In what can only be described as a misguided attempt to cash in on tragedy, The Sabarmati Report has all the makings of a disaster at the box office—much like the very incident it attempts to dramatize. The film, which revolves around the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, has managed to stir up more skepticism and distaste than intrigue. It’s not just the lackluster performances or the thin script that are sinking this project; it’s the sheer audacity of taking such a sensitive and tragic chapter from Indian history and turning it into a cinematic cash grab.
A Film Without a Soul: The Idea Itself is Toxic
Let’s start with the most glaring issue here: The Sabarmati Report is, at its core, an exploitation of one of the darkest moments in recent Indian history. The Godhra train burning and its aftermath are not just historical events—they are scars that still affect millions. For a filmmaker to look at such a painful chapter and decide, “Hey, let’s make a movie out of this, but with a twist of propaganda!” is not just tone-deaf, it’s borderline grotesque.
This isn’t an earnest attempt to shed light on the tragedy or provide any nuanced understanding. No, this feels more like a quick cash grab that seeks to capitalize on controversy and sensationalism. As if to say, “We’ll make you uncomfortable, and in return, we hope you’ll buy a ticket.” But the problem is, no one seems to be buying. The film has failed to create any real buzz, and even the most provocative PR strategies can’t hide the stench of poor intentions.
The PR Machine: When "Controversy" Becomes the Only Selling Point
Speaking of PR, The Sabarmati Report seems to be relying heavily on the old “Any publicity is good publicity” mantra. And while the PR machine is churning out the usual buzzwords like “propaganda,” “revolutionary,” and “must-see,” it’s clear that these are just smoke and mirrors to mask the film’s lack of substance. In an age where audiences are more discerning than ever, relying on controversy alone to sell a film is like trying to sell ice to Eskimos—sure, it might work for a few, but eventually, the novelty wears off.
The PR team, led by Spice PR (yes, the same team that helped “kill” Kareena Kapoor Khan's The Buckingham Murders), seems to have taken the approach of stirring up religious disharmony as a selling point. They’ve tried to weaponize the tragedy, offering up provocative quotes and teasers in an attempt to ignite the flames of outrage. Unfortunately, the audience is far from buying what they’re selling. The film has failed to spark any genuine curiosity, and instead, it’s drawing eye rolls and facepalms across the board. The box office numbers are going to make a nosedive worthy of an Olympic medal.
The Cast: Great Actors, Terrible Choices
Vikrant Massey, who impressed audiences with his heartfelt performance in 12th Fail, must be wondering where it all went wrong. Because The Sabarmati Report is not the film that will bolster his career. No, this is the film that could very well define the term "career misstep." And frankly, it's hard to feel sorry for him when he willingly signed up for a project that reeks of poor taste.
Joining him in this disastrous venture are Ekta Kapoor (yes, that Ekta Kapoor) and a slew of actors including Ridhi Dogra and Raashii Khanna. One might expect better from actors who have already established themselves in the industry, but it seems the temptation of getting involved in a "hot topic" was too great. But here's the thing: being in a film that’s dripping with controversy doesn’t automatically make you bold or brave—it just makes you complicit in the cheap exploitation of a very sensitive subject.
Ekta Kapoor, who’s already embroiled in legal controversies (hello, POSCO act case), is clearly banking on a quick cash injection with this project. But if the PR machine thought they could build hype by invoking religious tensions, they might want to think again. No one is fooled by the attempt to dress this up as some "courageous" film—it’s a product designed to provoke, not inform. And the only thing it’s guaranteed to provoke is a collective sigh from moviegoers and critics alike.
The Disaster in the Making: The Film That’s Doomed
Let’s face it: The Sabarmati Report is a film that was never meant to succeed. It might make a splash on social media for a few days, but the audience’s lack of interest and the film’s sheer lack of finesse are bound to lead to a box-office disaster. The film’s failure to generate excitement, despite its controversial marketing, indicates that audiences are no longer so easily manipulated. The old tricks of stirring up religious divisions and pandering to sensationalism simply don’t cut it anymore.
If the makers were hoping for a hit, they’re in for a rude awakening. And as for Vikrant Massey? Well, if this movie tanks (and it will), he’ll have no one but himself to blame for letting his good name be attached to such a mess. The same goes for Ekta Kapoor, who might have thought she was making a quick buck off the wounds of history. If this is her idea of “content,” she should be ashamed. And if Spice PR thought they were somehow helping the film, they’ve only managed to dig a deeper grave for it.
A Film Best Left Unwatched
In the end, The Sabarmati Report is the kind of film that reminds you that some stories are better left untold—or at the very least, handled with the respect and sensitivity they deserve. Instead of a respectful retelling of a tragedy, we’re left with a half-baked, commercialized attempt at exploiting a wound for the sake of a few extra ticket sales. The film is an insult to both the audience and the victims of the tragedy, and its failure at the box office will be a stark reminder that you can’t sell controversy forever.
So, if you're looking for an intelligent, well-crafted film—skip this one. And if you're hoping for a movie that respects the gravity of the Godhra incident—The Sabarmati Report will disappoint you. In fact, it’ll probably make you cringe.
Skip it, because the train’s already derailed.