The and how the famous flood scene was shot.
De Dana Dan follows two debt-ridden friends, Nandu (Akshay Kumar) and Manu (Suniel Shetty), who plan to kidnap a wealthy groom-to-be to extort ransom and pay off debts, but a chain of comic errors—multiple kidnappings, mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and interference from gangsters—escalates into chaotic farce. Subplots include love interests (Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy), a subplot involving two rival gangsters, and numerous slapstick set pieces culminating in a large comic showdown.
When talking about Bollywood comedy, especially from the late 2000s, it is impossible to overlook the magical combination of director Priyadarshan, producer Venus Records & Tapes, and the superstar . Released on November 27, 2009, De Dana Dan arrived at a time when Akshay was dominating the comedy genre following the massive success of Hera Pheri (2000), Garam Masala (2005), and Bhagam Bhag (2006).
The camaraderie between Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel is a key factor in the film's lasting charm.
The movie wasn't just a laugh riot; it was also a visual and auditory treat. Shot largely in the sleek, ultra-modern locales of Singapore, the film offered high production values.
For Akshay Kumar, it proved that even when he carries a bomb in a suitcase and a monkey on his back (literally, there is a monkey subplot), he can still make the audience laugh. So, grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and get ready for the De Dana Dan chaos.
In the pantheon of Bollywood comedies, certain films are celebrated as cult classics ( Hera Pheri ), others as box-office juggernauts ( Welcome ), and some fade into the "forgotten but funny" archives. Sitting squarely in that last category is Priyadarshan’s 2009 caper, .
: One of the film's most famous sequences is the elaborate flood climax. While the movie is set in Singapore, this scene was actually shot over
Looking back, De Dana Dan is a perfect time capsule of Bollywood comedy from the late 2000s. For Akshay Kumar fans, it showcases his willingness to be part of a true ensemble, allowing the humor to come from the situation rather than just his star power. The film’s lasting success on television proves that for many, a fun, fast-paced comedy with a great cast is sometimes all you need. It stands as a testament to the fact that a film can find its audience and its place in pop culture long after its theatrical release, cementing its status as a beloved entertainer in the "comfort comedy" genre.
As Raja navigates through the web of deceit and loyalty, he's faced with an unexpected offer: Kumar reveals that he's been planning to retire from the thieving business and leave the Koh-i-Noor in a secure location. He wants Raja to be his successor but on one condition: Raja must pull off one final job and prove himself worthy.
Set in Singapore, the story begins with two friends, Nitin (Akshay Kumar) and Ram (Sunil Shetty), who are deeply in love with their respective rich girlfriends, Anjali (Katrina Kaif) and Manpreet (Sameera Reddy). However, their path to marriage is blocked by a lack of funds. After a series of failed attempts, they hatch a desperate plan to kidnap Moolchandji, the pampered pet dog of Nitin's tyrannical employer, Kuljeet Kaur (Archana Puran Singh). Predictably, the plan goes disastrously wrong, leading to a classic . The dog escapes, and soon a wide array of characters—including a conman, a prostitute, an assassin, and various members of the Mumbai mafia—find themselves in a luxury hotel where a wedding reception is taking place. This leads to a frantic second half filled with mistaken identities, door-slamming, and characters chasing each other through the hotel.