2.5/5
The main character of the story is Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a serious police officer in a high-ranking position in the CRPF, tasked with stopping the Naxal rebellion. The movie starts in a courtroom where the government and Naxal representatives are fighting in court. Neerja uses Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a government-backed group called Salwa Judum to stop the Naxalites in Chhattisgarh. At the same time, we follow the story of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman whose husband was brutally killed by a famous Naxalite named Lanka Reddy. Seeking revenge, Ratna joins the police force and helps Neerja in her mission.
Bastar: The Naxal Story offers a one-dimensional perspective on the complex issue of Naxalism, presenting them solely as anti-national elements without delving into the intricacies of the problem. The film falls short in providing a nuanced understanding, as it paints all left-wing ideologies and liberal politics as inherently anti-national, overlooking the diversity of perspectives within these realms. Moreover, the portrayal of intellectuals and journalists as collaborators in undermining national integrity lacks depth and fails to explore the multifaceted roles these individuals play in society. It points fingers at universities such as JNU (though it’s not named as such), saying it’s a den of anti-nationals. And also alludes that a certain party, with its Gandhian thought-base, is detrimental to the wellbeing of the nation and is sponsoring terrorism via Naxals. The movie compares the Maoist rebellion to groups like Islamic State and Boko Haram. It also suggests connections between the leaders of the Naxal movement and organisations such as Lashkar-e-Toiba, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and Filipino communist groups.
The narrative also attempts to attribute an improvement in the situation post-2010 to the efforts of the present government. This oversimplification neglects the contributions and challenges faced by various stakeholders in addressing the Naxal issue. Furthermore, the film’s use of graphic scenes, such as the initial decapitation scene, may be excessive and potentially alienating to some viewers. While such depictions can serve to highlight the severity of the violence associated with Naxalism, their gratuitous nature risks overshadowing the underlying message of the film.
Adah Sharma’s portrayal of a dedicated police officer is well within the bounds of the script. At times, it becomes too loud. Overall, Bastar: The Naxal Story falls short in providing a balanced and nuanced portrayal of its subject matter, opting instead for a sensationalised narrative that fails to capture the complexities of the issue at hand.
Trailer : Bastar: The Naxal Story Movie Review
Abhishek Srivastava, March 15, 2024, 1:30 PM IST
3.0/5
Story: Drawing inspiration from actual events, this film delves into the Naxal menace in the state of Chhattisgarh, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of a single police officer who went above and beyond to quell the Naxal threat.
Review: With ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story,’ director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah attempt to shed light on yet another societal issue. Following the box office success of ‘The Kerala Story,’ their focus now shifts to the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh. While “Bastar” engages audiences for much of its duration, a deeper exploration of the political landscape could have enhanced the narrative, and made this a finer watch. Drawing inspiration from real-life incidents and characters, the film injects a fictional essence into its portrayal. Despite a screenplay that lacks strength, Sen compensates with his skilful depiction of events, but be forewarned that there are moments in the film that may be difficult to watch.
The focal point of the story is Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a no-nonsense IPS officer holding a senior CRPF position tasked with quashing the Naxal insurgency. The film begins in a courtroom where government and Naxal representatives are engaged in a legal battle. Neerja employs Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the state-run militia, Salwa Judum, to curb Naxal influence in Chhattisgarh. Running parallel to this is the story of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman whose husband was gruesomely killed by Lanka Reddy (Vijay Krishna), a notorious Naxalite. Seeking retribution, Ratna enrols and trains to become a Special Police Officer and aids Neerja in her mission.
The film incorporates characters based on real individuals, although with altered names, leading to a guessing game for viewers familiar with the actual events. The film’s realistic tone is complemented by fitting locations. Throughout the film, its gritty atmosphere keeps audiences on the edge, particularly in scenes where the ‘influential elite’ offer their support to the Naxalites. A significant oversight lies in the absence of depicting Delhi and Raipur as central control hubs. In a narrative of this nature, delving into the behind-the-scenes operations of these centres becomes crucial. While the film touches on these elements, it merely scratches the surface. Additionally, while the film is well-shot, the loud background music serves as a distraction.
Once again, Adah Sharma shines in a commanding role, reminiscent of her impressive performance in ‘The Kerala Story.’ Portraying an uncompromising police officer, she delivers a sincere portrayal, unafraid to speak her mind even in the presence of politicians. Indira Tiwari, embodying a tribal woman, delivers a heartfelt performance that resonates deeply. Vijay Krishna’s portrayal of Lanka Reddy, adeptly switching between English and Hindi, exudes menace, while Raima Sen, Shilpa Shukla, and Yashpal Sharma fit their respective roles perfectly. ‘Bastar’ is a hard-hitting crime drama, with moments that surely shake you.
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