Movie Guide:
Release Date: Nov 15, 2024
Run Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
Genere: Drama, Thriller
Certificate Type: UA
Language: Hindi/ 2D
Movie Cast:
Vikrant Massey, Raashi Khanna, Ridhi Dogra
For detailed guide read: Upcoming Movie Release: ‘The Sabarmati Report’ to Premiere on August 2, 2024
Bokmyshow Rating: 8.3/10
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Hey film freaks! Let’s take a peek at The Sabarmati Report, a film which, right from the very opening scene, plunges straight into one of the most debated, gut-punching moments in Indian history-the 2002 Sabarmati Express tragedy. And has this got guts, no doubt, but did it have everything on a silver platter? Well, let’s get it together and revisit this movie.
What’s the Story?
The photojournalist, played by ever-so-impressive Vikrant Massey, captures a chance to cover the fire of the Sabarmati Express, and what starts as a regular job becomes a journey to shocking revelations. That it was a tragedy and not an accident had something sinister behind it.
However, as he gets into it more, he really sees how politics and the media are totally in cahoots to control the story. The movie does not hold its punches at all in showing how reporters have to choose between telling the truth and ensuring the powerful people are satisfied. It is super intense and makes one think, but sometimes it kind of feels more like a documentary than an actual movie.
Vikrant Massey: The MVP
Honestly, Vikrant Massey carries this movie altogether. He’s brilliant as that obstinate journalist who won’t give up, no matter what’s against him. Some of his moments, where he’s facing the big shots or dealing with his anger, are simply pure gold.
So, if his character is unimaginatively flat, by comparison to his stellar turns in 12th Fail or Sector 36, this is one a tad too simplistic. Even so, however, a “straightforward” Massey is better than most!
What is positive in the movie?
Realism: The movie really captures the chaotic side of journalism. You can really almost feel and empathize with the mess of a newsroom and what journalists have to battle against.
Focused Storytelling: No unnecessary fluff. No random romance or melodrama—only sharp attention to the tragedy and its aftermath.
Massey’s Acting: Even with the most flat character, he brought his A-game.
What could’ve been better?
Editing Horror: There are several repetitive scenes. It was like, “We got it the first time around, thank you!
Too On the Nose: The film spells everything out. It does not expect its audience to figure things out. Here subtlety takes the backseat.
Propaganda Vibes: The film leans toward one perspective, and while it tries to balance things out, some moments feel heavy-handed, almost preachy.
The movie is fantastic, seriously. That shot after the train fire is hauntingly done, and there are some scenes that’ll stick with you for a long time after the credits are done. But man, the choppy edit messes with the flow and kinda takes away from the overall impact.
Should you watch it?
Watch this if you are a fan of complex movies that make you question the world around you. It’s bold, it’s engaging, it makes you think. Just do not expect too much from it. It’s far from perfect. By stretches of storytelling, it feels uneven, and the messaging is a bit too in the nose sometimes.
My Verdict- Is it perfect? Not really. Is it important? For sure. The film might not be the full, totally fair story that some were expecting to, but it definitely sparks some conversations we really need to have.
A must-watch that will make you think and question, perhaps even looking at things in a different light than you ever imagined.
Pro Tip: Pop some popcorn and be prepared for a very thoughtful movie experience!
Video Source: Youtube channel @BalajiMotionPictures