Pratik Gandhi Speaks to Subhash K Jha about the madcap comedy Dhoom Dhaam, which is now streaming on Netflix.
Dhoom Dhaam is a fun watch! Was it just as fun to shoot?
It was absolute madness, a total riot! The kind of bizarre situations the newlywed couple, played by Yami Gautam and I, finds themselves in over the course of one night is something I could never have imagined or read anywhere. The entire film unfolds in a single night, and we shot for 45 nights straight, uninterrupted! That part was more of a nightmare than a dream.
What was your first reaction to the script?
My initial reaction was that it’s a fun, entertaining ride, but what intrigued me most was that the protagonist isn’t the typical alpha male hero. That was a key factor in my decision to take on the role and shape the character in a way that felt authentic and relatable. We often come across people in real life who prefer to avoid conflict, steer clear of fights, and de-escalate situations rather than confront them head-on. To me, they are the true heroes in their own way.
Is that how you played your character Veer?
I envisioned my character within that perspective—someone who consciously avoids aggression yet becomes a pillar of support and a safety net for his partner. That thought process guided my approach to the role and ultimately helped me make my decision. I always read a script, but I also look forward to the narration because that’s where you truly understand the director’s vision. The words a director uses beyond the written script reveal a lot about how they visualize a scene. In a situational comedy, even though everything is on paper, the approach to a particular moment can be executed in multiple ways. As a team, we fine-tuned those nuances before each shot, ensuring it aligned with the film’s tone.
You and Yami Gautam Dhar are in almost every frame together. How was she as a partner-in-crime?
Yami is incredibly secure and professional when it comes to her craft. She possesses a unique ability to objectively analyse her role and performance, even while being fully immersed in a scene. This keen awareness allows for an immediate sense of whether the comedic beats are landing, the jokes are eliciting the right reactions, and whether the audience will grasp the intended nuances. We worked closely on most scenes, fine-tuning our performances and reactions to ensure seamless storytelling. As you rightly pointed out, we share nearly every frame, sometimes even bound together by handcuffs! In that sense, we were connected both literally and figuratively throughout the film. Establishing a sense of ease and mutual understanding was crucial, not just in terms of physical proximity but also in interpreting and executing the scenes effectively. Working with Yami was an absolute pleasure—she was effortless to collaborate with, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable.
Let’s talk about the highlight—how much preparation went into the strip act?
The scene comes at a pivotal moment when Koyal has a revelation about Veer. It also subtly highlights how society tends to judge at face value rather than waiting to discover a person’s true self. Physically, I’ve always been lean but never particularly defined. I was given a specific brief for this scene, so I followed a strict three-month regime, high protein intake, and rigorous workouts. Four days before the shoot, I cut down my water intake to just one litre per day, eliminated salt and carbs, and focused solely on protein. By the time we shot the scene, I was literally just waiting for it to be over so I could finally drink water again! It felt like I hadn’t had a proper sip in days.
Our films often objectify women. How did it feel having the tables turned?
Why should it feel odd? We never questioned it when women were objectified: it was just accepted as the norm. But when I had to do it, yes, I did feel uncomfortable, which only made me realize how women must feel in such situations. The film presents a version of masculinity that isn’t loud or overbearing. Veer isn’t your typical macho, alpha male. He avoids fights; he doesn’t chase conflict. At the same time, Koyal thrives on action; she enjoys the chaos. Veer is secure enough to support her, stand by her, and back her up without feeling the need to assert dominance. When you look at the bigger picture, it’s not about a male or female lead; it’s about serving the story. If a scene requires you to step back and let your co-actor take the forefront, then that’s just part of the job. At the end of the day, it’s about making the film better.
You seem equally at ease in both serious and comic roles. Which do you enjoy more?
For me, it all starts with the script. If it excites me, I’m in. Then, I look at the director because his vision shapes everything. The thrill of acting is that you can become anyone. It’s liberating! That kind of ease comes with experience, especially from the stage, where you learn to mold yourself into a character completely. The greater the variety of roles, the more fun it is to bring them to life.
From a strip club in Dhoom Dhaam to satyagraha in a new Gandhi bio-series from Applause Entertainment: quite a Dandi March, don’t you think?
Oh, absolutely! It’s been quite the journey. And along the way, I’m making a pit stop as an educator in Phule!
