The much-awaited Dhamaal 4 has finally arrived in theatres, marking director Indra Kumar’s return to the popular comedy franchise after Dhamaal, Double Dhamaal, and Total Dhamaal. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Esha Gupta, Anjali Anand, and Upendra Limaye, the film entered cinemas with high expectations. However, its first half struggles to deliver the laugh-out-loud entertainment fans have come to expect.
The story begins with Ajay Devgn’s character searching for a hidden treasure, while Ravi Kishan is on the same mission. The catch is that only one man, played by Upendra Limaye, knows the treasure’s exact location. As both rivals race to reach him first, the film sets up what promises to be a chaotic treasure hunt packed with comedy and adventure.
Despite the intriguing premise, the first half spends nearly 40 to 45 minutes introducing its numerous characters and their personal storylines. Ajay Devgn’s romantic track with Esha Gupta, where he attempts to impress her children to win her heart, occupies significant screen time. Meanwhile, Riteish Deshmukh and Anjali Anand’s love story unfolds alongside separate introductions for Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi. Unfortunately, much of this setup feels stretched, slowing down the narrative and leaving the comedy largely ineffective. Many jokes appear forced rather than organically funny, resulting in fewer laughs than expected.
The pace improves once the various characters finally cross paths during their individual journeys. As the secret of the hidden treasure is revealed, the story shifts into an all-out race to claim the fortune first. This transition injects some much-needed momentum into the film and sets the stage for the chaotic adventure that fans of the franchise were anticipating.
Among the performances, Jaaved Jaaferi once again shines as Manav, stealing several scenes with his impeccable comic timing, expressive reactions, and effortless humour. Sanjay Mishra also delivers a handful of genuinely entertaining moments, helping to lift an otherwise underwhelming first half. Despite the presence of an accomplished ensemble cast, many of the characters are yet to fully utilize their comedic potential.
Overall, the first half of Dhamaal 4 feels more like a slow build-up than the laugh riot audiences were hoping for. While the treasure hunt finally gains momentum towards the interval, the film is yet to fully embrace the energetic madness that has defined the franchise over the years. Viewers will now be hoping that the second half delivers the chaos, humour, and non-stop entertainment synonymous with the Dhamaal series.