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The Sabarmati Report backdrop

The Sabarmati Report

14 November 2024Hindi2h 3m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 10 critic reviews

Massey shines, but weak scripting muddies this Godhra retelling.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Vikrant Massey's lead performance
  • Criticised: weak, haphazard script and execution

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Critic consensus

What 10 critics are saying

Critical reception for The Sabarmati Report is largely mixed-to-negative, with reviewers divided on its handling of the Godhra train burning incident. The most consistent praise across reviews centers on Vikrant Massey's performance, which several critics single out as a highlight regardless of their overall verdict. Common criticisms include weak and haphazard scripting, lack of nuance, and a perceived tension between the film's stated pursuit of truth and its commercial or ideological framing — with some critics calling it propaganda and others noting it is too diplomatic to make a meaningful impact.

How the 10 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (10)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review

    After jumping down the throat of those who speak for balance, the film tries hard at doing a balancing act. How's that for more irony? No nuance, just judgement.
  2. ABPLive

    Film review ·

    Vikrant Massey has established a reputation for himself, where his presence promises good content and 'The Sabarmati Report' is no different.
  3. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Not just discovering the truth behind The Sabarmati Report, it is always a pleasure to watch the flawless craft of Vikrant Massey on screen.
  4. News18

    Film review ·

    Overall, The Sabarmati Report is a good watch, and Massey, along with Dogra and Khanna, deserves the credit for taking up this challenge. Vikrant Massey delivers a stellar performance and has pushed his boundaries with this film.
  5. IndiaTvNews

    Film review ·

    'The Sabarmati Report' not only pays tribute to the innocent lives lost during the riots but also remains interesting till the end as a film—a medium of entertainment. This film is a must-watch for those who are interested in Indian history and hence, rightly, deserves 3 stars.
  6. Times Of India

    Film review

    ...holds viewer attention through most of its runtime, but its slightly glossy treatment makes it feel less like a film based on true events and more like a typical commercial drama. While it succeeds in educating audiences about the lasting impact of this tragic incident, the cinematic embellishments somewhat dilute its authenticity.
  7. KoiMoi

    Film review

    The Sabarmati Report does, ultimately, seem a little too diplomatic and politically correct. It seems unwilling to go the extra mile in a frank and blunt way, which has good and bad sides. As a factual drama, just alright. As a thriller 'inspired by reality' as claimed in the disclaimers, ditto!
  8. India Today

    Film review ·

    Overall, the film is an honest attempt at looking at the Godhra tragedy and what happened to the Sabarmati Express on the fateful day. However, it gets marred with several issues being put into it - including the entire vernacular vs English journalists angle, which goes grossly overboard, sometimes overshadowing the tragedy. The film anchors on just good performances, but it is not enough to save the severely faulty film.
  9. Rediff

    Film review ·

    The Sabarmati Report is so flimsy in its execution, taking offence to it would be dignifying its existence. The Sabarmati Report's poorly crafted propaganda masquerading as a crusade for justice is nothing but a blatant embodiment of these very ideals.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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