The beloved chaotic squad is back in theatres with Dhamaal 4, the latest addition to one of Bollywood most enduring comedy franchises. Directed by veteran filmmaker Indra Kumar, this fourth installment aims to replicate the madcap energy that made the original 2007 film a cult classic. Bringing together the star studded ensemble of Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, and Jaaved Jaaferi, the movie makes no apologies about what it is. It targets family audiences looking for a simple stress buster. However, if we offer an honest review to the readers, this logic defying ride relies far too heavily on lazy writing, cheap visual effects, and recycled gags that frequently fall flat.

The Plot: Another Weary and Predictable Treasure Hunt

If you have watched the previous films in this series, the plot template of Dhamaal 4 will feel incredibly familiar. The narrative kicks off when a dying pirate named Prithvi reveals the secret location of the ultimate Treasure of Life hidden on a remote island. This massive revelation instantly triggers a wave of greed, causing our central group of eccentric characters to split up.

What follows is a frantic, every man for himself race against time to reach the treasure first. The journey is packed with absurd roadblocks, ranging from hot air balloon misadventures to unexpected wildlife encounters featuring tigers, snakes, and even a rogue octopus. While the writers pack the narrative with nonstop roadblocks to ensure that the pacing remains breathless, the entire setup feels like a lazy clone of Total Dhamaal rather than a fresh comedic venture.

Star Performances: Committed Actors Trapped in Weak Writing

The primary strength keeping Dhamaal 4 afloat is the fantastic camaraderie of its ensemble cast, who commit entirely to the onscreen lunacy. Arshad Warsi as Adi and Jaaved Jaaferi as the thick headed Manav recreate the classic magic of the original duo. Jaaved Jaaferi steals multiple scenes through pure physical comedy and brilliant child like innocence, proving why he remains the heart of this franchise.

Ajay Devgn leads the pack with a relaxed, confident performance, channeling his effortless comic timing. Riteish Deshmukh is paired opposite the talented Anjali Anand, and full marks go to Riteish Deshmukh for handling a sudden emotional shift in the climax with great maturity. Among the new additions, Ravi Kishan brings a refreshing blast of energy into the mix, blending perfectly with franchise regulars like Sanjay Mishra. It is genuinely commendable how hard this cast works, but their immense talent is frequently trapped under a mountain of mediocre jokes.

Technical Aspects: Decent Real Locations Marred by Cheap AI Animations

Director Indra Kumar certainly tries to elevate the visual scale of the film, making it look significantly larger than previous entries. The movie utilizes grand real locations, and the action sequences, particularly a thrilling cliff top rescue, are impressively staged and visually engaging.

However, the movie drops the ball significantly in its opening moments. The introductory sequence utilizes some noticeably low quality artificial intelligence animated montages to establish the backstory. This cheap aesthetic looks incredibly unconvincing on a big cinema screen and immediately takes the viewer out of the experience. Additionally, while the background score effectively amplifies the comedic timing, the actual revamped song tracks feel uninspired and fail to leave a lasting impression.

The Humour: Infantile Slapstick and Problematic Tropes

An honest critique of the comedy in Dhamaal 4 reveals a highly uneven trial and error script. When the jokes hit, such as a bizarre horror comedy encounter in the second half, they result in genuine laughter. Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between amidst an avalanche of forced gags.

Instead of moving forward, the franchise humor seems to be moving backward. The writing team relies heavily on cartoonish Looney Tunes style violence where characters constantly get hit on the head or slapped around. More disappointingly, the script resorts to outdated, lazy tropes, turning Anjali Anand character into the butt of constant, mean spirited body shaming jokes. This style might entertain young children, but adult viewers seeking clever wit will find it highly repetitive and out of touch with modern sensibilities.

Final Verdict: Only for Hardcore Franchise Fans

Dhamaal 4 delivers exactly what the promotional trailers promised, but nothing more. It is a colorful, chaotic, and completely mindless comedy adventure that prioritizes sheer noise over cohesive logic. The stellar chemistry of the core cast and the nostalgic callbacks ensure that the film remains watchable, but it is ultimately running on the fumes of its predecessors.

If you want a lighthearted, brainless distraction to enjoy with kids over the weekend, Dhamaal 4 might suffice. However, for those expecting sharp writing or genuine innovation, this treasure hunt misses the gold standard.