Sabarmati Report is a 2024 Indian film that explores the emotional and societal impacts of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Directed by Ranjan Chandel , the film follows the journey of a journalist acted by Vikrant Massey , who investigates the tragic events and uncovers deeply rooted issues of communal tension, identity, and the quest for justice. Through its gripping narrative, the movie delves into themes of truth, media’s role in shaping public perception, and the personal stories that emerge from such a tragic chapter in Indian history. The film uses a blend of drama and thriller elements to portray the emotional weight of the events and their long-lasting effects on individuals and communities.
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Sabarmati Report Movie Overview
Language | Hindi |
Director | Ranjan Chandel |
Cast | Ridhi Dogra, Raashi Khanna, Vikrant Massey |
Acting
Vikrant Massey delivers a strong performance as the film’s protagonist, a photojournalist uncovering the truth behind the Sabarmati Express massacre. His portrayal of a passionate journalist trying to expose the real story, despite the pressure from media houses and political forces, is subtle yet effective. Massey’s ability to immerse himself in a role that demands both sensitivity and determination shines through, though some critics felt his character lacked depth in comparison to his previous roles.
Riddhi Dogra plays the role of Manika Rajpurohit, an editor in the media house who knows the truth but compromises with the system. Her portrayal of a journalist caught between ethics and pragmatism is nuanced and convincing. The chemistry between Massey and Dogra adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, representing the moral struggles within the media industry.
The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, contributing to the overall realism and immersion of the film.

Story
The Sabarmati Report is a fact-based film that delves into the 2002 Sabarmati Express tragedy and its aftermath. The story follows a photojournalist (Vikrant Massey) who uncovers evidence suggesting the incident was not an accident but a deliberate act by a particular community. As he seeks to tell the real story, he faces a media and political system that prefers to protect the narrative that supports the ruling government at the time.
The story is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring the manipulation of information, the media’s role in shaping public perception, and the moral compromises made in the face of power. The film sheds light on how journalism can be influenced by politics and how truth often gets buried under layers of false narratives. The narrative is direct and sharp, avoiding melodrama and focusing on the core of the tragedy and its implications.
Cast
- Vikrant Massey as The Photojournalist: Massey plays the central character, a driven and passionate photojournalist who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the Sabarmati Express massacre. His nuanced performance anchors the film and brings authenticity to the narrative.
- Riddhi Dogra as Manika Rajpurohit: Dogra plays the role of an English-speaking editor in the media house. Her character is more pragmatic and pragmatic, choosing to support the government’s version of events rather than expose the truth. Her performance adds depth to the moral dilemmas faced by journalists.
- Supporting Cast: The supporting cast includes several other journalists, political figures, and government officials, each contributing to the atmosphere of media manipulation, misinformation, and the ethical conflicts explored in the film.
The Sabarmati Report – Movie Review: Plot
The Sabarmati Report is a thought-provoking film based on the tragic and controversial events surrounding the 2002 Sabarmati Express incident, which resulted in the deaths of 59 people. The film explores the repercussions of this horrific incident, which occurred on the morning of February 27, 2002, when the Sabarmati Express was set on fire near Godhra, Gujarat, killing many passengers, primarily from the Hindu community, who had been returning from a religious gathering in Ayodhya.
The plot of the film aligns with the findings of the Nanavati-Mehta Commission, which concluded that the fire was a result of an attack by a Muslim mob, who threw stones at the train and set it ablaze. However, the movie delves deeper into the political and media manipulation surrounding the incident, offering an alternative view of how the tragedy was covered by the media and the role it played in shaping public perception.
The Protagonist – Samar Kumar
Vikrant Massey plays Samar Kumar, a Hindi photojournalist who begins as an enthusiastic, passionate reporter, eager to uncover the truth behind the Sabarmati Express tragedy. Initially, his role seems straightforward — a journalist simply doing his job. However, as the story progresses, Samar becomes increasingly disillusioned with the corruption and bias within his newsroom. “The world looks up to the media for the truth, but the media looks up to its owners before portraying the truth,” his character reflects in the film, highlighting the central conflict of the narrative.
The Struggle for Truth
Samar’s quest for truth takes him on an emotional journey, as he begins to realize that the truth he uncovers does not align with the narrative the media is presenting to the public. Despite his evidence and determination, the powers-that-be in his media house, along with the influence of politics, keep suppressing the real story. This leads Samar into a downward spiral, affecting his personal life and mental state. His emotional turmoil is portrayed through his growing alcoholism, reminiscent of characters like Kabir Singh, which reflects the frustration and helplessness of a man fighting against a corrupt system.
Supporting Character – Amrita Gill
Samar is not alone in his pursuit of the truth. He is assisted by Amrita Gill (played by Raashii Khanna), a young, idealistic journalist who shares his drive to uncover the facts. Together, they attempt to expose the truth about the events surrounding the Godhra incident and challenge the mainstream narrative being fed to the nation. Amrita’s character provides an interesting counterpoint to Samar’s disillusionment, serving as a source of hope and moral compass in the face of institutionalized corruption.
Core Themes
At its core, The Sabarmati Report is a commentary on the failure of the media to report the truth and the political forces that shape the narratives we are fed. It touches upon themes like media bias, political manipulation, and the moral compromises made by individuals working within these systems. The film sheds light on how journalists are often coerced into supporting the political status quo, even when they know the truth, and how this failure to uphold journalistic integrity can have lasting consequences on society.
The emotional intensity of the film, combined with the tension between the search for truth and the suppression of it, makes it an immersive experience for viewers. However, while the film offers a compelling story, some critics felt that the protagonist’s arc could have been given more depth to make his journey more resonant. Nevertheless, Vikrant Massey’s performance as a man grappling with the weight of truth and the system around him is powerful and impactful.