Ekta Kapoor and Vikrant Massey’s The Sabarmati Report dives into the controversial and sensitive Godhra train tragedy of 2002, a subject that continues to evoke intense emotions and debates. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film attempts to unravel the layers of truth behind the incident. Despite noble intentions, the film falters in execution, leaving the audience with mixed feelings.
Plot Overview
The film revolves around a journalist, played by Vikrant Massey, who works for a news channel as an entertainment reporter. When a tragic fire breaks out in the Sabarmati Express near Godhra, he is sent to cover the event alongside the channel’s star reporter.
As he digs deeper, he uncovers evidence suggesting the fire was not an accident but a deliberate act of violence. However, his attempts to reveal the truth meet resistance. He loses his job, faces legal troubles, and struggles to find a platform to expose what he has discovered.
The film portrays his fight against a system that tries to silence him while exploring the human cost of the tragedy.
The Good: Stellar Performances
Vikrant Massey
Vikrant Massey delivers an impressive performance as a determined journalist. His portrayal brings depth and authenticity to the character, even as the script fails to support him in certain areas.
Raashi Khanna and Supporting Cast
Raashi Khanna adds charm and balance to the narrative with her nuanced acting. Riddhi Dogra also leaves an impact with her portrayal of a key supporting character. Together, the cast elevates the film’s emotional weight.
The Not-So-Good: Flaws in Storytelling
While the premise is intriguing, the execution falters on multiple fronts.
Confused Characterization
The film’s portrayal of Massey’s character as a journalist-cum-cameraman is riddled with inaccuracies. In real-world journalism, roles are distinctly defined—cameramen handle technical equipment, while reporters focus on storytelling. The film’s depiction of this blend feels forced and out of place.
Logic Takes a Backseat
Several scenes defy logic, weakening the film’s impact. For instance, in a pivotal moment, attackers burn a taxi driver alive while inexplicably sparing Massey’s character, who was their apparent target. Such lapses in storytelling dilute the tension and realism.
Overreliance on Stereotypes
The film leans heavily on clichéd portrayals of journalists and their struggles. Instead of offering a fresh perspective, it reinforces tired tropes, making the narrative predictable.
A Slow Start, But a Strong Second Half
The film struggles to find its footing in the first half, where the narrative feels disjointed and overly focused on building political undertones. However, the second half picks up pace, diving deeper into the protagonist’s battle against the odds.
The climax attempts to strike a balance by highlighting the universal message that good and bad people exist in every community. While this is a commendable effort, the execution feels like an afterthought, lacking the emotional punch it aims for.
Direction: A Mixed Bag
This is director Dheeraj Sarna’s first feature film, following a successful stint in television. Unfortunately, his transition to the big screen is far from seamless. While Sarna’s intent is clear, his storytelling lacks finesse, often resorting to melodrama instead of subtlety.
The Intent vs. The Impact
The makers intended to present a story of resilience and justice. However, the film struggles to rise above its flaws. It raises important questions about communal harmony and media ethics but fails to offer new insights.
Moments That Stay
Despite its shortcomings, the film has a few memorable scenes. A sequence showing children from different communities celebrating together serves as a poignant reminder of unity in diversity. However, such moments are few and far between, lost amidst the film’s uneven pacing.
Should You Watch It?
The Sabarmati Report is a film with its heart in the right place but lacks the storytelling precision needed to make a lasting impact. While Vikrant Massey’s performance makes it worth a watch, the film leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative coherence and logic.
Ultimately, whether you should watch it depends on your interest in socially charged dramas and your ability to overlook its flaws.
