The latest instalment of the franchise, Dhamaal 4, has made its way into the 100–crore club at the domestic box office. The success of the latest instalment once again proves the enduring appeal of one of the most loved comedy franchises of Hindi cinema. The film crossed the milestone on its eighth day in theatres after a steady run driven by family audiences and positive word of mouth.
For director Indra Kumar, however, the latest success is also a reminder of an actor who has remained a constant through the franchise’s evolution, Riteish Deshmukh.
In an interview, Kumar, who has now worked with Riteish across eight films, says the actor’s contribution to Dhamaal goes far beyond comic timing. “Riteish is integral to this franchise. Even he knows that,” Kumar had said.
It is a statement backed by nearly two decades of collaboration. Riteish has been the face of the franchise’s humour since the first Dhamaal in 2007, playing the fool with slapstick and spontaneity, and adding a dash of infectious energy to every instalment. With Dhamaal 4 boasting of a starry ensemble, Riteish’s performance has been repeatedly singled out by audiences, his comic timing and screen presence among the film’s biggest talking points.
Kumar has seen it up close that consistency. In eight films together, he has watched Riteish grow from a promising young actor to one of the most dependable entertainers of the industry, someone who instinctively knows the rhythm of comedy, while constantly finding new ways to surprise the audiences.
The success of Dhamaal 4 also comes at a time when Riteish is enjoying one of the most diverse phases of his career. This year alone, he directed and headlined the historical epic Raja Shivaji before making a seamless return to broad commercial comedy with Dhamaal 4. Alongside his film commitments, he is also hosting Netflix’s Lock Upp 2.0, reinforcing his ability to move comfortably between genres and platforms.
For Kumar, though, the equation remains simple. Some actors become part of a successful franchise. Others become indispensable to its identity. After eight films together and another 100–crore success, it is clear where Riteish Deshmukh belongs.