Riddhi Dogra’s character Manika Rajpurohit, a hardened TV journalist, famously says in the film that the public does not read the reports themselves, but follow what is shown on TV. So before readers read this review further and hopefully before watching the film, here is a summary of the actual Sabarmati report on which the film is based:
The Sabarmati Report, in its investigation of the Godhra train incident, provides an analysis of the events leading up to and after the tragic attack on the Sabarmati Express on February 27, 2002, in which 59 people, mostly Hindu pilgrims, were killed. The train was set on fire.
1. Cause of the fire: The report emphasized that the fire was pre-planned and was not the result of any accidental cause. It suggested that the attack on the train was carried out by a group of individuals with the intention of instigating a larger communal conflict. However, the report did not definitively identify the exact individuals responsible for the attack.
2. Role of local authorities: The report criticized the lack of prompt action by local authorities at the time of the attack. This raised questions about whether authorities had sufficient intelligence or prior knowledge of the attack and whether their failure to stop it contributed to the escalation of violence. The local police and the state government were accused of not responding quickly to control the situation.
3. Manipulation of the incident: Reports suggested that the Godhra train attack was manipulated by some political elements to create an excuse for communal violence across Gujarat. This pointed to the possibility that the event was used to garner support for violent retaliation against the Muslim community, leading to subsequent riots.
4. Investigation and accountability: The report also raised concerns about the investigation into the Godhra incident, saying there was bias and irregularities in the handling of the case. While several individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, the report raised questions about whether the full scope of the conspiracy and the involvement of large networks was properly explored.
5. Lack of evidence for external involvement: The Sabarmati report did not find sufficient evidence to support claims of direct involvement of terrorist organizations in the incident, although it suggested that local groups, possibly linked to larger political and communal agendas, were involved. Were, may have played a role in this. a role.
In conclusion, the Sabarmati Report acknowledged that the Godhra train burning was a significant trigger for the 2002 Gujarat riots, but also suggested that the incident was exploited for political and communal purposes, with local authorities preventing the violence. Or failure to control had led to increased violence. Situation The report also criticized the conduct of the subsequent investigation and the need for greater transparency and accountability in understanding the root causes and broader implications of the incident.
Whether the film lives up to all the findings of the report is open to interpretation and we will leave it to the discretion of the audience. It follows the journey of Samar Kumar (Vikrant Massey), a dedicated journalist whose investigation into the Godhra incident is suppressed by his superior Manika Rajpurohit (Riddhi Dogra) due to political reasons. Seven years later, he revisits Ground Zero with cub reporter Amrita Gill (Raashi Khanna) and uncovers some inconvenient truths…
Vikrant Massey, as a simple Hindi journalist in search of the truth, gives a quietly compelling performance that carries the film. His portrayal of a man caught between professional integrity and political forces trying to suppress inconvenient truths is nuanced. Maisie’s ability to convey internal conflict without relying on excessive theatrics adds a layer of authenticity to her character, making her journey even more relatable.
Raashi Khanna shines as a newbie journalist who is given the biggest assignment of her life, offering a portrayal that balances innocence and strength. His character’s interactions with Macy are a strong emotional foundation of the film, providing a counterpoint to his otherwise cynical outlook. Riddhi Dogra also makes her presence felt as a journalist who has seen it all and who is more interested in being a power broker than breaking news.
Although all the performances are charming, the lack of a coherent script diminishes the actors’ efforts. It is important for films to connect with current political issues. However, writer and director Dheeraj Sarna’s script is based on a popular narrative without giving enough room for nuances or counterarguments. This bias diminishes the strength of the film’s central questions—namely, the role of history, media, and the state in shaping public perception—and the potential for more inclusive, thought-provoking discourse.