The Sabarmati Report Movie Review: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Ridhi Dogra Shine in a Film That Pays Tribute to 59 Innocent Lives

5/5 - (1 vote)

The Sabarmati Report has been the talk of the town since its announcement. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna and produced by Ektaa R. Kapoor, the film delves into one of the most harrowing events in modern Indian history — the Godhra train burning incident of 2002. With a powerful ensemble cast featuring Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra, and Raashii Khanna, the film attempts to unpack the complexities of truth, media politics, and communal tensions. But does it live up to the promises made by its intense trailer? Let’s dive into the review.

About The Sabarmati Report

The movie centers on the tragic events of February 27, 2002, when 59 individuals lost their lives as fire engulfed the Sabarmati Express near Godhra. Based on the Nanavati-Mehta Commission’s findings, the story highlights how a large mob attacked and set fire to the train, sparking one of the most heated debates in Indian socio-political history.

At its heart is Samar Kumar (played by Vikrant Massey), a journalist fighting newsroom politics and uncovering the “truth buried by the media.” His quest for justice, supported by Amrita Gill (Raashii Khanna), forms the crux of the story. The narrative also examines the role of the media and its accountability, weaving real-life footage with fictional dramatization.

Performances

The film’s performances are its strongest pillar.

• Vikrant Massey as Samar Kumar: Massey once again proves his mettle, delivering a nuanced and emotional performance. Whether it’s portraying the struggles of a journalist battling the system or the personal toll of the truth-seeking mission, Massey brings authenticity to every frame. His dialogues resonate deeply, but it’s his expressive eyes that leave a lasting impact.

• Ridhi Dogra as Manika: Dogra owns the role of a fierce media head with authority. Her portrayal of a no-nonsense boss who plays by her own rules adds depth to the story.

• Raashii Khanna as Amrita Gill: Khanna’s performance as a determined young journalist adds balance to the narrative. Her character is sincere and relatable, and she brings conviction to her role.

Writing & Direction

Here’s where The Sabarmati Report falters.

• Writing: While the script attempts to address a sensitive topic, it sometimes feels heavy-handed in presenting its narrative. The film’s disclaimer about being based on the Nanavati-Mehta Commission doesn’t prevent it from appearing biased at times, leaving viewers questioning whether it aims to present facts or push a particular perspective.

• Direction: Dheeraj Sarna delivers a decent attempt at blending real footage with dramatized events. However, the execution feels uneven, with some scenes appearing disjointed. The storytelling could have benefited from a tighter screenplay and smoother transitions.

Highlights

1. Engaging Performances: Vikrant Massey and the ensemble cast elevate the film.

2. Emotional Depth: The movie captures the pain and trauma of the incident while exploring the human side of those affected.

3. Social Commentary: The film raises important questions about the role of the media and its accountability.

Lowlights

1. Bias in Narrative: The story sometimes leans too heavily in one direction, which may alienate certain viewers.

2. Choppy Execution: The combination of real-life footage and fictional storytelling feels inconsistent.

Parting Thoughts

As Vikrant Massey poignantly said in an interview, “If you view the Godhra tragedy through a religious or ideological lens, you should be ashamed.” However, the film itself struggles to escape these biases.

While The Sabarmati Report succeeds in sparking conversations and delivering impactful performances, it falls short of being a fully unbiased account. For those interested in history, media ethics, or political drama, the film is a thought-provoking watch, albeit with its imperfections.

Sabarmati Report Movie Trailer

Rating Breakdown

• Storyline: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

The narrative is compelling but occasionally leans towards a biased perspective.

• Performances: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Stellar performances by Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra elevate the film.

• Direction: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)

The direction feels uneven, with disjointed transitions and choppy storytelling.

• Writing: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)

The screenplay struggles to maintain a balance between fact and dramatization.

• Cinematography: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Some sequences are visually impactful, but the integration of real footage feels inconsistent.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

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