Dhamaka is 2021 Indian Hindi language thrillerfilm directed by Ram Madhvani who also produced the film withAmrita Madhvani. Based on the 2013 film The Terror Live, the filmstars Kartik Aaryan in the leading role of a journalist namedArjun Pathak, who receives a threat after he exclusively interviewed aterrorist, who blew up a bridge. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur and AmrutaSubhash in prominent roles.
The adaptation was first pitched by SunirKheterpal of Azure Entertainment along with the producers of the original film.After Kheterpal dropped the project, Screwvala acquired the rights for theadaptation with Madhvani helming the project.
After being labelled as the monologue king,and having dabbled in romcoms such as Pyaar ka Punchnaama films, Sonu Ke TituKi Sweety, Pati Patni Aur woh, Luka Chhupi and so on, Kartik's Arjun Pathak inDhamaka not only shows his range as an actor but also touches upon a differentgenre and emotion.
Director Ram Madhvani, who has directedNeerja and series Aarya in the past, creates a world within one room that isfull of tension, action, reaction and a sense of urgency. Kartik Aryan wasdemoted from a prime-time news anchor to an RJ but things change when he scoresan exclusive interview with a terrorist who has blown up Mumbai's Sea Linkbridge.
Dhamaka is a thriller but it starts on asweet note. Soon, the tone changes as Arjun gets the call from the mysteriouscaller. The first half will give you no reason to complain as the makers neatlyexplain the setting, the dynamics between the various characters and why Arjunhas got demoted. The way Arjun uses his divorce papers to make notes is quiteassuming and shows that the director has tried to make the product standout.
Puneet Sharma and Ram Madhvani's screenplayis impressive and ensures that audiences remain glued to their seats. However,some of the developments in the second half are not convincing. Even the finaleis difficult to digest.
Dhamaka scores when it comes to theperformances. Kartik Aaryan is known for comic and light-hearted roles buthere; he steps into altogether new territory and comes out with flyingcolours.
Talking about the music, the film featuredonly one song titled "Khoya Paaya" which was sung by AmitTrivedi and Delraaz Bunshah and written by Puneet Sharma. A promotionalvideo song of the track, shot by Ravi Varman and directed by BejoyNambiar, The female version by Jasleen Royal is also hard-hitting. 'Kasoor' issweet and has the trademark Prateek Kuhad stamp.
Anupama Chopra on the website FilmCompanion wrote, "Dhamaka isn't a bad film but doesn't match RamMadhvani Previous work. The scenario is too outlandish and the writing, tooordinary."
On the whole, Dhamaka is an engaging moviebut it lacks in its second half. Dhamaka is streaming on Netflix India.