The Sabarmati Report - MOVIE REVIEW

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the release of the film *The Sabarmati Report* and its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film attempts to show the tragic incident of 59 Hindus being burned alive in the Godhra train burning, while criticizing media bias and political manipulation. The speaker debates whether the film contains any propaganda, addressing concerns over its presentation style and the portrayal of political figures. While praising the film’s performances, they argue that its narrative may inadvertently give the impression of being a political tool for the ruling government, despite no direct propaganda being present.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film *The Sabarmati Report* has been released in theaters after several delays, with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
• 😀 The film's narrative revolves around the 2002 Gujarat riots, focusing on the tragic burning of 59 Hindu pilgrims in Godhra.
• 😀 There were initial concerns about the film's political bias, especially due to its association with Ekta Kapoor and actors like Vikrant Massey.
• 😀 The script criticizes the portrayal of certain media platforms and individuals, suggesting that they were involved in spreading false narratives about India.
• 😀 The film explores how propaganda was used to create divisions within the country post-2014, including allegations of intolerance and religious violence.
• 😀 Vikrant Massey’s character, Sumit Kumar, is a journalist who uncovers the biases and manipulations in the media regarding the 2002 riots.
• 😀 Some viewers feel the film’s presentation is overly political, with certain scenes seeming to support a pro-BJP narrative.
• 😀 The portrayal of political figures and media channels in the film has been critiqued as being unsubtle and promoting a particular viewpoint.
• 😀 The film also touches on how some people in the film industry have shifted their political views, particularly those who previously aligned with leftist ideologies.
• 😀 Despite some criticisms of the film's presentation, it is praised for its performances and the important historical topic it covers, especially in relation to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the film discussed in the script?

The central theme of the film revolves around the 2002 Gujarat riots and the tragic burning of 59 Hindu pilgrims at the Godhra station. The film attempts to highlight the political and social dynamics surrounding the incident and the subsequent investigation, exploring how media and political influences shaped the narrative.

What was the initial public reaction to the film's trailer?

The initial reaction to the film's trailer was mixed, with some viewers expressing concerns about the potential propaganda in the film due to the involvement of certain actors like Ekta Kapoor, Vikrant Massey, and others, whose political affiliations led to skepticism.

What political narrative is suggested in the film?

The film suggests a political narrative that portrays a struggle between the political left and right. It implies that the media, particularly left-leaning outlets, have been complicit in spreading false narratives, especially in relation to the Gujarat riots and the portrayal of the BJP government.

Does the film show any political propaganda?

The film does not overtly present political propaganda but is critiqued for its biased portrayal of the media and its suggestion that the BJP government may have used the Godhra incident for political gain. The presentation, particularly in the first half, is seen as heavily influenced by political overtones.

How does the film portray the role of the media in the events surrounding the Godhra incident?

The film portrays the media, especially certain news channels, as being politically influenced and involved in spreading misinformation about the Godhra incident. It criticizes how media outlets manipulated the narrative to serve political agendas, and how the tragedy was misrepresented.

What is the character arc of Vikrant Massey's character, Samer Kumar?

Vikrant Massey's character, Samer Kumar, starts as a journalist covering the news but becomes disillusioned after witnessing the biased and politically driven reporting at a mainstream English news channel. His character transforms as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the Godhra incident.

How does the script comment on ideological changes in individuals?

The script touches on the concept of ideological change, especially in figures from the film industry like Vikrant Massey. It highlights that while change is possible, it must be genuine and internal. The script critiques superficial political alignments for personal gain, emphasizing that true ideological shifts come from an understanding of past mistakes.

What is the significance of the reference to Sonia Gandhi in the film?

The film briefly features a character resembling Sonia Gandhi, who is shown discussing how the political fallout from the Godhra incident can be exploited for electoral gain. The film uses this reference to hint at the alleged manipulation of tragic events for political advantage, though it avoids directly naming individuals.

What critiques does the film face in terms of its presentation and direction?

The film is critiqued for its presentation, particularly in the first half, which some viewers feel is too heavy-handed and lacks subtlety. It is accused of using overt political messaging that detracts from the overall narrative. However, the performances and the second half of the film are generally seen as better executed.

What historical incidents does the film overlook, according to the script?

According to the script, the film overlooks several key historical incidents that may have been relevant to the broader context of communal violence in India, such as the 1990 Kashmir Hindu exodus and the attacks on Hindus during the Khilafat Movement. The script suggests that the filmmakers should have acknowledged these incidents to provide a more comprehensive view of India's history with communal conflict.