November 19, 2024: Review: The Sabarmati Report, directed by Ranjan Chandel, takes a deep dive into one of India’s most controversial events—the 2002 Godhra incident. With a sharp script written by Dheeraj Sarna and an impressive lead performance by Vikrant Massey, the film presents a narrative that blends media ethics, personal redemption, and the pursuit of truth. But while the film offers powerful moments, its ambition often weighs down its execution, leaving mixed feelings about its overall impact.
The Sabarmati Report Box Office Collection Day 4: Despite performing well on Sunday, The Sabarmati Report saw a dip in its earnings on its first Monday. According to Sacnilk.com, the film has grossed just over ₹7 crore net in India to date. Starring Vikrant Massey, the movie is based on the burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station in Gujarat on February 27, 2002, which led to communal riots in the state.
The Story
At the core of The Sabarmati Report is the story of Samar, a photojournalist played by Vikrant Massey. His character embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the Godhra train fire, only to find his findings suppressed in favor of a fabricated narrative. This “fake news” angle offers a timely commentary on the power of the media and its influence on public opinion.
Massey’s portrayal of Samar is one of the film’s standout elements—his emotional depth and complex arc, from journalist to alcohol-drenched recluse, are compelling. The gradual transformation from despair to purpose feels authentic, and his chemistry with Raashii Khanna (Amrita Gill) adds a layer of emotional weight to the narrative.
However, the movie’s focus is not solely on the Godhra incident itself. The film also tackles the divide between English-language journalists and their vernacular counterparts. The dynamic between the two camps is explored with subtlety, showing how vernacular journalists, despite their deep local knowledge, are often marginalized compared to their English-speaking peers. It’s a critique that adds another dimension to the plot, especially with the character of Manika (Ridhi Dogra), an English journalist whose manipulative approach to news coverage creates friction within the newsroom.
The Sabarmati Report: Vikrant Massey Shines, but a Complicated Narrative Weighs Down the Impact
The Upsides
The film excels in its cinematography and editing. The visuals, paired with the crisp editing, add a layer of tension and urgency to the unfolding drama. The cinematography especially shines during the moments of field reporting and exposes the rawness of the situations that unfold. The sharp, intense dialogues and background score effectively match the mood of the narrative, giving the film an overall gritty, hard-hitting vibe.
The performances are universally strong. Vikrant Massey is in his element, carrying the emotional weight of the story with his nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with the truth. Raashii Khanna is another highlight, playing a journalist determined to uncover the facts despite the odds stacked against her. The film’s pacing is tight, with no filler scenes to distract from the core message.
The Downsides
While the film takes on a critical subject matter with impressive dedication, it occasionally falters in its execution. The inclusion of the Godhra incident as a backdrop to the journalist’s personal journey feels somewhat forced. Rather than a fully realized exploration of the event, the narrative often shifts focus onto Samar’s emotional turmoil, leaving the Godhra story somewhat sidelined. This results in an imbalance—while the personal redemption arc is engaging, the historical event that drives it lacks depth and exploration.
Additionally, the second half of the film, which deals with the journalist’s pursuit of truth and uncovering a fabricated narrative, becomes a tad predictable. There are moments when the film seems to follow a formulaic trajectory, especially when it veers into the typical “journey of redemption” narrative. The ending, while impactful, could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the political and social ramifications of the incident rather than settling for a somewhat conventional resolution.
Verdict: The Sabarmati Report is a film that tries to tackle several complex issues—media integrity, truth, and personal redemption—yet struggles to balance them effectively. Vikrant Massey’s strong performance and the film’s technical achievements make it worth watching, but the narrative’s focus on personal drama sometimes overshadows the film’s more significant themes. Despite these flaws, the film’s timely commentary on the power of media and its impact on shaping narratives is both relevant and thought-provoking.
Final Rating: 3.5/5