Title: The Sabarmati Report
Director: Dheeraj Sarna
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra, Barkha Singh
Rating: ★ 1.5/5
Genre: Drama, Political Thriller
Language: Hindi
Synopsis
The Sabarmati Report follows a fictional investigation into the 2002 Sabarmati Express train fire and its aftermath. Reporter Samar Kumar (Vikrant Massey) partners with Manika Rajpurohit (Riddhi Dogra) and Amrita Gill (Raashii Khanna) as they explore the tragedy. The film attempts to present the events and narratives around the tragedy, focusing on political pressure, communal divides, and the role of media in shaping public opinion.
Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vikrant Massey | Samar Kumar | A Hindi-speaking investigative journalist driven by a sense of justice. |
| Raashii Khanna | Amrita Gill | A newbie reporter aiding Samar in uncovering the story. |
| Riddhi Dogra | Manika Rajpurohit | An English-speaking reporter with a neutral stance. |
| Barkha Singh | Supporting Role | Plays a local figure affected by the incident, adding emotional weight. |
The performances are mixed. Vikrant Massey brings intensity to his role, but the lack of character depth limits his impact. Raashii Khanna does a decent job in her role as a junior reporter. Riddhi Dogra’s role is underdeveloped, making her character’s shifts less convincing.
Direction and Screenplay
Dheeraj Sarna’s direction attempts to balance drama and investigative thriller elements. However, the movie leans heavily on one-sided storytelling, lacking nuance. The screenplay, which could have enriched the narrative by exploring different perspectives, instead simplifies complex issues, offering limited exploration into motivations and implications.
Highlights of the Screenplay:
- Focuses on Samar Kumar’s determination to unveil the “truth.”
- Tries to introduce moral dilemmas but oversimplifies conflicts.
- Misses out on building a layered narrative by sidelining critical perspectives.
Weaknesses of the Screenplay:
- Predictability – The story follows an expected path without surprising twists.
- Lack of Investigation – Key conclusions feel rushed, with no solid investigation shown.
- Shallow Characters – Supporting roles feel one-dimensional and lack depth.
Acting
Vikrant Massey (Samar Kumar)
Massey’s portrayal is passionate, though occasionally overdramatic. His character’s persistence is admirable, but the script limits the complexity he can bring. His interactions, particularly with Manika, attempt to portray ideological conflict but often fall short.
Riddhi Dogra (Manika Rajpurohit)
Dogra’s role as the English-speaking, balanced journalist lacks authenticity in execution. Her character’s shifts under “political pressure” are abrupt and could have benefitted from a slower evolution.
Raashii Khanna (Amrita Gill)
Khanna adds an element of curiosity and energy to the movie, but her character development is limited. While she supports Massey’s character, her role does not have the growth or screen time needed to make a significant impact.
Cinematography and Visuals
The film’s visuals bring intensity to some scenes, especially in depicting the chaotic aftermath of the tragedy. The cinematography highlights the rural and urban settings of Gujarat but lacks creative direction.
Positives:
- Realistic portrayals of crowded locations.
- Focuses on newsrooms, ground-zero sites, and emotional moments.
Negatives:
- Repetitive Angles – Some shots feel redundant, lacking visual storytelling.
- Limited Symbolism – Misses the chance to use visual cues for emotional depth.
Choreography and Action
There isn’t much emphasis on choreography, as the film mainly revolves around drama and dialogue rather than action or dance sequences. The few confrontational scenes are straightforward, though they fail to add tension or excitement.
Box Office Performance
The Sabarmati Report received a lukewarm response at the box office. The film’s lack of mass appeal, coupled with critical reviews pointing out its flaws, affected its performance.
Estimated Box Office Revenue:
| Day | Earnings (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹1 crore | Limited audience turnout |
| Day 2 | ₹0.8 crore | Low word-of-mouth interest |
| Day 3 | ₹0.6 crore | Continuing decline |
| Total (Week 1) | ₹4-5 crore | Struggled at the box office |
Special Aspects of the Movie
The film’s attempt to tackle a significant historical event is commendable, but the approach lacks objectivity. Here are some unique aspects that stand out:
- Controversial Subject – Delves into sensitive topics that continue to resonate in Indian society.
- Focus on Journalistic Perspectives – Tries to portray the moral dilemmas faced by journalists covering polarizing stories.
- Ideological Conflict – Shows the contrast between Hindi and English-speaking reporters as a metaphor for cultural and ideological divides.
Verdict
While The Sabarmati Report had the potential to become a thought-provoking drama on journalism and historical events, it ultimately falls short due to a lack of nuance and depth. The story remains overly simplistic, often straying into judgment rather than balanced storytelling.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Movie
Strengths:
- Engages with a critical historical event.
- Attempts to explore ideological divides within journalism.
Weaknesses:
- One-Sided Narrative – Misses balanced storytelling.
- Underdeveloped Characters – Fails to explore motivations deeply.
- Predictable Plot – Lacks suspense and investigative depth.
Final Rating: 1.5/5
Conclusion: The Sabarmati Report aspires to depict complex socio-political events but lacks the sophistication and depth required for an impactful thriller. Its limited perspective, combined with a predictable screenplay, makes it a missed opportunity. This film may appeal to viewers interested in dramatized takes on historical events, but those looking for a balanced or nuanced perspective might be disappointed.