Name: Dhamaka
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime
Released: 2021-11-19T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Amruta Subhash, Mrunal Thakur, Soham Majumdar, Vikas Kumar

The opening scene of Dhamaka (2021) is a masterclass in tension. Kartik Aaryan, playing the cynical ex-TV news anchor Arjun Pathak, sits alone in his radio studio, the hum of static filling the air as a caller’s voice crackles through. It’s a moment that promises a gripping thriller, and for stretches, Ram Madhvani’s film delivers.

Arjun Pathak is a man desperate for relevance after being demoted from prime-time TV news due to an unsavory incident—one that hints at ethical compromises he’s made in the past. When a mysterious caller threatens to blow up Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli sea link unless his demands are met, Arjun sees it as a chance to reclaim his career. The setup is ripe with potential, exploring the murky waters of sensationalism in media and the moral compromises journalists make for ratings.

Where Dhamaka excels is in its pacing and atmosphere. The film builds suspense effectively, particularly in the early stretches where Arjun’s radio show becomes a battleground between truth and manipulation. Kartik Aaryan delivers a commendable performance, stepping away from his usual romantic-lead roles to embody a flawed, morally ambiguous character. His portrayal of Arjun’s desperation and cynicism is compelling, especially in scenes where he grapples with the ethics of broadcasting the caller’s threats.

The supporting cast, including Amruta Subhash as Ankita Malaskar and Mrunal Thakur as Saumya Mehra Pathak, adds depth to the narrative. Subhash, in particular, stands out as a no-nonsense police officer investigating the case, her sharp dialogue and authoritative presence grounding the film’s more sensational elements.

However, Dhamaka falters in its execution of the thriller genre. The film’s climax feels rushed and underwhelming, failing to deliver the explosive payoff promised by its title. The mystery behind the caller’s identity is reveal in a way that feels contrived rather than earned, undermining the tension built throughout the film.

Additionally, the characters often feel shallow, despite strong performances. Arjun’s personal struggles—his divorce, his career downfall—are introduced but never fully explored, leaving him feeling more like a vehicle for the plot than a fully realized individual. The same can be said for many of the supporting characters, who exist primarily to serve the narrative rather than engage emotionally.

The film’s originality is its strongest suit, tackling relevant themes about media ethics and sensationalism with a critical eye. However, it struggles to balance these themes with the demands of a thriller, resulting in a story that feels more like a social commentary than a gripping crime drama.

Dhamaka is a decent effort, but it’s held back by its uneven pacing and shallow character development. Kartik Aaryan’s performance is a highlight, and the film’s exploration of media ethics is timely and relevant.