The 2021 Netflix thriller Dhamaka, starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Ram Madhvani, grabbed attention for its gripping storyline and tense atmosphere. The film follows Arjun Pathak, a once-celebrated TV journalist who gets a shocking call during a live broadcast — from a mysterious man threatening to blow up the city unless his demands are met. What follows is a thrilling exploration of media ethics, human greed, and moral conflict.
Because of its realistic setting and powerful depiction of how news channels operate, many viewers have asked: Is Dhamaka based on a real story?
Let’s analyze the facts.
The Origin: Based on a Korean Film
Dhamaka is not based on a true story, but it is an official remake of the 2013 South Korean film The Terror Live, directed by Kim Byung-woo.
Both films share a similar premise — a disgraced TV anchor gets a live call from a bomber who wants justice for the government’s negligence that led to a deadly accident. The journalist must decide whether to chase ratings or do the right thing, all while chaos unfolds on screen.
While The Terror Live was a work of fiction, it reflected real social issues like political corruption, media sensationalism, and the exploitation of tragedy for viewership. Dhamaka takes these same ideas and contextualizes them within the Indian media landscape.
Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Story
Although Dhamaka isn’t directly based on any one true incident, it draws inspiration from real-world patterns in news media — particularly the pressure to prioritize breaking news and TRP ratings over truth and empathy.
Director Ram Madhvani, known for Neerja (which was based on a true story), stated that Dhamaka aims to hold a mirror to society, exploring how media and viewers both feed into a cycle of sensationalism.
The film’s narrative — a journalist compromising ethics for fame — echoes real-life criticisms of television journalism, where tragedy often turns into spectacle.
Fact vs. Fiction
| Element | Fact or Fiction? | Details |
| Arjun Pathak’s Character | Fictional | Created for the Indian remake, not based on a real journalist. |
| Bomb Threat Incident | Fictional | Inspired by the plot of The Terror Live. |
| Media Manipulation Theme | Realistic | Reflects actual trends in news reporting and TRP-driven coverage. |
| Government Negligence Motif | Partly Realistic | Reflects real public frustration over civic negligence. |
Themes Rooted in Reality
While the film’s central bomb-plot is fictional, its social commentary is painfully real. Dhamaka highlights:
- How modern journalism often prioritizes ratings over responsibility.
- The psychological toll on media professionals chasing fame.
- The blurred line between truth and performance in live television.
These elements give Dhamaka a sense of realism that makes viewers question whether such an event could actually happen — which is a testament to its powerful storytelling.
Final Verdict
So, is Dhamaka a real story? No — it’s not based on a true incident, but it’s inspired by real-world issues in the media industry.
Dhamaka stands as a fictional thriller with a foundation in reality, blending cinematic drama with sharp social critique. It reminds viewers that while explosions may make headlines, sometimes the real “dhamaka” happens inside the newsroom — where truth often takes a backseat to sensationalism.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
