The Sabarmati Report REVIEW: Vikrant Massey leads a nuanced portrayal of the Godhra incident”

Film:
The Sabarmati Report

Director & Writer: Dheeraj Sarna

Cast: Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra, Raashii Khanna

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes

The Sabarmati Report Review

The Sabarmati Report takes a deep dive into the darkest phase in modern Indian history—the tragic burning of the Sabarmati Express train in Godhra, Gujarat. The incident led to the death of 59 people, primarily Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya, which sparked widespread violence and communal unrest, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. Vikrant Massey as Samar Kumar, Ridhi Dogra as Manika, and Raashii Khanna as Amrita Gill attempt to deal with the complex socio-political event as certain media reports were fabricated pieces to cover the real incident.

What Works

It is often difficult to showcase a real-life incident with such grace and detail. The Sabarmati Report ticks all the right boxes when it comes to careful research, sensitive portrayal of the subject and also hard-hitting by showcasing the actual truth of the real-life incident. The narrative structure by the writer is praiseworthy as it showcases multiple sides and approaches to the incident. Personal accounts and testimonies, particularly those of survivors and first responders, humanize the tragedy, making it emotionally resonant.

What Doesn’t Work

For those who are not well-versed with the case and the historical detailing for them the technical analysis, legal proceedings, and political scenario might feel dense as a viewer. Also, the film builds tension from the start as there is no space to breathe for the viewer and the flow is not smooth. Also, the songs seem to be abrupt at the start of the first half, since the audience would not connect to his complex characters.

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Technical Analysis

The technical aspects of the film are mostly solid, but the editing can be inconsistent at times. In some parts, you might feel an abrupt shift between subjects or a sudden dive into too much factual detail without sufficient context.

Star Performances

Vikrant Massey is the star of the film; he plays a Hindi channel journalist, Samar Kumar, who goes over and beyond to reveal the truth of the Godhra incident to the nation. He is just remarkable when it comes to the camera, as the actor knows how to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

On the other hand, Ridhi Dogra, as Manika, is someone who every inspiring journalist would idolise. The way she portrayed the negative character on screen will make you hate her but then also love her performance.

Raashii Khanna as an intern who later finds her true calling towards being honest to the ethics of journalism is thrilling to watch, especially in some scenes where she takes over the screen.

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Conclusion

Overall, The Sabarmati Report is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of India’s most important events. Director Dheeraj Sarna with this film has made the audience understand the complexities of modern India and the socio-political undercurrents situations that have shaped its trajectory. It not only retells about a tragic event but also reflects on its impact, both immediate and long-term, on the social fabric of India.

Watch the trailer of the film here:

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