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The Sabarmati Report Review: A Compelling Thriller on Journalism and Truth

Name: The Sabarmati Report
Director: Dheeraj Sarna
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra, Raashi Khanna
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Plot

The Sabarmati Report follows Samar Kumar (Vikrant Massey), a struggling Hindi movie reporter who lands a prestigious job at EBT News. Working alongside renowned journalist Manika Rajpurohit (Ridhi Dogra), Samar is assigned to cover the 2002 Sabarmati Express train-burning incident in Godhra.However, Samar soon discovers that the truth of the tragedy is manipulated by Manika and the media house. His own independent report, which focuses on the horrors faced by the victims, is suppressed by the network. Fired and ostracized from the media world, Samar is forced to take odd jobs and loses faith in journalism.

Five years later, budding journalist Amrita Gill (Raashi Khanna) uncovers Samar’s forgotten report and seeks his help to revisit the truth. Torn between his disillusionment with journalism and his desire to reveal the facts, Samar must decide whether to trust Amrita or leave the past buried.Does the truth of the Godhra incident finally see the light, or does corporate media power prevail? Watch The Sabarmati Report to find out.

What Works

The film excels in its depiction of newsroom drama, creating a gripping fictional narrative around the real-life Godhra train-burning tragedy. The engaging interplay between Samar, Manika, and Amrita keeps the audience hooked, while the movie subtly explores themes of truth, ethics, and the power of fearless journalism.

Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra, and Raashi Khanna deliver standout performances, with Massey shouldering the film’s emotional weight. The script cleverly balances a heavy subject with a breezy tone, making it accessible without diluting its core message of empowering journalists to speak fearlessly.

The movie also highlights how modern independent platforms have made it easier for journalists to voice their truths, a stark contrast to the media landscape of the early 2000s.

What Doesn’t Work

The film’s attempt to be conclusive in its narrative may come across as one-sided, lacking a nuanced exploration of the incident for viewers unfamiliar with it. Some scenes feel out of place and disconnected from the primary storyline, detracting from the overall impact.

The Sabarmati Report’s obvious political inclinations and the effort to build specific narratives might alienate some viewers seeking a more neutral perspective. Despite these issues, the film’s fictional drama and journalistic themes make it an engaging watch.

Fashion and Style in The Sabarmati Report

The characters’ attire reflects their roles and professional worlds. Vikrant Massey’s Samar Kumar is dressed in casual, understated outfits that suit his role as a small-time reporter with big aspirations. Ridhi Dogra’s Manika Rajpurohit exudes confidence and sophistication in formal power suits, representing her dominance in the newsroom.

Raashi Khanna’s Amrita Gill brings freshness with her vibrant, semi-formal wardrobe, symbolizing her energetic and idealistic nature as a budding journalist. The overall styling stays realistic, aligning with the professional and grounded tone of the movie.

Performances

Vikrant Massey shines as Samar Kumar, delivering a layered performance that captures both vulnerability and determination. Ridhi Dogra commands attention as the confident and manipulative Manika Rajpurohit, while Raashi Khanna lights up the screen with her earnest portrayal of Amrita Gill. The supporting cast also delivers competent performances, complementing the lead actors well.

Final Verdict

The Sabarmati Report is a compelling mix of fact and fiction that uses a real-life tragedy as a backdrop to explore the ethics of journalism. While it has clear political leanings and some flaws in its execution, the film succeeds in delivering a powerful message about the importance of truth and fearless reporting.