Sat Nov 16 05:58:26 UTC 2024: ## Bollywood Film “The Sabarmati Report” Fails to Deliver on Promised Truths, Critics Say

**Mumbai, India** – The recently released Bollywood film “The Sabarmati Report,” which promised to reveal untold truths about the 2002 Sabarmati Express fire, has been met with mixed reviews. While lauded for its strong performances by Vikrant Massey and Rasika Dugal, the film has been criticized for its flawed narrative and inaccurate portrayal of journalism.

The film centers on a journalist (Massey) who uncovers evidence suggesting the fire, which killed 59 people, was not an accident but a premeditated act. While the Gujarat government previously labeled the incident a rare occurrence caused by externally locked train doors, the film attempts to delve deeper. However, critics argue the movie fails to present any significantly new information beyond what was already widely known.

The review highlights a major criticism: the film’s inaccurate depiction of the protagonist’s profession. The character, described as a journalist, frequently operates a professional video camera – a task usually performed by a dedicated cameraman or video journalist. This, along with other narrative inconsistencies and a weak first half focusing on subtle political messaging, drew considerable flak.

Another point of contention is a scene depicting an attack on a taxi carrying the journalist and his recordings. Critics point out the illogical actions of both the attackers and the protagonist, highlighting a lack of realism in the scene’s direction.

Despite these shortcomings, the review praises Massey and Dugal’s performances and acknowledges the film’s attempt to present a balanced view on the events, acknowledging both good and bad actors from all religious communities involved. However, this message is seen as arriving too late and insufficient to redeem the film’s other weaknesses.

The review concludes by questioning the film’s necessity, given the lack of new information presented. While acknowledging the existence of an audience for such films, the reviewer ultimately leaves the decision to watch the film up to the viewer. The review ends with an anecdote about a young child expressing prejudice, highlighting the concerning spread of hatred and prompting reflection on the film’s potential contribution to societal narratives.

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