The Sabarmati Report Story

Director Dheeraj Sarna's film The Sabarmati Report is based on the real-life incident of the burning of the Sabarmati Express train on February 27, 2002. The story follows the life of a journalist Samar Kumar who gets an opportunity to cover the burning of the Sabarmati Express train in Godhra from ground zero. This tale, starring Vikrant Massey, presents how media, power, and politics had a huge role to play in the way this incident was perceived. To know more, continue to read on...

The Sabarmati Report Review

The Sabarmati Report introduces Vikrant Massey as journalist Samar Kumar, who faces allegations by a news channel he once worked for. As he stands in the court (in 2007), Samar Kumar intends to tell the truth about the burning of the Sabarmati Express train in Godhra. Soon, we are transported back to 2002 where Samar goes from being a film journalist to working under Manika Rajpurohit to cover the Sabarmati Express from ground zero.

Upon reaching the actual site, Samar and Manika both realize that it was not an accident but an 'attack'. Once Samar sets the camera rolling for Manika to report the incident for their news channel, he's shocked to see his boss change her stance and present a different narrative. One phone call that Manika gets, changes the way the Sabarmati Express incident, which claimed 59 lives, is presented to the entire nation. This is followed by a series of eye-opening events. But what are those events? For that, you need to watch this hard-hitting tale on the big screen.

The Sabarmati Report deals with a sensitive subject. The movie begins on a hard-hitting note, loses hold in between, but picks up well with the star cast's engaging performances. The movie does come with some setbacks. 

The initial half of Vikrant Massey's film comes with its set of high and low moments. On one hand, the story sticks to its core issue which is about the incident. But it deviates from the plot when Vikrant's character Samar goes through his low phase. Although it has a connection to the main incident, Samar's emotional turmoil when he becomes an alcoholic seems stretched. As the film continues to blend real-life footage and fictional ones, some scenes seem a bit disjointed. 

That said, the film soon gains momentum once Raashii Khanna as journalist Armita Gill takes charge the way Samar did initially. The actress has played her part well. As for Vikrant, the actor shines with his earnest performance. But there's something amiss. Talking about Ridhi Dogra, the actress has done justice to her character of being a feisty journalist Manika. Had it not been for their performances, The Sabarmati Report wouldn't have been engrossing. Another thing that works in The Sabarmati Report is its runtime (2 hours 7 minutes).

The Sabarmati Report Final Verdict

The Sabarmati Report has its intent clear and doesn't beat around the bush. The Vikrant Massey-starrer is presented from a fresh perspective and can be an eye-opening story for many.

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