Reporting Live

But convinced of its first-off-the-post exploration of TV newsfloors, compromised anchors, and the tentacles of the powerful digging deep into neta and babu pockets, as if no one has ever done any of it before, the film never gets out of its explanatory mode. Chopra is, yet again, single-note in her never-say-die reporter avatar, and there's a film here, but buried under weak writing.

REPORTING LIVE is a hard-hitting investigative drama that tackles the issue of illegal sand mining with sincerity and conviction, despite a few shortcomings in the narrative.

Reporting Live is a well-intentioned but familiar investigative thriller. Its relevant subject, competent performances, compact storytelling and atmospheric visuals make it reasonably engaging, but the predictable plot and limited character development keep it from making a stronger impact.

Unfortunately, a banal screenplay and uneven performances prevent this promising story from becoming the gripping newsroom drama it could have been. The narrative moves in a straight line, with few genuine surprises, little dramatic tension and no real emotional high when the journalists finally make their breakthrough.

Reporting Live is a case of a promising premise let down by predictable writing. The brisk pace and solid performances make it watchable, but the film never quite builds the tension its subject demands.

Hurt and humiliation is skin deep in Reporting Live's truth-seeking, which is why its cynical view of a crusader's fate leaves no impact. Shoddy treatment of a serious concern results in a staggeringly bland drama.