Dhamaka (2021): An intense indian thriller

If you've been reading my posts, I'm sure you'll have noticed that I don't often refer to modern action movies. The truth is that I usually do not choose to see such films, I prefer classic and cinephile films (as some call them), but also those of social and political interest.

source

Last night, my partner chose to watch an action movie while I was catching up with my work projects on my computer. To explain in advance that my pc is in the same room as the TV and that from my seat I can easily see what is happening on the screen. I'm usually focused on my work and don't pay attention to anything.
But yesterday's movie caught my attention. At first I was sneaking glances - you know those sneak peeks that everyone who reads or works does to avoid being caught - but as soon as the action started, I closed all the computer programs, shut down the pc and sat comfortably next to my boyfriend to enjoy the movie.

It was the movie Dhamaka, an Indian production distributed by Netflix. Lately I've seen quite a few Indian movies, both Bollywood (you know I love dancing, huh?) and non-Bollywood productions, and I've been impressed with the quality of Indian cinema.
The case was quite interesting. An out-of-favor journalist, Arjun, who has just divorced his wife, receives a call on his radio show from a man threatening to plant a bomb on one of the busiest bridges. Although Arjun doesn't believe him at first, the images of a section of the bridge blowing up convinces him that the man is telling the truth.

But Arjun tries to take advantage of the communication channel he has opened with the terrorist to regain his old position and his lost popularity. To achieve this, he "blackmails" his news director into giving him the necessary equipment, cameras and sound to broadcast his conversation with the bomber live. Things, however, do not turn out the way the host wants them to, and the revelations that emerge from the conversation will involve not only the bomber's motives, but also Arjun himself.

Although it seems like a simple action story, the script hides political and social criticism within it. When the bomber calls for the government to be held responsible for an working accident that resulted in the death of several workers, the government through its representative not only turns a deaf ear, but refuses any communication resulting in his immediate response. Generally speaking, the script was the strongest point in this film. It kept your interest undiminished and you anxiously waited to see what happens next. There were, of course, some scenario gaps and some points that go beyond plausibility, reaching the limit of exaggeration, but as I believe, we can pass by them and keep the good parts of it.

source

In the pluses of the film was the cast, especially the protagonist of the play who is called upon to answer the dilemma of resurrecting his career or helping the people involved in the case, among then his most loved ones, to save themselvves and to unravel the tangle. The actor's face, Kartik Aaryan, shows the feelings and thoughts he tries to hide, as he gets deeper into this story, creating the profile of the tragic hero.

As an action movie, the effects are pretty decent to pretty good (admittedly I'm no expert on the subject since I don't watch enough action movies). I was impressed by the bombing scenes, they felt too real.

Should you watch it? Yes, if you wanna spend around two hours watching a movie with a continuous cliffhanger.It is a decent film and gives you something to think about. Personally, even though not a fan of the genre, I enjoyed it. The only minus was that I ate a lot of pop corn, due to the suspense of the film.

Did I mention that you can watch it on Netflix?

Thank you for reading!