Dhamaal 4 (2026): Ajay Devgn s stands out while the narrative loses grip

Ajay Devgn’s Bunty Rathore discovers a cryptic clue pointing to ₹50 crore hidden under the letter ‘M’, and the deadpan delivery he brings to this revelation is, for a moment, vintage Dhamaal. The four friends then set off on a chase that immediately goes wrong, because their own stupidity is the only real obstacle here.

Ajay Devgn’s Deadpan Mastery In The Clue-Discovery Scene

Devgn dominates the early stretch with a signature blank stare that turns the absurd clue into gold. His physical comedy lands hardest during the accidental fight sequence, where he throws a punch without breaking character.

The moment the treasure is revealed as a fake, his emotional turn from hope to resignation feels honest, even within this cartoon world.

Indra Kumar’s Formula: Lively But Stale

Director Indra Kumar maintains the franchise’s high-energy flow and comedic rhythm, which is both the film’s strength and its crutch. The linear screenplay avoids plot holes but relies on transitions that feel abrupt, especially when characters teleport between disasters.

The biggest flaw is the complete absence of a strong antagonist, without a clear villain, the conflict becomes a series of self-inflicted pratfalls that lose novelty by the second hour.

The Comedy-Adventure Mechanics Work In Fits And Bursts

This is a comedy first, adventure second, and the slapstick is built around exaggerated character reactions and misdirection. The jungle trap scene stands out: the group’s greed triggers a physical gag that unfolds with precise, old-school timing. It doesn’t aim for sophistication, it aims for a laugh, and often gets one.

The accidental fight between the four friends, driven by a misunderstanding, is the film’s most inventive sequence. Each actor plays their confusion differently: Arshad Warsi overreacts, Riteish Deshmukh shrinks, Jaaved Jaaferi panics, and Devgn stays still, the contrast works.

But the chase sequences, while brightly framed, drag on past their punchline. The cinematography does well with dynamic camera work during these scenes, but the editing falters, the first half is tight, the second half slows, and the climax feels rushed.

For more curated takes on similar fare, browse our Hindi Comedy reviews.

Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, And The Supporting Crew

Warsi and Deshmukh share strong comic chemistry, their bickering keeping the mid-section from stalling. Jaaved Jaaferi injects raw energy into the chase sequences; his frantic movements sell the chaos better than the script does.

Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Esha Gupta fill roles that the research describes with minimal detail, their presence signals the film’s intent to be a broad-family entertainer, but they are given little to work with beyond one-note reactions. The cast is the engine, but the fuel runs thin.

Audience Reception: Nostalgia Versus Fatigue

Early audience feedback celebrates the return of the original cast, with many calling it fast-paced and great for families. However, complaints about the plot feeling too similar to Total Dhamaal and jokes that lean on outdated tropes suggest the franchise may be running on goodwill alone. The rushed ending only amplifies the feeling of repetition.

I found myself wishing for one real surprise, something that wasn’t already telegraphed by the franchise’s own history.

If you want loud, undemanding laughter with a familiar ensemble, Dhamaal 4 delivers, but bring your own patience for the second half, and consider a 4DX screen to make the jungle traps feel fresh. For a more layered comedy that balances performance with narrative, Ikka review offers a sharper character study.

Dhamaal 4 is a watch for franchise loyalists and a skip for everyone else; I’d give it a generous 2.5 out of 5, mostly for the cast’s sheer will to entertain.

For a film that takes a more grounded approach to chaos, explore Qaid verdict.