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Daud (1997) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 3 May 2026

Daud (1997) Review

Daud (1997) is a Hindi action, adventure, comedy film starring Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma. A notorious gangster asks a career thief by the name of Nandu to steal a package worth over one crore rupees for a fee. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 22 Aug 1997. Runtime: 3h 0m.

Daud
BELOW AVERAGE

Daud(1997)

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

ActionAdventure

Ratings

IMDbIMDb5.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB53
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience56

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

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.

🔍 Analysis

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.

🎭 Performances

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

✅

Strengths

  • ✓A.R. Rahman's experimental music and BGM
  • ✓Stylish cinematography and visual aesthetic
  • ✓Unique characterizations and quirky humor
  • ✓Urmila Matondkar's screen presence
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Weak and thin storyline
  • ✕Slow pacing in the second half
  • ✕Style-over-substance approach
  • ✕Lack of emotional depth

🎬 Direction & Writing

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.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
5.9
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.2
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
53
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
56

Our Rating

2.5/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Filmfare AwardsBest Female Playback SingerNominated (K.S. Chithra for Payalay Chunmun)

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - The film had a strong opening due to the RGV-Rahman-Urmila combination but saw a sharp decline in the following weeks.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral30%
Negative30%

Critics

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

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Daud release in theatres?▾

Daud released on 22 August 1997 (1997).

Is Daud a hit or flop?▾

Daud is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

What is the budget of Daud?▾

Budget of Daud is approximately ₹7.5 Crore.

Where to watch Daud online? OTT release date?▾

Daud is available on Amazon Prime Video. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Daud?▾

Daud directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Produced by Jhamu Sughand, Ram Gopal Varma.

Who are the main cast members of Daud?▾

Daud stars Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, Paresh Rawal, Neeraj Vora, Ashish Vidhyarthi.

What is the Tollybo rating for Daud?▾

Tollybo rates Daud 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Daud?▾

Music for Daud composed by A.R. Rahman.

What is the genre and runtime of Daud?▾

Daud — Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Hindi.

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