Story:
Taking inspiration from real-life incidents, this movie explores the Naxalite problem in the region of Chhattisgarh, shedding light on the remarkable endeavors of a lone police officer who surpassed expectations to eradicate the Naxalite danger.
Performances:
Adah Sharma excels in playing the role of a determined police officer, she delivers an authentic performance, fearlessly expressing her thoughts even in the company of politicians. Indira Tiwari, portraying a tribal woman, delivers a sincere, touching performance that strikes a chord. Vijay Krishna’s portrayal of Lanka Reddy, skillfully transitioning between English and Hindi, emanates a sense of threat, while Raima Sen, Shilpa Shukla, and Yashpal Sharma flawlessly embody their respective roles.
Analysis:
Director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah embark on a new endeavor with ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story,’ aiming to bring attention to another true story. Building upon the triumph of ‘The Kerala Story’ at the box office, their latest project delves into the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh, showcasing their commitment to shedding light on important issues. The film mainly shows the journey of Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a determined IPS officer in a high-ranking CRPF position assigned to suppress the Naxal rebellion. The movie commences in a courtroom setting where government officials and Naxal representatives are embroiled in a legal dispute. Neerja enlists the help of Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the government-backed militia, Salwa Judum, to combat Naxal activities in Chhattisgarh. Concurrently, the plot follows the plight of tribal families, and it especially shows how women ultimately suffer in this war. The incidents like the youth tribal getting radicalized and joining the Naxal forces were shown effectively. Also, the negligence and sheer selfishness of politicians, bureaucrats, and other educationists were depicted well. While the first half is more gruesome, the second half tries to bring in the emotion and retaliation mode.
Positives:
The movie features characters inspired by real people, albeit with changed names, creating a sense of intrigue for those knowledgeable about the true story. The appropriate choice of settings enhances the authentic feel of the film. The gritty ambiance throughout the movie keeps viewers engaged, especially when the ‘powerful elite’ align themselves with the Naxalites. In a storyline like this, exploring the inner workings of these hubs is essential. The film’s cinematography was impressive.
Negatives:
Although the film captivates the audience for a significant portion of its runtime, a more thorough examination of the political backdrop could have elevated the storytelling and improved the viewing experience. Apart from incorporating elements from actual events and personalities, the movie also infuses a sense of fiction into its depiction. However, there are moments when the screenplay could have had a better impact. Also, the loud soundtrack can be somewhat distracting.
Last Line: A gut-wrenching tale that is not everyone’s cup of tea
