
Despite the potholes, Dishoom is a fun for most part. Watch it for the John-Varun bromance and Akshay Kumar's outrageous cameo.
Film review ·
DISHOOM lacks imagination, it's formulaic but John and Varun make it watchable. Go for it if you love John and/or Varun or you are looking for a harmless fun.
Film review ·
'Dishoom' is a popcorn entertainer which is good time pass watch. One can enjoy it till it last. The movie could have been a huge entertainer if only there was a decent script and some logical moments attached to it.
Film review ·
...despite its decent-enough story, doesn't quite make a mark on the mind. The film is a crowd-pleaser, especially when Saare Jahan Se Achha plays in the background and you need to deal with the goosebumps.
Film review ·
If you said Hindi comedy, it meant ghastly sex comedies or completely stupid comedies which are loud and labled 'leave your brains behind'. Thankfully Dishoom is nothing like either. It's pure fun. Silly, but fun. You'll laugh at the funny lines, and you'll like where the story is going. And everyone in the cast looks like they had a great time at the movies.
Film review ·
It is a good looking, pacy movie that flaunts bling, stunts and babes. Dishoom is well made and is a hell lot of fun.
Film review ·
Though I found Dishoom to be way too formulistic to make as strong an impression as Rohit's directorial debut film Desi Boyz , there is virtue in vice. Dishoom proves it.
Film review ·
The only thing which bothers is the fact that a lot of stuff happens while you still try to figure out the scene. But maybe that's because the entire film runs on a 36-hour-long deadlock. Be ready for many highs but do not think on 'how is it possible?'. Do not forget, it's Bollywood and nothing is impossible.
Film review ·
No Disappointment, Only Entertainment In This Varun-John's Buddy Cop Film!
Film review ·
Dishoom has good production values. The helicopter chase scene is claimed to be the most expensive stunt performed by its makers. While the story is cliché, the screenplay is in focus since the high octane action sequences give it a high entertainment quotient. Masala Entertainer it is this weekend then. Go for it.
Film review ·
While the first half is engaging, the second half is ridden with cliches and corny twists. A sight for the sore eyes was the bromance. As far as buddy-cops go, they are cute together. They have an impish charm about them, but it's painfully predictable. What holds up Dishoom, filmed extensively in the UAE, are the two A's: action and Abu Dhabi.
Film review ·
The relatively short length of the movie (124 minute) helps Dishoom rise above the clichés. It's a formula potboiler that serves the purpose of entertainment if you're looking for some light moments.
Film review ·
As far as buddy cop films go, Dishoom is partly enjoyable. Varun Dhawan is entertaining and the only highlight other than the action in the film.
Film review ·
The filmmakers have splurged on the styling in 'Dishoom', but not on the storytelling. Agreed it is a leave-your-brains-at-home entertainer, but some method to the madness would have packed a punch...
Film review ·
Dishoom jabs a hole into every action thriller ever made and packs in tested tropes - like two unlikely cops paired together for a mission to save someone of national significance. Harbouring much contempt for each other initially, their misadventures ensure that much bromance brews before the director calls it a wrap. Just like every other Will Smith or Bruce Willis or Chris Tucker movie.
Film review ·
Once the flaky fizz vaporises into nonsense and noise, a sense of tedium begins to steep in. Even so, at its 124 minutes running time, Dishoom doesn't hobble for too long to hurt one's butt or brain.
Film review ·
Dishoom offers nothing that you have not seen before, yet entertains you. An ideal watch for John and Varun fans.
Film review ·
Dishoom is everything you expect a typical Bollywood masala entertainer to be. A wafer-thin plot, flashy action sequences, crowed pleasing dialogues and a bevy of beauties gyrating to some foot tapping number. But for all its silliness it is still watchable thanks to John Abraham and Varun Dhawan being easy on the eyes.
Film review ·
I wish a film that looked so good, would have felt that good as well. Despite all the swag, this is one is tepid show.
Film review ·
If you can suspend disbelief, surgically detach your brains, laugh at illogical buffoonery that rolls out in the name of humour, then my dear friend, you DON'T need to watch this film. You need help.
Film review ·
Watch Dishoom if it is a fun time you are looking for. The jokes may be a little repetitive, but you are bound to love the action sequences, and will absolutely love the Dhawan-esque flavor of Dishoom. Go book your ticket, you will NOT regret it!
Film review ·
What works for 'Dishoom' is the chemistry that Abraham and Dhawan share, despite the cheesy and humourless lines. The fact that the twosome are easy on the eye probably earns them a few more points that they may have lost with their acting prowess or lack thereof. All said and done though, 'Dishoom' may not pack a steady punch like 'Sultan' or 'Kabali', but it doesn't bore at least.
Film review ·
The basic requisite of enjoying Dishoom is to not have any heavy duty expectations. This film by director Rohit Dhawan is the same brand of easy entertainment that his dad was known for. The movie starts with a song (Toh dishoom) and it ends with a song (Jaaneman). The new age filmmaker has just added a whole lot of style to the same old substance. And as it did 20 years ago, the gimmick still works out.
Film review ·
Dishoom is a sporadically engaging, intermittently funny, yet always insubstantial film.
Film review ·
Dishoom feels like a missed opportunity. All that budget, all these resources (read: stars), and the best Dhawan (whose previous directorial credit was the insufferable Desi Boyz) could make was a mildly amusing, templatised movie that couldn't go two hours without succumbing to mediocrity? What a waste.
Film review ·
Dishoom will emerge victorious at the box-office. The entertainer will keep its producers, distributors and exhibitors happy.
Film review ·
There's far more emphasis on style than script, but Dishoom won't disappoint fans of the buff leading men.
Film review ·
The only redeeming quality of this film is Varun Dhawan and his comic timing that lightens the mood and makes some lines funnier than they would have been otherwise.
Film review ·
Dishoom's premise has promise – two mismatched police officers join hands to rescue India's cricketing jewel from a kidnapping – but Desi Boyz director Rohit Dhawan simply cannot get the film to jumpstart despite all the elements being in place.
Film review ·
Dishoom is the cinematic equivalent of masala chai; an all too familiar but giddy infusion.
From our readers
10 ratings · user score 5.4
This adventure has some good action for fans of that genre, but it seems logic wasn't invited.<br /> <br /> When a popular Indian cricketer is kidnapped by an unknown assailant, the government sends Kabir (Abraham), a no-nonsense, disobedient, and beasty special ops officer, to Abu Dhabi to salvage the situation. He teams up with Junaid (Dhawan), a fledgling cop with a comic nerve. Together, they trace the cricketer's last known whereabouts, which becomes the foundation of the story.<br /> <br /> The first ten minutes will intrigue anyone who is interested in thrillers, but Kabir's entry with the arrogant, to-the-work attitude plays with our patience. To add to the annoyance comes Junaid in his perpetually oversmart air, trying to find humor in every effing thing around him. The narrative throws in characters and special appearances like that malfunctioning automatic tennis ball thrower which does not stop at all. We have Akshay Kumar playing a homosexual man who wants to see the protagonists in their unmentionables, Jacqueline Fernandez who plays a small-time, identity-stealing thief, Rahul Dev as a left hand guy, and finally Akshaye Khanna in a role that he portrays quite smoothly. Be that as it may, the character thrower does not stop even towards the end. And over everything, everyone in Abu Dhabi seem to understand and be able to converse in Hindi.<br /> <br /> Dishoom is just another of the mindless action comedies that rely on the lead actors' muscles and lead actresses' clefts; why else would they cast Nargis Fakhri in a 20-second role? There are a couple of twists and turns towards the second half which has the ability to keep the audience partially hooked. However, at the end of the whole charade, one WILL ask if it was worth it. And the answer will most probably be on the negative.<br /> <br /> Abraham does what he does best: showcasing of his fit bod. Dhawan complements him, but in addition, tries very hard to be funny. It was great to see both Dev and Khanna after a very long time. They both do a fine job. Had no expectations from the actresses because all they do nowadays in male-centric films is flash their assets and laugh at their male co-stars' jokes. <br /> <br /> The writing is stale, but the execution is what I have given four stars here for. Some good locations were chosen and some good angles in the photography. Overall, it's just an afternoon watch on Netflix six months from now.<br /> <br /> BOTTOM LINE: Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom is a rundown action film where the unintended humor wreaks havoc with the story flow, which is not that great in the first place. Wait for TV premiere!<br /> <br /> Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
The film has been directed by Rohit Dhawan. He explains the whole plot of 36 hours in an accurately 120 minutes run time. His story starts from the topic of Cricket. A Batsman named Viraj (one of the very best cricketers) gets kidnapped by an unknown person just one and a half day before the much awaited India-Pak match. Then we see John Abraham come from India to find Viraj. He is from Special Task Force Department. He with Junaid, a fool cum slightly smart character played by Varun try to solve this out. And midst of this hustle bustle the duo meets Jacqueline, who is genuinely a wasted artist. And fails to add some glamour to the film. Wil the trio be able to dissolve out this spectre for India? In the Star Performances Varun-John's bromance will be remembered the most. Akshay Kumar and Nargis Fakhri and Parineeti Chopra do not add any colours to the film and lack completeness in their cameos. Also Akshay might jeopardize his personality as one of the big actors. Jacqueline does not need any special mention and like as always she remains spiritless. Both the Dhawan brothers fail to enthral the audience this time since Rohit lacks originality whereas Varun is awfully overacting. But the show is stolen by John's impressively well-made character. Also we have Akshaye Khanna in the film as the villain and we see him do a perfect job. Overall Dishoom is dizzily attractive not only for the dialogues and the screenplays. But in addition for few gags devoid of humour. It fails to illuminate the real cop concept fairly and slightly collapses from the expected mark not giving anything new. The film lends itself 5 stars.
There are just nothing to enjoy.
Despite its many contrivances, 'Dishoom' of Rakesh Dhawan is actually far from unwatchable. Actually, it is even more than watchable with its testosterone-flunged action, and drama-soaked comedy especially delivered by Varun Dhawan. John Abraham as the 'Mr. Serious' is dangerously so, which is ridiculous but funny still. Akshay Kumar delivers a promising cameo, and Jacqueline and Parineeti (another cameo) are extremely watchable in their seductive hairstyle and unmatchable costumes. The writing is little, but the direction ensures that throughout the viewing the film remains a very entertaining one that never overstays its welcome and never rushes through. But it has undervalued substance which is smug, and beyond the style the film is a pure drag. It could have used much, much more delivery of humor than it does: real, funnier, more jokes. Also, some punch-liners immersed in desi-ness could have helped as well. These things do let down 'Dishoom', which otherwise is very enjoyable.
Credits
John Abraham
Varun Dhawan
Akshaye Khanna
Jacqueline Fernandez
Saqib Saleem
Rahul DevAltaf
Akshay KumarSameer Gazi
Nargis FakhriSamira Dalal
Vijay RaazKhabri Chacha
Parineeti ChopraMuskaan
Satish KaushikQuereshi (voice only)
Anupriya GoenkaAlishka Iyer
Faisal RashidPakistan supporter
Mona AmbegaonkarGayatri Shubha Mishra
Rohit Dhawan
Sajid Nadiadwala
Pritam
Abhijit Vaghani
Ayananka BoseHindi films like Dishoom
Judwaa 2
2017
Desi Boyz
2011
Shehzada
2023
Race 2
2013
Race 3
2018
Main Tera Hero
2014
Dilwale
2015
Housefull 2
2012
Pagalpanti
2019
Welcome to the Jungle
2026
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
