Last updated: 3 May 2026


Fun On The Run
Hindi · Action, Adventure, Comedy
3h 0m · 22 Aug 1997
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Rasool Ellore | Writer: Sanjay Chhel, Kannan Iyer, Ram Gopal Varma
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Nandu, a small-time crook, is hired by a criminal named Pinky to deliver a mysterious package for a massive fee. On the run from the police, he meets Bhavani, and the two embark on a cross-country journey. They soon discover that the package they are carrying is a miniaturized nuclear bomb, making them targets for both the government and international terrorists.
Daud is an experimental road-trip action comedy that showcases Ram Gopal Varma's penchant for stylish visuals and unconventional storytelling. Following the massive success of Rangeela, expectations were sky-high, but Daud took a more eccentric, almost cartoonish approach to its characters and plot. The first half is an engaging chase sequence through forests and highways, filled with witty banter and high-energy moments. However, the second half tends to drag as the plot becomes repetitive and the stakes feel less grounded.
The technical aspects are the film's strongest points. A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack is iconic, blending avant-garde sounds with catchy rhythms that remain popular decades later. The background score is equally innovative, enhancing the quirky atmosphere. Rasool Ellore’s cinematography captures the rugged landscapes and Urmila’s glamour with a distinct flair, making the film a visual treat even when the narrative falters.
Sanjay Dutt: Dutt delivers a laid-back and charismatic performance as Nandu, fitting the 'cool' persona required for the role.
Urmila Matondkar: Urmila is high on energy and glamour, matching the film's stylized tone perfectly.
Paresh Rawal: As the eccentric villain Pinky, Rawal provides the bulk of the film's unique humor with his bizarre mannerisms.
Manoj Bajpayee: Appears in a supporting role as a henchman, showing early glimpses of his intensity.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ram Gopal Varma focused heavily on technical finesse and a 'cool' factor. While his direction is innovative for the time, the writing by Varma and Neeraj Vora lacks the narrative cohesion found in his previous hits.
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Our Rating
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| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | Best Female Playback Singer | Nominated (K.S. Chithra for Payalay Chunmun) |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 30% |
The film received mixed to negative reviews upon release. Critics praised the music and technical values but criticized the lack of a compelling plot. Over time, it has gained a minor cult following for its campy humor and Rahman's score.
Final Box-Office Result
Daud released on 22 August 1997 (1997).
Daud is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Budget of Daud is approximately ₹7.5 Crore.
Daud is available on Amazon Prime Video. OTT date will be updated soon.
Daud directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Produced by Jhamu Sughand, Ram Gopal Varma.
Daud stars Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal, Neeraj Vora, Ashish Vidhyarthi.
Tollybo rates Daud 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Daud composed by A.R. Rahman.
Daud — Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Hindi.