Dum presents Vivek Oberoi in an angry young man`s role with Diya mirza as her lady love. It`s a remake of Tamil flick. He is preparing himself to join the police force to get rid of the corrupt system but ends up entangled in a fight with the corrupt inspector (Atul Kulkarni). Seeking revenge, the inspector almost kills him but the boy not only survives the attempt on his life, he also recovers fast and appears for the final physical test for joining the police force. Declared passed, he is about to join the force when the corrupt inspector plays truant once again. In the end, the boy eliminates him even before he can join the police. There is another track of a principled police officer Mukesh Rishi.

Writers E. Niwas and Mehran have burdened the screenplay with scenes seen umpteen times in films of this genre. The film, after a fairly good start, deteriorates, more so in the second half. The confrontation scenes between the boy and the inspector look repetitive as they add nothing to the drama after a while. 

Romance is almost missing. Comedy is weak. Drama is dull for the most part. Dialogues are ordinary. This further dilutes the impact of the proceedings. Action is so excessive that many among the ladies audience will feel repulsed. But it must be said that action scenes are well composed by Abbas Ali Moghul. Vivek Oberoi does a good job as the aspirant policeman. He is superb in action scenes but definitely needs to brush up his act in emotional scenes. Diya Mirza gets limited scope and is quite nice. Atul Kulkarni shines as the corrupt police inspector. He is natural to the core and his character evokes instant hatred, so powerful is his performance.

 Sushant Singh does very well but it`s sad to see a talented actor like him being almost wasted in a role that doesn`t demand histrionics. Sushant should, however, grow back his moustache. Mukesh Rishi leaves a mark although his characterisation is weak, reducing him to an almost impotent police officer who does nothing to avenge the atrocities perpetrated on his family. 

Govind Namdev is effective. Yashpal Sharma does a natural job as Babu Kasai. Neena Kulkarni does well. Sheeba is superb in the single dramatic scene she gets. Vivek Shauq doesn`t have anything worthwhile to do except crack some feeble jokes. Yana Gupta exudes oomph and sex appeal in a song dance. Danny, as Vivek Shauq`s assistant, is cute. Saurabh Dubey impresses. Rakhee Sawant is sexy. Ajay Rohila, Sunita, Harsh Chhaya, Anang Desai and Nagesh Bhosle lend able support.

E. Niwas not only fails as the co-screenplay-writer but his direction also leaves something to be desired. His penchant for showing blood and gore in excess, perhaps, to make it look authentic is not too desirable. Sandeep Chowta`s music is different and needed time to grow. 

The title song, `Babuji zara dheere` and `Jeena` are the pick of the lot. Song picturisations, especially of the title song and `Babuji` , deserve special mention. Surendra Rao`s cinematography is fair. Background music is quite effective. On the whole, Dum is old wine in new bottle. With the ladies and family audiences almost out, it will have to rely on masses for patronage. But since the dull second half won`t impress the mass audience too, the single-track film will find the going tough.