Bastar: The Naxal Story Story:-
Drawing from real-life events, this film delves into the Naxal insurgency in the state of Chhattisgarh, highlighting the extraordinary efforts of a lone police officer who goes beyond the call of duty to combat the Naxal threat.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 15 March 2024 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Duration | 2h 4min |
| Cast | Adah Sharma, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, Raima Sen, Anangsha Biswas, Anupam Joardar, Indira Tiwari, Kishore Kadam |
| Director | Sudipto Sen |
| Writer | Amarnath Jha, Sudipto Sen |
| Cinematography | Ragul Dharuman |
| Music | Bishakh Jyoti |
| Producer | Vipul Amrutlal Shah |
| Production | Sunshine Pictures, Last Monk media |
| Certificate | A |
In “Bastar: The Naxal Story,” director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah tackle yet another pressing societal issue following the success of “The Kerala Story.” This time, their lens focuses on the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh. While “Bastar” manages to captivate audiences for the most part, a deeper exploration of the political landscape could have enriched the narrative, elevating the overall viewing experience. Inspired by real-life incidents and characters, the film infuses a fictional element into its portrayal. Despite a screenplay that occasionally lacks depth, Sen compensates with adept handling of events, although certain moments in the film may prove challenging to watch.
At the heart of the story is Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a no-nonsense IPS officer holding a senior position in the CRPF, entrusted with the task of quelling the Naxal insurgency. The narrative unfolds in a courtroom where government and Naxal representatives engage in a legal battle. Neerja enlists the aid of Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the state-run militia, Salwa Judum, in her efforts to curb Naxal influence in Chhattisgarh. Concurrently, the film follows the journey of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman whose husband fell victim to the brutality of Lanka Reddy (Vijay Krishna), a notorious Naxalite. Seeking justice, Ratna undergoes training to become a Special Police Officer and joins Neerja in her mission.
The film features characters inspired by real individuals, albeit with altered names, sparking curiosity among viewers familiar with the actual events. Its realistic tone is complemented by aptly chosen locations. Throughout the narrative, a gritty atmosphere keeps audiences on edge, especially in scenes portraying the support of the ‘influential elite’ for the Naxalites. However, a notable oversight is the absence of depictions of Delhi and Raipur as central control hubs. In a narrative of this nature, exploring the behind-the-scenes operations of these centers becomes essential. While the film touches on these aspects, it only scratches the surface.
Moreover, although the film is well-shot, the loud background music proves to be distracting. 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 voice her opinions even in the presence of politicians. Indira Tiwari, portraying a tribal woman, delivers a heartfelt performance that deeply resonates. Vijay Krishna’s portrayal of Lanka Reddy, seamlessly switching between English and Hindi, exudes menace, while Raima Sen, Shilpa Shukla, and Yashpal Sharma impeccably fit their respective roles. ‘Bastar’ stands as a hard-hitting crime drama, with moments that surely leave an impact.
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