The Sabarmati Report - Movie Review

The ‘Sabarmati Report’ is based on the gruesome occurrence of February 27, 2002 on Sabarmati Express at Godhra, Gujarat. The drama revolves around the reality of Hindi news cameraman Samar Kumar and anchor Manika Rajpurohit after the communal riots are witnessed on the scene. That is where intense drama of media deception and search for truth begins where Samar discovers the truths that turns his life upside down and leads him to the path of a truth seeker.

The film is highly inclined towards truth seeking motives of a journalist, ethical dilemmas and the power of media influence. The show’s tone is engrossing, and evocative of a heady philosophy major discussion over the doldrums of right and wrong and details of adrum and misinformation. However, the talented Raashi Khanna as Manika interprets the conflicts that come in the way of media persons. Their chemistry is dynamic and adds intense climate to the film to a greatest extent That is uncommon in many filmmakers Working with such a theme is nothing easy however, Dheeraj Sarna grabs the complexity of the task and … The director does a great job of keeping the suspense in the movie high and the plot woven tightly to bring out an excellent motion picture on media ethics.

The music score in the movie complements the movie by adding a creepy feel to the movie making it more of a suspense filled drama. It’s a voice that provides the listener with an audio companion piece and it breaks the last wire of the emotions.

The movie depicts the essence of post-riot India as well as the shift between the cacophony of the incident and the silence that the protagonists seek. Migration tightens the emotional interactions, whilst wide shots expand the consequences of the events.|In the same way, production design captures the perfect early 2000s India with the contrast of Godhra and media houses’ offices. This contrast is masterfully done, which only serves to improve the film’s story about truth and lies.

Though the concept of special effects is well exploited, the director does not allow it to dominate the movie but rather works hand in hand in advancing on the somber story being portrayed.

The cuts are clean which makes sure that the film keeps on a ‘taut’ pace. Overall continuity between different periods of the film is self-evident, thus keeping the audience engaged with the ongoing drama.

The pace of the film is slow but it serves the purpose of the film well, the character growth and reversal of the terror induced aspects are done smoothly. It is drawn out and converges towards the climax involving revelations and various feelings being portrayed.

Again dialogue is sharp and as appropriate for the story serves to show the tension as the events unfold, and the ethical dilemmas hidden beneath the current events.

As good as The Sabarmati Report maybe it overly leans on this drama and at times comes close to melodrama. Occasionally, that seems a little forced and stretched out, which does not bode well for the otherwise strong story-telling.

From the experience of ‘The Sabarmati Report’, I felt the essence and conviction that one expects in journalism is depicted well. They all compel one to think carefully about the responsibilities that are vested in the craft of telling a story and that makes it a strong watch. Here universal values are expounded regarding the relationship between the media and integrity, and, therefore, a realistic, profound contemplation on the consumption of news and facts.