People enter Mona theatre to watch Dum Maaro Dum on Friday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, April 22: Celebrated star cast, popular pre-release promo and the swinging beats of the evergreen RD classic have worked as a major draw for Rohan Sippy’s Dum Maaro Dum. People flocked in huge numbers to Mona cinema hall on the first day of the film’s screening.

Audience said the impressive star cast — Bipasha Basu, Abhishek Bachchan, Prateik Babbar, Rana Daggubati and Deepika Padukone, in a sensuous item number — attracted them.

Ajay Kataruka, owner of Mona theatre — the only cinema in the state capital screening the film — said all shows on the first day were houseful. Despite four shows, people were seen buying tickets in black, as all tickets were either booked or sold out within minutes of counter opening.

“Abhishek Bachchan is looking really handsome as a cop. He acted as a police officer in Dhoom and Dhoom 2. But his acting in this movie is amazing,” said Kankerbagh resident Rajni Sharma.

She added: “His acting in the role of a police inspector has gone up a few notches. He was good in the Dhoom series as well. But in Dum Maaro Dum, he is just awesome.”

Deepika Padukone’s much-talked about dance on the “Dum maaro dum” number that made Zeenat Aman a star in Dev Anand’s Hare Rama Hare Krishna has also attracted the crowd.

Mrinal Singh, a Deepika fan, said: “I have come to see Deepika’s tattoos. The tattoo of a cobra on her stomach is just fascinating.

“Of course her dance is awesome. She has left her mark on the film though she appears only for the song,” said Singh.

He added that he did not mind spending Rs 160 on the ticket.

“There are quite a few twists and turns in the film. The audience is left guessing till the end. Dum Maaro Dum gives full value for your money,” added Singh.

Sources said though Abhishek’s recent films like Raavan and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se had bombed at the box office, his portrayal of ACP Vishnu Kamat, who is on a crusade to clean up Goa’s underworld, is commendable and would find takers in the audience.

“It is a wonderful film. All actors have performed really well. Abhishek has delivered a stellar performance after a really long time. It will be a turning point in his career,” said Kamlesh Shukla, an audience member.

According to the theatre owner, tickets are not available for the next three days as all shows have been booked.

The film depicts a dark Goa with politicians and gangsters who deal in drugs and all kind of crimes. Abhishek Bachchan plays ACP Vishnu Kamath who is assigned the task of curbing the crime. Aditya Pancholi plays a racketeer who forces the youths to sell narcotics.

Pratiek Bababbar plays an unfortunate youngster, who falls into the mess. Rana Daggubati, who makes a Bollywood debut with this film, plays a victim of the local drug mafia.

Audience also appreciated Bipasha Basu who has played Zoe, an airhostess with Goan airlines.