The Sabarmati Report
Rating – ***1/2 (3.5/5)
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Ridhi Dogra and more
Directed by: Dheeraj Sarna
The Sabarmati Report presents a nuanced narrative anchored by the talented Vikrant Massey, who takes center stage to portray the story of the “unknown” victims of one of India’s most harrowing tragedies. The film is a bold attempt to revisit the socio-political landscape shaped by this tragic event, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on the journalistic pursuit of truth. This casting decision is a triumph in itself, with Massey’s gravitas lending credibility and depth to a story that treads dangerous waters throughout.
From the outset, what stands out about The Sabarmati Report is its ability to maintain a relentless yet engaging pace, sustaining tension while delivering a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking. Rather than falling into the trap of relying on overused tropes that might exploit communal sensitivities, the film cleverly chooses to frame its narrative through the lens of journalism. This perspective becomes its strongest asset, exploring how the reporting of events not only shaped public perception but also altered the socio-political discourse of the nation during a deeply divisive period.
Director Dheeraj Sarna deserves credit for this creative choice. By opting to view the story through the eyes of journalists rather than politicians or activists, the film is able to explore the implications of media coverage on collective memory and truth-seeking. This decision allows The Sabarmati Report to tread the fine line between historical recounting and a critique of the role of journalism, making it both a social commentary and a gripping drama.
At the heart of the story is Samar Kumar, played by Vikrant Massey with a compelling blend of intensity and vulnerability. Massey fully immerses himself in the role, breathing life into a character driven by a dogged commitment to uncovering the truth. His performance reaffirms why he remains one of the finest actors in contemporary Indian cinema. As Samar navigates the murky waters of investigative journalism, the film delves into his personal struggles and professional challenges, sometimes to the point of almost overshadowing the central plot. However, these detours serve to deepen our understanding of Samar’s motivations, making him a multidimensional character rather than a one-dimensional hero.
The entry of Raashii Khanna as Amrita Gill is a refreshing choice, adding a layer of complexity and freshness to the narrative. Khanna portrays Amrita, a young journalist with an idealistic drive, balancing her naivety with an innate sense of moral clarity. As she teams up with Samar, her presence not only invigorates the storyline but also provides a counterpoint to Samar’s world-weariness. Khanna’s nuanced performance beautifully captures the journey of a rookie journalist finding her footing in a field rife with ethical dilemmas and power struggles.
One of the film’s strengths is its focus on the ground-level impact of the tragedy rather than sensationalizing it on a national scale. The narrative is built around the painstaking work of piecing together fragmented truths, with Samar and Amrita striving to decode the real motives and the masterminds behind the events. This ground-up approach provides a sense of authenticity and intimacy, allowing the film to explore the human cost of political strife without resorting to heavy-handed moralizing.
However, the film’s climactic reveal may leave some viewers feeling that it plays it safe, deliberately steering clear of attributing blame to any specific group and at the same also doing that to an extent. This could be seen as an intentional nod to maintaining neutrality with dialogues and avoiding religious or communal bias. Despite this cautious approach, The Sabarmati Report remains an engrossing watch that avoids taking sides while still acknowledging the victims who were long overlooked.
While Vikrant Massey commands the screen, Ridhi Dogra’s portrayal of a senior journalist, though initially promising, is somewhat hampered by a rather one-dimensional character arc. Dogra’s role as a figure of authority seems underdeveloped, particularly in scenes that require her to assert dominance. Despite these limitations, she delivers effectively in the film’s earlier moments, setting the stage for the central investigation.
The Sabarmati Report may not necessarily break new ground in its depiction of the Godhra riots, nor does it attempt to offer a definitive account of what transpired. Instead, it focuses on empathy, offering a voice to the victims who were long forgotten in the chaos that ensued. It’s a film that challenges audiences to rethink how history is documented and remembered, questioning the role of the media in shaping narratives that become accepted as truth.
In conclusion, The Sabarmati Report stands as a thought-provoking film that prioritizes storytelling over spectacle. It’s a well-crafted exploration of journalism’s potential to uncover and reshape the truth, driven by standout performances, particularly by Massey and Khanna. While it may not deliver the explosive revelations that some might anticipate, it compensates with a grounded approach and a clear message of justice and recognition for those whose stories were buried beneath layers of political intrigue.
