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Dhoomam (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Dhoomam
DISASTER

Dhoomam(2023)

Malayalam · Action, Adventure, Drama

2h 23m · 23 Jun 2023

Music: Poornachandra Tejaswi | DOP: Preetha Jayaraman | Writer: Pawan Kumar

ThrillerDrama

Ratings

FirstpostFirstpostAI3
India TodayIndia TodayAI3.5
The HinduThe HinduAI3.5
IBTimesIBTimesAI3.25
IMDbIMDb5.7

Our Rating

1.75

📖 Story

Dhoomam follows the journey of a man caught in the throes of addiction and the consequences it brings to his personal and professional life. The narrative explores themes of self-destruction, redemption, and the societal stigma surrounding substance abuse. As the protagonist struggles to regain control, the story delves into complex human emotions and relationships, painting a raw and realistic portrait of his battle.

🔍 Analysis

Dhoomam presents a gritty and intense storyline that attempts to shed light on the dark realities of addiction. The screenplay is tightly woven, with a strong emphasis on character development and emotional depth. The pacing in the first half is deliberate, setting up the protagonist's world and the initial cracks in his life, while the second half accelerates into a more dramatic and emotionally charged climax.

The film's music, composed by Poornachandra Tejaswi, complements the narrative effectively. The songs are minimalistic but impactful, enhancing the mood without overpowering the scenes. The background score is haunting and immersive, adding layers to the tension and emotional beats throughout the film.

Cinematography by Preetha Jayaraman captures the bleakness and intensity of the story with a muted color palette and intimate framing, which helps in drawing the audience closer to the protagonist's turmoil. Overall, Dhoomam is a somber and thought-provoking film that demands patience but rewards with a powerful message and strong performances.

🎭 Performances

Fahadh Faasil: A deeply nuanced and compelling portrayal of a man battling addiction, showcasing his range and emotional intensity.

Aparna Balamurali: Provides a sensitive and grounded performance, effectively complementing the lead.

Achyuth Kumar: Delivers a solid supporting role with authenticity.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong lead performance by Fahadh Faasil
  • Realistic and sensitive portrayal of addiction
  • Effective background score enhancing emotional depth
  • Tight screenplay with focused storytelling

Weaknesses

  • Slow pacing in the first half may test viewer patience
  • Limited commercial appeal due to heavy subject matter
  • Minimalistic use of songs might not satisfy all audiences

🎬 Direction & Writing

Pawan Kumar's direction is assured and mature, handling a sensitive subject with care and depth. His writing avoids melodrama, opting instead for a realistic and grounded approach that respects the complexity of addiction and its impact.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Cinematography by Preetha Jayaraman
  • - Music by Poornachandra Tejaswi
  • - Editing that maintains narrative clarity
  • - Sound design that complements the film's tone

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
The HinduThe Hindu
3.50 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.00 / 5
India TodayIndia Today
3.50 / 5
IBTimesIBTimes
3.25 / 5

Our Rating

1.75/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral35%
Negative25%

Critics

Critics have largely appreciated Dhoomam for its bold subject and Fahadh Faasil's compelling performance. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal and technical finesse, though some noted its slow pace and heavy narrative might not appeal to all viewers.

Final Box-Office Result

DISASTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Dhoomam release in theatres?

Dhoomam released on 23 June 2023 (2023).

Is Dhoomam a hit or flop?

Dhoomam is declared a DISASTER at the box office.

Where to watch Dhoomam online? OTT release date?

Dhoomam is available on YouTube, aha, SonyLIV, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play from 30 May 2024.

Who directed Dhoomam?

Dhoomam directed by Pawan Kumar. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur.

Who are the main cast members of Dhoomam?

Dhoomam stars Fahadh Faasil, Achyuth Kumar, Aparna Balamurali, Joy Mathew, Dev Mohan.

What is the Tollybo rating for Dhoomam?

Tollybo rates Dhoomam 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.

Who composed the music for Dhoomam?

Music for Dhoomam composed by Poornachandra Tejaswi.

What is the genre and runtime of Dhoomam?

Dhoomam — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 143 minutes, Language: Malayalam.

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