Plot of Dum Maaro Dum (film)
Movie Name : Dum Maaro Dum (film)
"Dum Maaro Dum" (2011) is a Bollywood thriller directed by Rohan Sippy, set against the backdrop of Goa's underworld and drug trafficking. The film follows multiple characters whose lives intersect as they get entangled in a web of crime, drugs, and police investigations. It stars Abhishek Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Bipasha Basu, Prateik Babbar, and Aditya Pancholi in key roles.
Plot Summary
Opening Scene: The movie begins with a glimpse into the vibrant party culture of Goa, with music and beaches masking the dark underbelly of drug trafficking that thrives in the state. A young boy, Lorry (played by Prateik Babbar), dreams of studying abroad but is unable to go because of financial problems. Desperate, he is lured into the world of drug smuggling.
The Police Investigation: ACP Vishnu Kamath (Abhishek Bachchan) is introduced as a tough and no-nonsense cop who has been recruited to cleanse Goa of its drug problem. Kamath is a former corrupt police officer who lost his family in a car accident due to his lifestyle, leading him to change his ways. His personal loss motivates him to take on the dangerous drug lords of Goa. His mission is to eliminate the drug trade and capture the mastermind behind the operations.
The Drug Syndicate: In the shadows of Goa's drug scene is a mysterious kingpin named Michael Barbosa, who controls the entire narcotics network but remains elusive. The local drug dealers work for Barbosa, and the police have no clue about his real identity.
One of the powerful figures in this criminal world is Lorsa Biscuta (Aditya Pancholi), a corrupt businessman and nightclub owner who has a significant role in the drug trade. He acts as a middleman for Barbosa and is feared by many in the local underworld.
Lorry’s Dilemma: Lorry, a talented football player with a bright future, is manipulated into transporting drugs to fund his studies abroad. His girlfriend leaves for higher studies in the U.S., and Lorry feels left behind. In desperation, he agrees to a dangerous drug deal, unaware of the consequences. However, Kamath and his team catch wind of the deal, and Lorry is arrested at the airport with drugs in his possession.
Joki and Zoey’s Story: Parallel to this is the story of Joki (Rana Daggubati), a local musician and DJ, who used to be in love with Zoey (Bipasha Basu). Zoey was once a bright, ambitious girl who dreamt of going abroad. However, she, too, fell prey to the drug trade and ended up working for Biscuta. Her dreams were shattered, and she became trapped in a life she despised. Joki, who still loves Zoey, tries to save her from the clutches of Biscuta and the drug world.
Joki knows that Zoey's life was ruined because she made a deal similar to the one Lorry is about to get involved in. He tries to warn Lorry but fails to stop him in time.
Kamath’s Operation: Kamath is relentless in his pursuit of Michael Barbosa and starts cracking down on all the smaller drug dealers in Goa, arresting them and interrogating them for leads on Barbosa. With each bust, Kamath gets closer to uncovering Barbosa's true identity.
As the plot progresses, Kamath, Joki, and Lorry’s lives become intertwined as they each try to fight the drug syndicate for their own reasons — Kamath for redemption, Joki for Zoey’s freedom, and Lorry for survival.
The Twist: The identity of Michael Barbosa becomes the central mystery of the film. Kamath believes that once Barbosa is revealed, he can destroy the drug cartel. As he digs deeper, he uncovers shocking truths about those involved, leading to a tense and suspenseful series of events.
In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Michael Barbosa is not a single person but a name used by several people in the drug trade to remain anonymous. This revelation shocks Kamath, but he continues his mission to bring down the key players in Goa’s drug syndicate.
Climax: The film culminates in a high-stakes chase and action-packed showdown, where Kamath faces off against Lorsa Biscuta and other criminals. Lorry’s fate hangs in the balance as he fights to escape the deadly drug trade that has consumed him.
In the end, Joki manages to save Zoey from Biscuta’s grip, and Kamath successfully dismantles a significant portion of the drug network, though not without losses. Kamath’s character arc comes full circle, as he achieves redemption by avenging his family's loss and cleaning up Goa to some extent.
Ending: Despite Kamath’s efforts, the film ends on a somewhat ambiguous note, as the drug trade is not fully eradicated. Lorry’s future remains uncertain, reflecting the harsh reality that escaping the grip of crime and drugs is not always easy. The film leaves the audience with the message that while law enforcement can make an impact, the fight against drugs is ongoing and complex.
Themes:
- Corruption and Redemption: Kamath’s journey from a corrupt cop to a man seeking redemption is a key theme of the movie.
- The Impact of Drugs: The film portrays the devastating effects of drug addiction on individuals, particularly how young and talented people like Lorry and Zoey fall victim to it.
- Identity and Secrecy: The elusive identity of Michael Barbosa symbolizes the difficulty in fighting organized crime, where true identities are often hidden behind layers of deception.
- Love and Sacrifice: Joki’s love for Zoey and his efforts to save her from the drug trade highlight the emotional toll that crime takes on relationships and personal lives.
Soundtrack:
The film’s music, composed by Pritam, is well known, particularly the remix of the iconic song "Dum Maaro Dum" from the 1971 film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The modern version, performed by Anushka Manchanda and picturized on Deepika Padukone, became a hit, though it sparked some controversy for its bold lyrics.
Critical Reception:
Dum Maaro Dum received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While the performances, particularly that of Abhishek Bachchan and Rana Daggubati, were praised, the screenplay and execution of the film’s second half faced some criticism. The film’s attempt to mix a crime thriller with social commentary on drug trafficking was lauded, but some felt that it fell short in fully developing the characters and their arcs. Nonetheless, the film was appreciated for its gripping suspense and engaging storyline.
