Feb 10, 2024: Bhakshak Review: An intense film, wherein director Pulkit has poured all his might to draw viewers attention to a big societal problem of child abuse, and leaves the audience hooked to the reality. Crafting a powerful movie about child sexual abuse is challenging because it often exposes multiple distressing aspects simultaneously. The lead characters played by Bhumi Pednekar and Sanjay Mishra leaves a mark.
These include the indifferent society that permits predators to go unchecked, the silenced victims left without recourse, and a flawed system that enables wrongdoers to evade consequences while offering little support for those seeking justice.
In “Bhakshak,” director Pulkit brings to the screen the harrowing tale of abuse rampant in a shelter home, drawing inspiration from the distressing real-life events in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur. However, while the film tackles a crucial societal issue, it often resorts to forceful tactics, diluting its impact.
The narrative follows Vaishali Singh, portrayed by the earnest Bhumi Pednekar, a small-time video journalist propelled into investigating the horrors lurking within a girls’ shelter home. Alongside her trusty cameraman Bhaskar Sinha, played by Sanjay Mishra, Vaishali embarks on an unsettling journey marked by uncomfortable questions and chilling revelations.
The film’s focus on Vaishali’s personal struggles adds depth to her character, shedding light on the challenges faced by women pursuing their passions in a patriarchal society. Yet, these subplots sometimes feel like unnecessary detours, stretching the film’s runtime without significant narrative payoff.
Bhakshak Review of Actors: Bhumi Pednekar and Sanjay Mishra Delivers Solid Performances
The cast, in Bhakshak including Aditya Srivastava as the despicable Bansi Sahu and Sai Tamhankar as the supportive yet limited female cop, delivers commendable performances despite the script’s lack of nuance.
Where “Bhakshak” falters is in its intensity, often resorting to lectures and blunt storytelling rather than subtlety and finesse. The film’s tendency to hammer its message home detracts from its overall effectiveness, leaving viewers feeling preached to rather than engaged. Even the end, subdues the narrative, and becomes more preachy.
While “Bhakshak” sheds light on an important social issue and boasts moments of genuine tension, its forceful approach ultimately diminishes its impact. With a more nuanced execution, it could have been a far more compelling exploration of the systemic failures that allow such atrocities to persist.