Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- 1. Stellar Performances
- 2. Direction and Pacing
- 3. Cinematography and Editing
- 4. Music and Sound Design
- 5. Emotional Depth
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget:
- Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Day-Wise Earnings (Netflix Performance Estimation):
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Released on November 19, 2021, Dhamaka is a gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Ram Madhvani, this Hindi-language film stars Kartik Aaryan in a career-defining role. With its tense atmosphere and social commentary, the movie dives into the chaos of live newsrooms, human dilemmas, and ethical battles.
Set in a single location for most of its runtime, Dhamaka presents a taut, emotionally charged narrative. It’s not just a story of breaking news; it’s a story of broken morals and desperate choices. Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas or thrillers, this film delivers a punch, both narratively and emotionally.
2. Plot Summary
The story follows Arjun Pathak, a disgraced TV news anchor relegated to hosting a radio show. His monotonous life takes a sharp turn when he receives a call from a mysterious bomber threatening to blow up a bridge unless his demands are met.
Arjun sees this as an opportunity to revive his career and prove his worth. However, as the situation escalates, he finds himself caught between professional ambition and personal ethics. The film unfolds in real-time, revealing layers of suspense, manipulation, and human fragility. The moral quandaries faced by Arjun form the crux of this high-stakes drama, making it a captivating watch from start to finish.
3. What’s Good?
1. Stellar Performances
Kartik Aaryan shines in his portrayal of Arjun Pathak. Shedding his chocolate-boy image, he brings depth and intensity to his character, making it his most compelling performance yet. Supporting actors, including Amruta Subhash and Mrunal Thakur, also leave a lasting impression.
2. Direction and Pacing
Ram Madhvani’s direction is a masterstroke, with the narrative unfolding in real-time to heighten tension. The pacing is swift, with every scene serving a purpose and contributing to the overarching tension.
3. Cinematography and Editing
The cinematography by Manu Anand effectively captures the claustrophobia of Arjun’s confined newsroom, contrasting it with the vast, vulnerable outdoors where the action unfolds. The editing is razor-sharp, ensuring the film’s 104-minute runtime feels brisk yet impactful.
4. Music and Sound Design
The background score, composed by Vishal Khurana, intensifies the suspense, perfectly complementing the unfolding drama. The sound design deserves special mention for capturing the chaos of a newsroom and the eeriness of an impending disaster.
5. Emotional Depth
The film delves deep into themes of morality, greed, and human vulnerability. Arjun’s internal struggle is as gripping as the external conflict, making it more than just a surface-level thriller.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Innovative Narrative: The real-time storytelling format is immersive and keeps viewers hooked.
- Strong Performances: Kartik Aaryan’s nuanced acting elevates the film.
- Social Commentary: The movie offers biting critiques of sensationalist journalism and corporate greed.
Weaknesses:
- Predictable Elements: Certain plot twists feel familiar to seasoned thriller audiences.
- Emotional Disconnect: Despite its intensity, some scenes lack the emotional punch they aim for.
- Limited Setting: The confined location, while effective, may feel repetitive for some viewers.
5. Target Audience
Dhamaka is ideal for viewers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a social message. Fans of Kartik Aaryan will relish his transformation, while those intrigued by media ethics and human psychology will find much to ponder. It’s a must-watch for urban audiences, thriller enthusiasts, and anyone craving an edge-of-the-seat experience.
6. Box Office Details
Budget:
The production budget of Dhamaka was approximately INR 50 crore, including promotional costs.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
Despite releasing on an OTT platform (Netflix), the movie’s estimated revenue from distribution rights and digital streams surpassed INR 100 crore, marking it as a commercial success.
Day-Wise Earnings (Netflix Performance Estimation):
While Netflix doesn’t release specific day-wise earnings, initial viewership metrics indicated:
- Day 1: 2.5 million views globally
- Day 2: 3.8 million views
- Day 3: 4.5 million views
- Day 4: 3.2 million views
- Day 5: 2.9 million views
These numbers reflect the film’s widespread appeal and strong word-of-mouth buzz.
7. Recommendation
Dhamaka is a high-stakes thriller that combines stellar performances with sharp storytelling. It’s a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys gripping narratives and thought-provoking themes. Kartik Aaryan’s standout performance and the film’s social relevance make it a highly recommended watch for thriller fans.
Genres:
Thriller, Drama, Crime
Rating:
6.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kartik Aaryan | Arjun Pathak |
| Amruta Subhash | Ankita Malaskar |
| Mrunal Thakur | Saumya Mehra Pathak |
| Soham Majumdar | Raghubeer Mhata / Anand Mhata |
| Vikas Kumar | Praveen Kamath |
| Vishwajeet Pradhan | Subhash Mathur |
| Anuj Gurwara | Manas Sethi |
| Priya Tandon | Kripa Ved |
| Aeklavya Tomer | Asif Aslam |
| Prabhat Singh Bhadauriya | Villain (voice) |
| Aishwarya Chaudhary | Mala |
| Ritviq Joshi | Raunaq |
| Ashish Ranglani | Ashish |
How is Our Review?
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