View source for Dhamaka 2021 film

{{short description|Indian film directed by Ram Madhvani}}
{{About|the 2021 film|other uses|Dhamaka (disambiguation){{!}}Dhamaka}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Dhamaka
| image          = Dhamaka film poster.jpg
| alt            = 
| caption        = Official release poster
| director       = [[Ram Madhvani]]
| producer       = {{ubl|[[Ronnie Screwvala]]|Amita Madhvani|Ram Madhvani}}
| writer         = {{ubl|Puneet Sharma|Ram Madhvani}}
| story          = 
| based_on       = {{based on|''[[The Terror Live]]''|[[Kim Byung-woo]]}}
| starring       = {{ubl|[[Kartik Aaryan]]|[[Mrunal Thakur]]|[[Amruta Subhash]]}}
| cinematography = Manu Anand
| editing        = Monisha R. Baldawa<br/>Amit Karia
| music          = Vishal Khurana
| studio         = {{ubl|[[RSVP Movies]]|Ram Madhvani Films|[[Lotte Entertainment|Lotte Cultureworks]]|[[Lionsgate Studios|Global Gate Entertainment]]|[[Lionsgate Films|Lionsgate]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=1 March 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan's 'Dhamaka' Lands Netflix Deal |url=https://variety.com/2021/streaming/news/kartik-aaryan-dhamaka-netflix-1234918235/ |access-date=10 March 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>}}
| distributor    = [[Netflix]]<ref name="bh">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka to release on Netflix this summer, teaser unveiled |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/kartik-aaryan-starrer-dhamaka-release-netflix-summer-teaser-unveiled/ |access-date=2 March 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>
| released       = {{Film date|2021|11|19}}
| runtime        = 104 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhamaka (2021) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dhamaka-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc01mtm3otq |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| budget         = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
}}

'''''{{lang|hi|Dhamaka}}''''' ({{translation|Blast}}) is a 2021 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[thriller film]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhamaka |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dhamaka-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc01mtm3otq |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref> written and directed by [[Ram Madhvani]]. An official remake of the 2013 film ''[[The Terror Live]]'', the film stars [[Kartik Aaryan]] as a [[journalist]] who receives a threat after exclusively interviewing a terrorist, who threatens to blow up the [[Bandra Worli Sea Link]] in [[Mumbai]]. [[Mrunal Thakur]] and [[Amruta Subhash]] co-star in prominent roles.

The adaptation was first pitched by Sunir Kheterpal of Azure Entertainment along with the producers of the original film. After Kheterpal dropped the project, Screwvala acquired the rights for the adaptation with Madhvani helming the project. An official announcement was made in November 2020, production began in December 2020 in [[Mumbai]], and was completed within ten days. The post-production works began simultaneously and were completed within four months, with pending visual effects and graphics process, which were resumed after the [[COVID-19 lockdowns|COVID-19 lockdown]] due to the second wave of the pandemic, in September 2021. The cinematography is handled by Manu Anand and edited by Monisha Baldawa and Amit Karia. The music and background score is composed by Vishal Khurana.

Originally scheduled for theatrical release, this decision was dropped by the producers in January 2021, in favour of a direct-to-digital release through the streaming service [[Netflix]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2021 |title=Dhamaka makers offer Rs 7 crore extra to Kartik Aaryan for THIS reason; check details here |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/entertainment/dhamaka-makers-offer-rs-7-crore-to-kartik-aaryan-for-this-reason-check-details-here-10022410 |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=Jagran India}}</ref> on 19 November 2021.<ref name="rd:bh">{{Cite web |date=18 October 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka to release on November 19 on Netflix |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-starrer-dhamaka-release-november-19-netflix/ |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The film was also screened at the [[52nd International Film Festival of India]] after the film's release.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=23 October 2021 |title=In hybrid format, IFFI plans to draw big names and movies |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-hybrid-format-iffi-plans-to-draw-big-names-and-movies-7585881/ |access-date=31 October 2021 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> The film received mixed reviews from critics, while praising Aaryan's performance and Madhvani's direction, they pointed out the [[Cliché|cliched]] plot and dialogues.

==Plot==
Arjun Pathak was once a top news anchor, but gets demoted due to his behavior. Pulled from primetime TV news and recently divorced, he is now the jaded and bitter host of a current affairs radio program. One day during his morning show, Arjun receives a peculiar phone call threatening to blow up the [[Bandra–Worli Sea Link|Bandra-Worli Sea Link]], a major bridge visible from Arjun's studio building. He takes it as a prank call but watches in shock as the caller follows through and detonates explosives that cause the bridge to collapse, killing innocent people and trapping others.

Realising this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make his comeback as a newscaster, Arjun doesn't call the police. Instead, he sets up a makeshift television studio from his radio station, and negotiates with his former boss, the ratings-obsessed news producer, Ankita Malaskar, to get his position back. He strikes a dangerous deal with the terrorist to exclusively broadcast their phone conversations in [[Real time (media)|real-time]], as the whole nation watches.

The newsroom erupts in chaos as Arjun, Ankita, the police, other broadcasters and the government all exploit terrorism for their own agenda. The only exception is Soumya, Arjun's ex-wife, a reporter who volunteers to report from the site of the terrorist attack. As the live show progresses, Arjun gradually realises how little control he has over the situation. The terrorist, who claims to be Raghubeer Mhata, a 50-something construction worker who lost three of his co-workers in a senseless industrial accident while fixing the bridge, says the families of the victims weren't compensated and demands a public apology from Minister Jaydev Patil. With several people remaining on the bridge, the terrorist threatens a second explosion. He also reveals to Arjun alone that he put a bomb in the anchor's earphone, and that if Patil doesn't apologise, the bomb will explode in his ear, live on air.

Patil's deputy, Subhash Mathur, arrives but refuses to apologise. Arjun realises that there is a bomb in Mathur's earpiece as well, and warns him discreetly but the caller observes this through [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] footage and detonates the bomb in Mathur's earpiece, killing him. This leaves Arjun extremely scared but Ankita orders him to keep going. The caller threatens to detonate more explosives at the bridge, which would also kill Arjun's wife Saumya. Arjun requests him to come to the studio where the minister would give him an apology. This angers Ankita, who leaks information of Arjun having accepted a bribe to cover up the news of the construction workers losing their lives while repairing the bridge, which had led to him being demoted. It is also revealed that Arjun had won the "Journalist of the Year" award for a report he'd actually stolen from Saumya, which led to their divorce. All of this is telecast by another news channel. Ankita blackmails Arjun that he can save his career if he acts as per her orders.

The ATS traces the caller's location to a nearby building but it's a trap, and the caller blows up the building, the impact of which causes the studio to also get nearly destroyed. Arjun is gravely injured and realises that the caller is actually Raghubeer's son Anand, who wants to avenge the death of his father and coworkers, and that he has been calling from his very building. Arjun summons him to the studio, while everything is still being broadcast live. The caller arrives and reveals that he has planted an explosive in the building. He is then sniped down by the ATS, instantly killing him. Arjun finds out that the bridge has collapsed and many people have lost their lives, including Saumya. When Ankita finds out that instead of informing the police, Arjun had decided to exclusively cover this news, she leaks the information. Another news channel telecasts this, adding a false story of Arjun being actively involved in planning the attack, labelling him as an anti-national. Arjun, devastated, sends a voicemail to Saumya, apologising, then detonates the explosive in his building, causing it to collapse and kill him as well.

==Cast==
* [[Kartik Aaryan]] as Arjun Pathak, a [[journalist]], [[radio jockey]], and the host of TRTV Bharosa 24/7<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan stars as Arjun Pathak in the first look of Ram Madhvani's Dhamaka |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/kartik-aaryan-stars-as-arjun-pathak-in-the-first-look-of-ram-madhvanis-dhamaka/ |access-date=23 December 2020 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref name="bh" /> 
* [[Mrunal Thakur]] as Saumya Mehra Pathak, Arjun's ex-wife
* [[Amruta Subhash]] as Ankita Malaskar, Arjun's boss<ref name="bh" />
* [[Vikas Kumar]] as Officer Praveen Kamath<ref name="bh" /> 
* [[Vishwajeet Pradhan]] as Subhash Mathur, Minister Jaydev Patil's deputy<ref name="bh" /> 
* Aeklavya Tomer as Asif Alam, Arjun's radio show producer
* Soham Majumdar as Anand Mhata / Raghubeer Mhata (as per claim on call)
* Aishwarya Chaudhary as Mala Singh
* Mahender Singh as Bisht Kumar, Ankita's assistant
* Ritviq Joshi as Raunaq Goyal
* Dilip Vasu as Jay Reddy
* Ashish Ranglani as Ashish Tripuri
* Dhwani Acharya as Ketki Sinha
* [[Anuj Gurwara]] as Manas Sethi, Ankita's fellow anchor
* [[Priya Tandon]] as Kripa Ved
* Samriddhi as Karuna Shah
* Tuhinanshu Chaturvedi as Abhimanyu Murth

==Production==

=== Development ===
A remake of the Korean film ''[[The Terror Live]]'' (2013) was announced by [[Lionsgate Films]] and [[Lionsgate Studios|Global Gate Entertainment]] in collaboration with Sunir Kheterpal's Azure Entertainment in May 2018, along with other international projects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=7 May 2018 |title=Lionsgate India, Azure, Globalgate To Remake 'Instructions Not Included' & More Under New Partnership |url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/lionsgate-india-azure-globalgate-local-language-remake-deal-instructions-not-included-the-terror-live-cannes-1202383768/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scroll Staff |date=8 May 2018 |title=Indian remakes of Mexican comedy 'Instructions Not Included', Korea's 'The Terror Live' on the cards |url=https://scroll.in/reel/878284/indian-remakes-of-mexican-comedy-instructions-not-included-koreas-the-terror-live-on-the-cards |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref> However, in a turn of developments, Kheterpal opted out of the project and it was later pitched by [[Ronnie Screwvala]] of [[RSVP Movies]], with [[Ram Madhvani]] directing the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=23 July 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan, Ronnie Screwvala, Hansal Mehta, Harman Baweja Team for 'Captain India' (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/kartik-aryan-captain-india-hansal-mehta-ronnie-screwvala-1235025393/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Madhvani initially planned to present the feature as a female-centric film, referencing his previous works: ''[[Neerja]]'' (2016) and the [[web series]] [[Aarya (TV series)|''Aarya'']] (2020). He initially wrote the script with [[Taapsee Pannu]] in mind, but could not approach her for the film,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revealed: Here's how Kartik Aaryan got the lead role in Dhamaka |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/weblite/news/bollywood/revealed-heres-how-kartik-aaryan-got-the-lead-role-in-dhamaka/ |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> and later [[Kriti Sanon]] was also considered for the project, who also refused the offer without giving a convincing reason.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-22 |title=Kartik Aaryan All Set for Dhamaka; Producer Says Kriti Sanon Left Film Without 'Worthy Explanation' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kartik-aaryan-all-set-for-dhamaka-producer-says-kriti-sanon-left-film-without-worthy-explanation-3202403.html |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

He then dropped the idea, changing the narrative to a male-centric project and narrated the script to [[Kartik Aaryan]] accepting his part in the film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lalwani |first=Vickey |title=Exclusive! 'Dhamaka': Kriti Sanon's loss is Kartik Aaryan's gain; "Actress left without giving a convincing reason" - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-dhamaka-kriti-sanons-loss-is-kartik-aaryans-gain-actress-left-without-giving-a-convincing-reason/articleshow/79843483.cms |access-date=2021-11-14 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> as it was his first serious role after a number of comical and romantic characters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan's next film is a thriller directed by Ram Madhvani? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kartik-aaryan-s-next-film-is-a-thriller-directed-by-ram-madhvani-1734486-2020-10-23 |access-date=22 December 2020 |publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=30 October 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan's film with Ram Madhvani is a remake of THIS Korean film; read details inside |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-kartik-aaryans-film-ram-madhvani-remake-korean-film-read-details-inside-571268 |access-date=23 December 2020 |website=Pinkvilla}}</ref> The film featured Aaryan as the main lead, essaying the role of a news reporter named Arjun Pathak,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2020 |title=Presenting Kartik Aaryan's First Look From Dhamaka |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/presenting-kartik-aaryans-first-look-from-dhamaka-2341692 |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan shares his look as Arjun Pathak from Dhamaka |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-shares-his-look-as-arjun-pathak-from-dhamaka-672895 |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=India TV News}}</ref> who runs against time to save the city.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} [[Yami Gautam]] was initially reported to play the character of Arjun's wife,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mankad |first=Himesh |date=7 December 2020 |title=Busy December for Yami Gautam as she juggles Bhoot Police and Dhamaka shoot in Mumbai |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/busy-december-for-yami-gautam-as-she-juggles-bhoot-police-and-dhamaka-shoot-in-mumbai/articleshow/79595738.cms |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}}</ref> but she opted out of the film citing date clashes and was replaced by [[Mrunal Thakur]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The film was officially announced on Aaryan's 30th birthday, i.e., 22 November 2020,<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan says Dhamaka hona chahiye on his birthday, announces new film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kartik-aaryan-says-dhamaka-hona-chahiye-on-his-birthday-announces-new-film-1743063-2020-11-22 |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=India Today}}</ref> also revealing the film's title as {{lang|hi|Dhamaka}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=22 November 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan announces new movie Dhamaka on 30th birthday, shares motion poster |url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-announces-new-movie-dhamaka-on-30th-birthday-shares-motion-poster/story-YaJy8aSt6fkUpQPwNnmPnI_amp.html |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan announces his next film, Ram Madhvani-helmed Dhamaka, with first look poster |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kartik-aaryan-announces-his-next-film-ram-madhvani-helmed-dhamaka-with-first-look-poster-9041571.html |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Firstpost}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
{{Quote box
| quote = Ram sir had planned each scene down to the last detail, including where each actor would stand and what the camera angle would be. It saved the unit a lot of time, enabling them to shoot more than five scenes every day. While the shoot went overtime on a few occasions, they would usually call it a day after eight hours of filming.
| source = A source from the production team, about the completion of shooting within 10 days, to [[Press Trust of India|PTI]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=25 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan sets a new record, wraps Dhamaka in just 10 days |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-s-dhamaka-completes-filming-after-just-10-days/story-7hCX7Exzy82GgwUeKSKjOL.html |access-date=26 December 2020 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
| align = right
| width = 25%
}}
[[Principal photography]] began on 14 December 2020 in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan shares picture of his 'worried' mother as he commences Dhamaka shoot |url=https://www.mid-day.com/amp/articles/kartik-aaryan-shares-picture-of-his-worried-mother-as-he-commences-dhamaka-shoot/23140220 |access-date=22 December 2020 |work=Mid Day}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan's mom is worried as he leaves for Dhamaka shoot, Varun Dhawan asks him to stay safe |url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-s-mom-is-worried-as-he-leaves-for-dhamaka-shoot-varun-dhawan-asks-him-to-stay-safe/story-aGAinhBEjNsooKS9ZOXkZO_amp.html |access-date=23 December 2020 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2020 |title=Why is Kartik Aaryan's mom worried? 'Dhamaka' actor spill beans |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/why-is-kartik-aaryan-s-mom-worried-dhamaka-actor-spill-beans-671062 |access-date=22 December 2020 |work=India TV News}}</ref> On 24 December 2020, it was announced that the makers [[wrap (filming)|wrapped]] the shooting of the film within 10 days.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=25 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan sets a new record, wraps Dhamaka in just 10 days |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-sets-new-record-wraps-dhamaka-just-10-days/ |access-date=26 December 2020 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The director Madhvani had designed a detailed storyboard and ensured the team was prepped to avoid prolonged shoot schedules.<ref name=":4" /> 90% of the shooting was held indoors at a set erected at [[Renaissance Hotels|Renaissance Hotel]] in [[Powai|Powai, Mumbai]], and the hotel was booked by the production unit, composed of more than 300 people.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=25 December 2020 |title=Kartik Aaryan wraps up Dhamaka shoot in 10 days |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kartik-aaryan-wraps-up-dhamaka-shoot-in-10-days-1752981-2020-12-25 |access-date=26 December 2020 |work=India Today}}</ref> Adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols, no outsiders were allowed inside the hotel and the entire unit was asked to stay put during the period, thus creating a bio-bubble of sorts.<ref name=":2" />

Originally, the makers used multiple techniques to shoot the film within a single schedule, and planned to complete within 10 days, while the schedule consisted of 45–50 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 September 2021 |title=10 Bollywood Movies Announced and Completed During the Covid Pandemic |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/10-bollywood-movies-announced-and-completed-during-the-covid-pandemic-4181804.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The team had used multiple cameras and multiple audio outputs — almost 21 microphones were used in order to capture each nuances. The B-roll (secondary footage) of the film was shot simultaneously along with the first footage of the film.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Work on in full-swing for Kartik Aaryan-starrer Netflix film, Dhamaka |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/work-on-in-full-swing-for-kartik-aaryan-starrer-netflix-film-dhamaka |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> The action sequences were shot outdoors. During the final day of the shoot held in outdoors, a rooftop scene featuring a helicopter was erected at green screen in a barren land.<ref name=":3" />

=== Post-production ===
[[Post-production]] works of the film simultaneously began on 31 December 2020, a week after the shooting wrapped.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kartik Aaryan completes shooting his next film - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kartik-aaryan-completes-shooting-his-next-film/articleshow/80048809.cms |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> The makers began dubbing works for the film during March 2021, and was completed within that April, after the lead actor Kartik Aaryan completed dubbing for his portions that month before the 15-day lockdown in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanyal |first=Jyoti |date=15 April 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan completes dubbing for Dhamaka before Mumbai's 15-day janta curfew |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kartik-aaryan-completes-dubbing-for-dhamaka-before-mumbai-s-15-day-janta-curfew-1791167-2021-04-15 |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> It has been revealed that the post-production process has been completed within four months, except for [[computer graphics]], [[Visual effects|visual]] and [[sound effect]]s process, which took place after the lockdown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka Likely To Be Released In August |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-likely-to-be-released-in-august-3836162.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Madhvani collaborated with four visual effects studios to progress the work on the visual effects, since the film has heavy VFX-work.<ref name=":5" /> A scene where a bridge at [[Bandra–Worli Sea Link]] being blown apart, and how several other structures have been affected by the disaster, has been created with visual effects at various studios. Manas Choudhury, the film's sound designer, worked on the [[sound mixing]] of the film during September 2021. Other works such as [[digital intermediate]] and [[color grading]], simultaneously progressed within the same month, so that the team could be ready with the final copy of the film within 15 days.<ref name=":5" />

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name         = Dhamaka
| type         = Soundtrack
| artist       = Vishal Khurana and [[Prateek Kuhad]]
| cover        = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 12 November 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/dhamaka/mCndKq8W8mE_ |access-date=17 November 2021 |publisher=Jiosaavn}}</ref>
| recorded     = 2021
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 9:36
| language     = Hindi<!--Do not link per WP:OL-->
| label        = [[Zee Music Company]]<br/>[[Warner Music India]]
| producer     = 
| misc         = {{external music video| header = Official audio
|{{YouTube|qT-Sf9duVnw|Dhamaka - Full Album}}
}}
}}

The soundtrack and score for the film are composed by Vishal Khurana, who previously collaborated with [[Ram Madhvani]] in ''[[Neerja]]'' (2016) and the [[streaming television]] series ''[[Aarya (TV series)|Aarya]]'' (2020). The film featured only one song titled "Khoya Paaya" which was sung by [[Amit Trivedi]] and Delraaz Bunshah and written by Puneet Sharma. A promotional video song of the track, shot by [[Ravi Varman]] and directed by [[Bejoy Nambiar]], was released on 31 October 2021, where the film's team attended the sets of ''[[Bigg Boss (Hindi season 15)|Bigg Boss 15]]'' for promotional purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2021-10-31 |title=Bigg Boss 15: Dhamaka star Kartik Aaryan promotes his film on Salman Khan's Weekend Ka Vaar : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/bigg-boss-15-dhamaka-star-kartik-aaryan-promotes-film-salman-khans-weekend-ka-vaar/ |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-01 |title=Dhamaka First Song Khoya Paaya Out: Kartik Aaryan questions why count the moments that have passed |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/dhamaka-first-song-khoya-paaya-out-kartik-aaryan-questions-why-count-moments-have-passed-939509 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114145943/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/dhamaka-first-song-khoya-paaya-out-kartik-aaryan-questions-why-count-moments-have-passed-939509 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref> On 12 November 2021, [[Zee Music Company]] released the full album which also had a female version of this track crooned by [[Jasleen Royal]], spanning the duration of the album to 6 minutes.<ref>{{Citation |title=Dhamaka - Full Album {{!}} Kartik Aaryan & Mrunal Thakur {{!}} Vishal Khurana {{!}} Puneet Sharma |date=12 November 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT-Sf9duVnw |access-date=2021-11-14 |language=en}}</ref>

The song received positive response from music critics and listeners. Filmfare called the track "one of the best" and "most inspiring compositions of the year which sets the tone for the film".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khoya Paaya from Dhamaka sets the tone for this new Kartik Aaryan movie |url=https://www.filmfare.com/videos/khoya-paaya-from-dhamaka-sets-the-tone-for-this-new-kartik-aaryan-movie-51509.html |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref> A reviewer from Mid-day stated the song as "music to the ears".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-02 |title=Dhamaka song Khoya Paaya: Kartik Aaryan looks intense; song is music to the ears |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/dhamaka-song-khoya-paaya-kartik-aaryan-looks-intense-song-is-music-to-the-ears-23200832 |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=www.mid-day.com |language=en}}</ref> Hindustan Times stated that "the theme of regret, helplessness, and anxiety matches with the lyrics of the track, thereby being crucial to the film's storyline. It is at the perfect length, conveying deep themes of sorrow and repentance. This song could be streamed on your playlist on loop."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-01 |title='Khoya Paaya' review: This 'Dhamaka' song is thought-provoking |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/news/entertainment/khoya-paaya-from-dhamaka-is-touching/story |access-date=2021-11-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 15 November 2021, the makers released the film version of the track "Kasoor" originally performed, written, and sung by singer-songwriter [[Prateek Kuhad]] under licensed [[Warner Music India]], and was picturized on Kartik and Mrunal in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-15 |title=Kartik Aaryan-Mrunal Thakur's 'Kasoor' song from Dhamaka OUT - Watch |url=https://zeenews.india.com/people/kartik-aaryan-mrunal-thakurs-kasoor-song-from-dhamaka-out-watch-2411199.html |access-date=2021-11-17 |website=Zee News |language=en}}</ref> This song was earlier released as an independent single in July 2020, during the [[COVID-19 lockdowns|COVID-19 lockdown]] period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-01 |title=Prateek Kuhad song Kasoor will hit you right in the feels |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/prateek-kuhad-kasoor-music-video-6485216/ |access-date=2021-11-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| total_length = 9:36
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Khoya Paaya
| extra1 = [[Amit Trivedi]], Delraaz Bunshah
| music1 = Vishal Khurana
| lyrics1 = Puneet Sharma
| length1 = 4:00
| title2 = Khoya Paaya
| note2 = Female Version
| extra2 = [[Jasleen Royal]]
| music2 = Vishal Khurana
| lyrics2 = Puneet Sharma
| length2 = 2:19
| title3 = Kasoor
| lyrics3 = [[Prateek Kuhad]]
| extra3 = Prateek Kuhad
| music3 = Prateek Kuhad
| length3 = 3:17
}}

==Release==
{{lang|hi|Dhamaka}} was initially scheduled for theatrical release and the film's lead actor Aaryan had added a new clause in his agreement to producers in December 2020, which prevents his films to forgo theatrical release and premiere on a [[Digital streaming|digital streaming service]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2020 |title=No OTT premiere for Kartik Aaryan's movies; actor adds new clause in his agreement with producers |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/no-ott-premiere-kartik-aaryans-movies-actor-adds-new-clause-agreement-producers/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=10 December 2020 |title=Top stars reject direct-to digital releases |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/top-stars-reject-direct-to-digital-releases-11607579583844.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> However, in January 2021, the producers opted for a [[direct-to-digital]] release through the streaming platform [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2021 |title=BIG SCOOP: Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka gears up for a direct-to-digital premiere on Netflix |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/big-scoop-kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-gears-direct-digital-premiere-netflix/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The first teaser of the film was released on 2 March 2021 by [[Netflix|Netflix India]], thus confirming the digital release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2021 |title=Netflix releases teaser of Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka; Ram Madhvani's film to release this summer-Entertainment News |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/netflix-releases-teaser-of-kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-ram-madhvanis-film-to-release-this-summer-9365811.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> It was considered as one of the 41 Indian contents slated for an exclusive release through the platform,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2021 |title=Netflix announces 41 titles: Fabulous Lives 2, Delhi Crime 2, Madhuri Dixit's Finding Anamika in pipeline |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/netflix-new-slate-2021-kapil-sharma-dhamaka-delhi-crime-2-7212144/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2021 |title=Netflix India 2021 slate announced: From Fabulous Lives season 2 and Kapil Sharma to Abbas-Mustan's next, see full list |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/netflix-india-2021-slate-announced-from-fabulous-lives-season-2-and-kapil-sharma-to-abbas-mustan-s-next-see-full-list-101614760233353.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> and also happened to be Aaryan's debut on a digital streamer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grater |first=Tom |date=3 March 2021 |title=Netflix India Unveils Slate Of 40 Films & Series |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/netflix-india-slate-40-films-series-1234704881/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The rights were sold to the platform at a sum {{Indian Rupee|85–135}} crore (US$12–19 million),{{Efn|According to the sources ''[[Pinkvilla]]'' and ''[[Filmfare]]'', the digital rights of the film were estimated to be ₹85 crore,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2021 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka sold to Netflix for whopping Rs 85 crore? |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-kartik-aaryan-s-dhamaka-sold-netflix-whopping-rs-85-crore-600373 |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka sold to an OTT giant for a whopping Rs 85 crores |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-sold-to-an-ott-giant-for-a-whopping-rs-85-crores-46046.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref> but in April 2021, the deal was reported to be around ₹135 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title=Netflix buys Dhamaka for Rs 1.35 billion! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/netflix-buys-kartiks-dhamaka-for-rs-135-bn/20210414.htm |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=India com Entertainment |date=14 April 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka Sold to Netflix For a Whopping Rs 135 Crore- Know Details |url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-sold-to-netflix-for-a-whopping-rs-135-crore-know-details-4583297/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=India News, Breaking News {{!}} India.com |language=en}}</ref>}} the highest ever for a Hindi film surpassing ''[[Laxmii]]'' (which was sold to [[Disney+ Hotstar]] to ₹110 crore).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=ABP News |date=14 April 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan's 'Dhamaka' To Release On Netflix; Film Sold For Whooping Rs 135 Crore |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/kartik-aaryan-starrer-dhamaka-sold-to-netflix-for-a-whopping-rs-135-crore-1453037 |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}</ref>

The film was scheduled for release on 30 December 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2 March 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka to release on Netflix this summer, teaser unveiled : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/kartik-aaryan-starrer-dhamaka-release-netflix-summer-teaser-unveiled/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref> but post-production delays prompted the makers to postpone the release to September.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=8 June 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan's 'Dhamaka' likely to create a dhamaka in August |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/films/kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-likely-to-create-a-dhamaka-in-august |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=National Herald |language=en}}</ref> In July 2021, the makers announced that the film will be released in October 2021, during the festive season around [[Navaratri|Navratri]] and [[Dusshera]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=30 July 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka scheduled for release in October 2021 around the festive season of Navratri and Dusshera : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-starrer-dhamaka-scheduled-release-october-2021-around-festive-season-navratri-dusshera/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref> but it was later revealed that the film would be released on the occasion of [[Diwali]] (5 November 2021).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kartik Aaryan to light up Diwali with his Netflix release 'Dhamaka'? |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/kartik-aaryan-to-light-up-diwali-with-his-netflix-release-dhamaka |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> A special teaser was unveiled at the [[Tudum Festival]] by Netflix on 25 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2021 |title=Netflix Tudum India Spotlight: Sneak peek into Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka, SLB's Heeramandi & 8 NEW projects |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/netflix-tudum-india-spotlight-sneak-peek-kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-slbs-heeramandi-8-new-projects-904140 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928092419/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/netflix-tudum-india-spotlight-sneak-peek-kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-slbs-heeramandi-8-new-projects-904140 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=25 September 2021 |title=Tudum India Spotlight: From Kartik Aaryan's Dhamaka, Madhuri Dixit's Finding Anamika to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, Netflix shares first look and promos : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/tudum-india-spotlight-from-kartik-aaryans-dhamaka-madhuri-dixits-finding-anamika-to-sanjay-leela-bhansalis-heeramandi-netflix-shares-first-look-and-promos/ |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2021 |title=Netflix's Tudum event offers glimpses at Aranyak, Dhamaka, Little Things 4, Finding Anamika, more. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/netflixs-tudum-event-offers-glimpses-at-aranyak-dhamaka-little-things-4-finding-anamika-more-watch-101632581826129.html |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

The film's release date is said to be preponed to late-October 2021, following the government's permission to reopen theatres in [[Maharashtra]] from 22 October 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhamaka To Finding Anamika: 10 New Films And Shows On Netflix, Everything You Need To Know |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dhamaka-to-finding-anamika-10-new-films-and-shows-on-netflix-everything-you-need-to-know-2554141 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Meghna |date=25 September 2021 |title=Cinema halls, drama theatres in Maharashtra to reopen from 22 Oct. Read here |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/maharashtra-theatres-auditoriums-to-reopen-from-22-oct-sop-to-be-declared-soon-11632563005173.html |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> However, the makers announced that the film will be released on 19 November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2021 |title=Dhamaka, Red Notice, Tiger King 2, and More on Netflix India in November |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/features/netflix-india-november-2021-releases-dhamaka-red-notice-meenakshi-sundareshwar-tiger-king-2595739 |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-03 |title=Streaming in November 2021: Meenakshi Sundareshwar, Dhamaka, Special Ops 1.5 and others |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/streaming-in-november-2021-dhamaka-meenakshi-sundareshwar-special-ops-1-5-and-others-7604128/ |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Netflix further planned to conduct a special screening at the [[52nd International Film Festival of India|52nd edition]] of [[International Film Festival of India]] to be held from 20 to 28 November,<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=2021-11-11 |title=The Family Man 2 creators Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK to conduct masterclass at IFFI Goa; Kartik Aaryan might introduce Dhamaka at the festival : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/family-man-2-creators-raj-nidimoru-krishna-dk-conduct-masterclass-iffi-goa-kartik-aaryan-might-introduce-dhamaka-festival/ |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref> with the platform's other film, [[Jane Campion]]-directorial ''[[The Power of the Dog (film)|The Power of the Dog]]'' (2021).<ref>{{Cite news |title=OTTs to make their debut on International Film Festival of India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/otts-to-make-their-debut-on-international-film-festival-of-india/articleshow/87218713.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2021-11-11 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> Ahead of the release, a special screening was held in [[Mumbai]] on 17 November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2021 |title=Kartik Aaryan and Mrunal Thakur are all smiles at Dhamaka screening. See pics |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/kartik-aaryan-and-mrunal-thakur-are-all-smiles-at-dhamaka-screening-see-pics-1877576-2021-11-17 |access-date=2021-11-17 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pictures: Amruta Subhash, Kartik Aaryan, Mrunal Thakur at Dhamaka special screening |url=https://www.filmfare.com/photos/pictures-amruta-subhash-kartik-aaryan-mrunal-thakur-at-dhamaka-special-screening-51544.html |access-date=2021-11-17 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|38|4.8|16|consensus=}}<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id=dhamaka |type=movie |title=DHAMAKA |access-date=November 20, 2021}}</ref>

[[Shubhra Gupta]] from ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave the film 1 star out of 5 and wrote, "Even the worst TV channels in real life with their shrieking guests and poisonous debates have more drama than the goings-on in this fictional Bharosa 24/7. Everything that's happening on screen feels contrived and improbable. The whole film feels like a set. And everyone feels like they are acting out set-pieces in this Netflix thriller."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka review: Kartik Aaryan thriller lacks urgency, terror, tension |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dhamaka-movie-review-kartik-aaryan-netflix-mrunal-thakur-7630769/ |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Writing for the same publication, Rohan Naahar stated "Equally angry at the corrupt politicians who exploit the common person and the greedy news media that enables them, the film captures the mood of the nation. Packaged as a populist piece of entertainment, it lives up to its attention-grabbing title. The clickbait-and-switch, however, is deftly executed."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-21 |title=Dhamaka: Netflix's thrilling Kartik Aaryan-starrer is an attack on all the right people |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dhamaka-netflixs-thrilling-kartik-aaryan-starrer-is-an-attack-on-all-the-right-people-7631125/ |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

[[Saibal Chatterjee]] from ''[[NDTV]]'' gave the film 2.5 stars (out of 5) rating and said that the film "does throw up a few tense moments and some surprises along the way but, despite what is at stake, is overall a rather tepid affair".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |title=Dhamaka Review: Despite Kartik Aryan's Panache, Takedown Of Indian Journalism Is More A Whimper Than A Bang |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dhamaka-review-despite-kartik-aryans-panache-takedown-of-indian-journalism-is-more-a-whimper-than-a-bang-2-5-stars-2617100 |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=NDTV |language=en}}</ref> Renuka Vyavahare of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film a rating of 3 out of 5 stars and stated that the film "may not be explosive enough to change the narrative" but "makes for an engaging hostage thriller".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vyavahare |first=Renuka |title=DHAMAKA REVIEW : A GRIPPING SOCIAL COMMENTARY ON THE BUSINESS OF NEWS |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/dhamaka/ottmoviereview/81350148.cms |access-date=November 20, 2021 |work=Times of India |language=en}}</ref> [[Anupama Chopra]] on the website ''[[Film Companion]]'' stated, "''Dhamaka'' isn't a bad film but doesn't match Ram Madhvani's previous works — ''Neerja'' and the series ''Aarya''". She further called the film as a passable thriller with criticism directed on the scenario and writing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka, On Netflix, Isn't A Bad Film, But Doesn't Match Ram Madhvani's Previous Work |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/streaming/netflix/dhamaka-review-netflix-kartik-aaryan-isnt-a-bad-film-but-doesnt-match-ram-madhvanis-previous-work-amruta-subhash-mrunal-thakur/ |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=Film Companion |language=en}}</ref> Nandini Ramnath of ''[[Scroll.in]]'' said, "The 104-minute film is packed with nervous energy, convincing visual effects and serviceable performances from the cast."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=19 November 2021 |title='Dhamaka' review: Some bombs go off but the big one doesn't |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1010747/dhamaka-review-some-bombs-go-off-but-the-big-one-doesnt |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=Scroll.in |language=en}}</ref> She further praised Aaryan's performance saying that he "is cleverly cast as the smarmy and jaded journalist who is forced to find the spine that he didn't know he still had. Despite going overboard in the crucial scenes, Aaryan makes the most of a largely unsympathetic character."<ref name=":7" />

Devansh Sharma of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave the film 3.5 stars (out of 5 stars) and wrote, "Director Ram Madhvani masterfully blends the unrehearsed tension that arises from his natural way of filming with a promising premise on paper to create a taut thriller."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Devansh |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka movie review: A sincere Kartik Aaryan in Ram Madhvani thriller that isn't explosive, but not exploitative either |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dhamaka-movie-review-a-sincere-kartik-aaryan-in-ram-madhvani-thriller-that-isnt-explosive-but-not-exploitative-either-10147021.html |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref> [[Bollywood Hungama]] gave 3 out of 5 stars and stated it as an "edge of the seat thriller that boasts of fine performances (particularly Aaryan's)", but criticised the second half.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka Movie Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dhamaka-2/critic-review/dhamaka-2-movie-review/despite-a-slow-second-half-dhamaka-is-an-edge-of-the-seat-thriller-that-boasts-of-fine-performances/ |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> Stutee Ghosh from ''[[The Quint]]'' website gave the fim a positive review with a rating of 3 out of 5 stars and said, "The compact runtime and performances of Kartik Aryan makes the film watchable. Ram Madhvani knows when and how to dial up the tension, give us just enough information so we know what's happening and are hungrier for more."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Stutee |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka Review |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/dhamaka-movie-review-kartik-aaryan-netflix-ram-madhvani-amruta-subhash |access-date=November 20, 2021 |website=The Quint |language=en}}</ref> Anuj Kumar of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "The disturbing thoughts swim in the conscience as one could clearly hear the sound of social implosion in Ram Madhvani's compelling thriller, lined with commentary on media ethics".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2021-11-21 |title='Dhamaka' movie review: Sound of social implosion |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhamaka-movie-review-sound-of-social-implosion/article37607805.ece |access-date=2021-11-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

''[[Sify]]''-based critic Sonia Chopra wrote "''Dhamaka'' explores how class inequality, constantly brushed under the carpet and normalized, is bound to explode in one way or the other."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhamaka review: Kartik Aaryan delivers an arresting thriller |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dhamaka-review-kartik-aaryan-delivers-an-arresting-thriller--review-bollywood-vlwensaejbajb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122044928/https://www.sify.com/movies/dhamaka-review-kartik-aaryan-delivers-an-arresting-thriller--review-bollywood-vlwensaejbajb.html |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Sukanya Verma]] of Rediff.com gave 2.5 stars and stated "''Dhamaka'' doesn't always hit the right buttons and Kartik Aaryan is a puny choice for a role of enormous calibre and incessant focus".<ref>{{Cite web |last=VERMA |first=SUKANYA |title=Dhamaka review |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/dhamaka-review/20211119.htm |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> Shilajit Mitra of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote "Dhamaka toys with the idea that news-making is steeped in drama. But the film, as a work of fiction, could have sold this point better by avoiding the manipulations it is seeking to spurn. It never does."<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 November 2021 |title='Dhamaka' Review: A thriller undone by excess |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2021/nov/20/dhamaka-review-a-thriller-undone-by-excess-2385757.html |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> ''[[Zee News|Daily News and Analysis]]''-based editor Mugdha Kapoor Safaya wrote "even though the script and dialogues lack at some points in the film, Ram Madhvani's direction in the restricted space of one newsroom while capturing every heightened emotion during a breaking news scenario through multiple camera setup is fabulous and shows you the marvel of Madhvani's work yet again".<ref>{{Cite web |title='Dhamaka' film review: In Ram Madhvani's film, Kartik Aaryan delivers a 'dhamakedaar' performance |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/movie-reviews/report-dhamaka-movie-review-in-ram-madhvani-s-film-kartik-aaryan-delivers-a-dhamakedaar-performance-2920311 |access-date=2021-11-22 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>

[[Anupama Chopra]] of Film Companion wrote, "Ultimately, the scenario is too outlandish and the writing, too ordinary."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=19 November 2021 |title=Dhamaka, On Netflix, Isn't A Bad Film, But Doesn't Match Ram Madhvani's Previous Work |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/streaming/netflix/dhamaka-review-netflix-kartik-aaryan-isnt-a-bad-film-but-doesnt-match-ram-madhvanis-previous-work-amruta-subhash-mrunal-thakur/ |access-date=November 24, 2021}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|13510660}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes | dhamaka }}
* {{Bollywood Hungama movie|dhamaka-2}}

[[Category:2021 films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:2021 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2021 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Vishal Khurana]]
[[Category:Indian remakes of South Korean films]]
[[Category:Indian thriller films]]
[[Category:2021 thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:2021 Indian films]]
[[Category:Netflix original films]]
[[Category:Films about terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Films about bomb disposal]]
[[Category:Films about journalists]]
[[Category:Films about mass media in India]]
[[Category:Fictional television stations]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films about radio people]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian mystery thriller films]]