The Sabarmati Report Movie: Release Date, Cast, and Plot
The Sabarmati Report is a Hindi political thriller rooted in real events. It was crafted with a tight schedule, meticulous research, and elaborate sets. Although it featured strong performances and production backing, controversies over its subject matter, delays, and mixed reception impacted its box office success.
🎬 Direction and Writing
The film is directed by Dheeraj Sarna, who took over from the original director Ranjan Chandel mid‑production.
The screenplay is by Arjun Bhandegaonkar and Avinash Singh Tomar, based on a story by Aseem Arrora.
🏭 Production and Distribution
This political thriller is a joint production by Balaji Motion Pictures, Vikir Films Production, and Vipin Agnihotri Films, with Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, and Anshul Mohan serving as producers.
It was distributed by Zee Studios.
🎥 Filming Locations and Schedule
Principal photography began in December 2023, primarily shot in a studio complex near Mumbai’s Madh Island.
The creative team built full‑scale replicas of Godhra railway station and train coaches to depict the 2002 incident authentically.
Filming concluded by mid‑March 2024, following a tight 36‑day shooting schedule.
📷 Cinematography, Editing, and Music
Cinematography is handled by Amalendu Chaudhary (also known as Amlendu Chaudhari), with Manan Sagar as editor.
Music includes songs by Kartik Kush, Akhil Sachdeva, Anu Malik, Arko, and others, creating a dramatic tone for this hard‑hitting narrative.
🖋 Cast
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Vikrant Massey plays Samar Kumar, an investigative journalist.
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Raashii Khanna plays Amrita Gill, the young reporter who resurrects Samar’s suppressed findings.
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Riddhi Dogra features in a key supporting role.
Other cast members include Barkha Singh, Nazneen Patni, Hella Stichlmair, Sundip Ved, Digvijay Purohit, and several others.
| Title | The Sabarmati Report |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Director | Ranjan Chandel |
| Cast | Vikrant Massey |
| Release Date | August 2, 2024 |
| Plot Summary | The film explores the complex aftermath of the Godhra train burning incident, focusing on the intricate political and communal tensions that followed. It delves into multiple perspectives, revealing the human stories and broader impacts of the tragic event. |
| Setting | Gujarat, India, with a focus on both rural and urban environments affected by the riots |
| Music | [Insert Composer Name] |
| Language | Hindi |
| Special Features | In-depth exploration of the Godhra incident and its consequences, featuring a ble |
🎥 Release and Certification
The film has a runtime close to 127 minutes (approximately 2 hours 7 minutes).
It was certified UA (Parental Guidance) by the Indian film board with minor cuts for violence and strong language.
After facing delays due to production and censorship issues, it was theatrically released on 15 November 2024.
Its digital premiere followed on ZEE5 on 10 January 2025.
💰 Budget and Box Office
The film was made on a budget of around ₹50 crore .
Despite its high-profile production, it did not perform strongly at the box office and was considered a commercial flop .
🔬 Research and Controversy
The filmmakers reportedly spent over a year researching the historical event before filming .
Mid‑production, the original director, Ranjan Chandel, opted out due to story and censorship changes; he publicly withdrew his credit.
A trailer launch incident brought threats to Vikrant Massey due to the film’s sensitive subject.
The Sabarmati Report: A Detailed Summary
In the early 2000s, India was shaken by the tragic incident of the Sabarmati Express burning in Godhra, Gujarat, resulting in the loss of 59 lives. The official narrative labeled it an accident, but many believed it was a planned attack. The film “The Sabarmati Report” delves into the complexities surrounding this event, focusing on the role of journalism in uncovering the truth.
Act 1: The Investigation Begins
The story follows Samar Kumar (Vikrant Massey), a Hindi-language journalist working for EBT News, a regional news channel. Initially indifferent to the assignment, Samar is sent to cover the aftermath of the Godhra train burning incident. Upon witnessing the devastation firsthand, he becomes deeply affected and begins to question the official narrative.
Samar’s investigation leads him to uncover evidence suggesting that the fire was not accidental but a planned act of violence. However, when he attempts to report his findings, his news organization suppresses the story to align with political interests, leading to his professional and personal downfall.
Act 2: The Struggle for Truth
Years later, Amrita Gill (Raashii Khanna), a young investigative journalist, approaches a disillusioned Samar with a renewed interest in exposing the truth behind the tragedy. Together, they confront political pressures and public skepticism in their pursuit of justice for the victims and a more honest historical record.
Their journey is fraught with challenges as they navigate the complexities of media manipulation, political agendas, and public perception. The film portrays the struggles of journalists who strive to report the truth in an environment where information is often controlled and distorted.
Themes and Messages
The Sabarmati Report explores several key themes:
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Media Manipulation: The film highlights how media outlets can be influenced by political and corporate interests, leading to biased reporting and suppression of the truth.
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Courage and Integrity: It showcases the bravery of journalists who, despite facing personal and professional risks, strive to uncover and report the truth.
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The Power of Truth: The narrative emphasizes the importance of truth in journalism and its role in holding power to account.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While Vikrant Massey’s performance was widely praised, the film’s portrayal of events and characters received criticism for lacking depth and nuance. Some reviewers felt that the film oversimplified complex issues and presented a one-sided perspective.
Conclusion
The Sabarmati Report is a compelling exploration of the role of journalism in uncovering the truth behind significant events. Through the lens of the Godhra train burning incident, it delves into the challenges faced by journalists in a politically charged environment. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and courage in the pursuit of truth.
