Abhishek Bachchan, a prominent name in Bollywood today, had a challenging start to his film career. His journey in the industry began in 2000 with J.P. Dutta’s film Refugee. Despite the hype, the movie performed averagely at the box office. Over the next four years, Abhishek continued to work tirelessly, appearing in a series of films. However, success seemed elusive as one flop followed another.
In those four years, Abhishek featured in 13 films, out of which 11 were box office failures, and only two managed to perform moderately. It wasn’t until 2004, with the release of Dhoom, that Abhishek experienced his first major hit. This film didn’t just change the course of his career; it turned him into an overnight sensation, solidifying his place in the industry.
The Game-Changer: Dhoom
Dhoom, an action-packed thriller produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), was released on 27th August 2004. The film was a significant departure from the roles Abhishek had previously played. In Dhoom, he took on the role of a sharp police officer, a character that resonated with audiences and showcased a new side of his acting talent. The movie also starred Uday Chopra as his sidekick and John Abraham as the charismatic antagonist.
Before Dhoom, Uday Chopra and John Abraham were also struggling to make a mark in Bollywood, with several flops under their belts. However, Dhoom proved to be a turning point for all three actors, propelling them to new heights of fame.
The Connection to Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaala Patthar
While Dhoom was a fresh, modern take on action thrillers, it had an interesting connection to a classic film from the past—Amitabh Bachchan’s 1979 movie Kaala Patthar. Directed by Yash Chopra and written by the legendary duo Salim-Javed, Kaala Patthar was an intense action-drama that left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Aditya Chopra, who produced Dhoom, was reportedly inspired by Kaala Patthar. Though the storylines of the two films were entirely different, the inspiration came from a song in Kaala Patthar—”Dhoom Mache Dhoom, Aaj Ki Raina”. This song sparked the idea for Dhoom in Aditya’s mind. He reimagined the concept, modernized it, and thus Dhoom was born. The title track of Dhoom, “Dhoom Machale”, became an anthem, much like the song from Kaala Patthar had in its time.
The Impact of Dhoom on Abhishek’s Career
The release of Dhoom marked a new chapter in Abhishek’s career. Made on a budget of around ₹11 crores, the film went on to gross ₹50 crores worldwide, making it a massive success. The film’s success not only rescued Abhishek’s struggling career but also established him as a bankable star in Bollywood.
Abhishek continued to reprise his role in the Dhoom franchise, appearing in both Dhoom 2 (2006) and Dhoom 3 (2013). Each installment brought in new villains—Hrithik Roshan in the second and Aamir Khan in the third—while Abhishek and Uday Chopra remained constant as the good guys chasing the bad. The Dhoom series became one of Bollywood’s most successful franchises, and Abhishek’s role as the tough cop became iconic.
The Films Leading Up to Dhoom
Before Dhoom changed his fortunes, Abhishek had appeared in several films, most of which failed to make an impact. Here’s a quick look at the 13 films Abhishek starred in before Dhoom:
- Refugee (2000)
- Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya (2000)
- Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (2000)
- Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai (2001)
- Haan… Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002)
- Om Jai Jagadish (2002)
- Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003)
- Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003)
- Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)
- Zameen (2003)
- LOC Kargil (2003)
- Run (2004)
- Yuva (2004)
Among these, Refugee and Zameen were average performers, while the rest didn’t fare well at the box office.
A New Beginning
The release of Dhoom marked a significant turning point in Abhishek’s career. It was the beginning of a new era for him, where he finally started tasting success after years of struggle. The movie not only boosted his career but also established a long-standing relationship with Yash Raj Films, leading to more successful collaborations in the future.
The connection between Dhoom and Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaala Patthar adds an interesting layer to the story of Abhishek’s rise to stardom, showing how inspiration from the past can lead to future success.
