Story
Independent TV reporter Vaishali Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) and her only colleague Bhaskar (Sanjay Mishra) step on a hornet’s nest. These small-town journalists aim to unearth a human trafficking racket in Bihar, while following the truth.
Review
The two-member media house wants to rescue minor orphan girls from an abusive shelter home in Munawwarpur, Bihar, owned by the influential Bansi Sahu (Aditya Srivastava). But the state’s law and order is corrupt to the core and police are mere puppets. Can two common people fight political intimidation, threats and societal pressure that make us mind our own business to stay safe?
Amidst all this power play, director Pulkit wants to celebrate unsung warriors of smaller towns. They may be naive in their approach but they dare to speak truth to power. He also talks about growing apathy in a shrinking social media world.
The subject is relevant and the lead performance sincere, but execution has a 90s melodramatic hangover. Every other dialogue mentions Bansi Sahu’s name once again, which doesn’t make him appear half as menacing or influential as he is shown to be. Strangely enough, everyone seems to have access to him at any given point of time. Unfortunately this investigative crime thriller has neither investigation nor thrill making it more tiring than gripping. The storytelling lacks urgency or fear; both are important elements for making such hard-hitting issues deeply engaging. At no point do you feel emotionally invested in the characters or their trauma; Vaishali’s supportive husband too doesn’t get enough scope for his inhibitions.
At one point a lady supercop tells Vaishali, “My hands are tied You get me the evidence and I will make arrests.” Cops are supposed gather evidence too journos inform alert society through responsible reportage Passing buck solely on journos doesn’t work, freedom of press is stifled nor do they have power uniform.
Bhumi Pednekar has emerged as one of the most bankable actors who consistently portrays strong female characters. The Marathi girl from Mumbai gets her north Indian accent right and it is her fearless presence that fights patriarchy in the film more than anything else. Sanjay Mishra feels wasted and CID fame Aditya Srivastava isn’t as convincing as the evil villain. Sai Tamhankar makes a special appearance but her character lacks nuanced writing.
Bhakshak’s fight for justice seems long drawn and simplistic. You empathise with the girls’ plight but the film does nothing to fuel that fire in your belly.
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