Showing posts with label The Sabarmati Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Sabarmati Report. Show all posts
People still ask me, 'Why did you retire?'-Vikrant Massey
8:00 AM
Vikrant Massey opens up about the past few years, leaving him feeling burnt out, and how people misconstrued his announcement of taking a break as retirement
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 27, 2025)
In December 2024, Vikrant Massey did what was an anomaly in the cut-throat business of Bollywood — the actor announced that he was taking a break from movies. Expectedly, it sparked shock among his fans and colleagues. Six months on, he is promoting his next, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. That has left many confused, who misconstrue that Massey had retired. He begins, “People still ask me, ‘Why did you retire?’”
The actor is amused that his announcement was misunderstood by so many. “Which part of my post did people not understand? Maybe they are not used to seeing actors taking a break, but I want to better myself. I wanted to take that break. I had mentioned in my post that there are two films I’d be working on, one of which was Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. Two months after announcing my break, I started shooting for it,” he says.
Massey reveals he had turned down many projects leading up to the announcement. “Post 12th Fail [2023] and The Sabarmati Report [2024], a lot of films were coming my way. I can’t do 10 films a year. So, that post was to convey to filmmakers that I needed some time off. Many were shocked to hear a no from me.”
More importantly, slowing down was crucial for the actor’s sanity. With seven releases in the past two years, including successes in 12th Fail and Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024), he felt the need to pause.
“It was not something I decided overnight. There was a burnout. I wanted to spend time with my family. Also, I [saw] the love coming in from the audience. I want to be worth their time. But when I’m getting burnt out, how can I face the camera and keep repeating the same thing?”
The actor wrapped up Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, co-starring Shanaya Kapoor, in March. White, a biopic on spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is due to roll only in August, giving him enough time to re-energize himself. So, where does that leave Don 3? “It’s too early to talk about it,” he smiles.
Those who lauded me for 12th Fail and Sector 36 abused me for being a part of The Sabarmati Report-Vikrant Massey
8:29 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; December 28, 2024)
Vikrant Massey, who shocked his fans recently by announcing that he will be taking a break from films, had elaborated at a recent conclave, “The life I had always dreamt of, I finally got it, so I thought it was time to live it. I want to take a break because, at the end of the day, everything is transient, which is why I am only doing one film next year. My son was born, and I was not able to spend any quality time with him or my wife. So, I had written in that Instagram post that as an actor, son, father and husband, it was time for me to recalibrate.”
During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, Vikrant spoke to us about choosing to play unconventional characters, extreme fan reactions, fatherhood and more.
‘It was disheartening when I was abused by fans for my latest film’
Vikrant, who was lauded for his portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail, shares, “I was happy with the kind of love 12th Fail got. Fan expectations had risen post that film and I expected the same love for all projects. However, doing a film like The Sabarmati Report gave me a reality check. The same people who had lauded me for 12th Fail and Sector 36 abused me for being a part of this film, which brought me back to reality.”
He adds, “When I was abused and given threats, I realized that for fans, sometimes convenience takes precedence over understanding your character. It was disheartening, but I will always focus on telling the stories that I believe in.”
‘I want to do films that people will watch even after 50 years’
Be it A Death In The Gunj, Haseen Dillruba, Gaslight, or OTT shows like Mirzapur and Broken But Beautiful, Vikrant has always explored unconventional characters. He says, “It is actually a mix of both-my conscious choice and choosing the kind of work I am offered. When I started my career, I was doing whatever projects were being offered. Somehow, I was always getting roles which were not run-of-the-mill even when I was doing television. But now, it has become my conscious choice to do such projects, as I feel I am meant to do them.”
He adds, “Be it commercial or message-driven films, I choose projects that have archival value. My father watches films that were made 50 years ago. I also want to do films that the upcoming generations would like to watch 50 years later.”
‘It is a blessing to be a father’
Vikrant and his actress-wife Sheetal Thakur, who got married in 2022, became parents to a baby boy, Vardaan, earlier this year. He tells us, “Fatherhood is the best role of my life (smiles). It is a blessing to be a father, and my son has made me a better person. Coming back home after work and seeing those eyes smiling at you is a feeling which is difficult to describe. Vardaan is the biggest gift of my life.”
Talking about how he deals with the trolls, "I ignore the trolls; comments from faceless people on social media are linked to my profession and I have to get used to it. But it’s disappointing when trolls target your family and loved ones."
Has Vikrant taken a break from OTT now? The actor says, "I haven’t stopped doing OTT projects, but I’m waiting for the right script to make a comeback. If the script is good, I will do that project irrespective of the medium."
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 858
10:57 PM
WILL CINEMA LOVERS DAY BENEFIT MOANA 2, THE SABARMATI REPORT?
The dry period continues in Bollywood and to get some spike in footfalls, the theatres have decided to once again celebrate Cinema Lovers Day on Friday, November 29. This is the fourth edition of Cinema Lovers Day of 2024. Earlier this year, it was held on February 23, May 31 and August 9. A National Cinema Day, meanwhile, took place on September 20. Hence, on November 29, theatres will sell tickets for Rs. 99 for the fifth time this year.
Moana 2 will be released in cinemas this Friday and is expected to benefit big time. The first part was a decent success as it collected Rs. 9.50 crores. Over the years, it has been consumed widely and has a fan following. And with the Cinema Lovers Day offer, the collections are expected to be encouraging. This will be a good sign for the film as it has only six days before Pushpa 2 releases on December 5 and takes away most of the screens.
The other major beneficiary of Cinema Lovers Day's offer will be The Sabarmati Report. It has held very well and will fall around Rs. 60 lakhs on Thursday. If it can jump to Rs. 1 crore on November 29, it’ll be a good sign.
Kal Ho Naa Ho, meanwhile, is having a rocking re-release run. Its tickets are priced at just Rs. 150. But the Rs. 99 offer can prove tempting and result in house-full shows. All We Imagine As Light is also doing well in select theatres and will continue to get audiences on Friday. Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will also have some benefit.
I Want To Talk sadly has failed to get any audience due to niche genre and title. Its collections fell to just Rs. 8 lakhs on Monday and it remains to be seen if the Cinema Lovers Day offer helps this film in any way.
(Crisp) Movie Review: THE SABARMATI REPORT by FENIL SETA
2:21 PM
The Sabarmati Report is a laughable effort and from the very start, it becomes clear what the intentions of the makers are. As the name suggests, it is based on the ghastly 2002 train incident and the film majorly puts the blame on the incorrect reporting by the media that led to disturbances later on, as if all news agencies in the country reported just one aspect of the incident. The script has several loose ends and the direction is haphazard. Suddenly, some court case is slapped on the protagonist and how and why it happens is never explained. The workings of the newsroom are also incorrectly depicted. On the positive side, the tribute paid to the victims is heartening. A few scenes are well-directed. The bond shared by two journalists, while exposing the truth, makes for an amusing watch. And the performances are exemplary. Vikrant Massey delivers a very convincing and hard-hitting performance. Ridhi Dogra is too good as the no-nonsense boss lady. But she is hardly there in the film. Raashii Khanna leaves a mark. The others who do well are Barkha Singh and the actors playing editor Raman Talwar, Mishra ji, Zainab (receptionist at Tiranga Lodge) and Hamid Qadri. Hella Stichlmair (Sonia Gandhi lookalike) is horrible. All in all, The Sabarmati Report is a poorly made film.
My rating - * ½ out of 5!
My rating - * ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 856
5:04 PM
DRY WEEK FOR HINDI FILMS; GLADIATOR II MIGHT SURPRISE
The Diwali release – Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 – have done maximum business and now all eyes are on the mid-sized releases this month. The biggest release of the week is Kanguva, which is released today, Thursday, November 14. It is a Tamil film which has been widely released in its dubbed Hindi version. It stars Suriya, Bobby Deol and Disha Patani and looks like a grand flick.
However, Kanguva’s excitement is limited. The film is expected to open at around Rs. 2.25-3 crores in Hindi. The word of mouth seems mixed and hence, it’s difficult to say if it’ll have a long run at the box office. The first-day collections in the original Tamil language are decent.
The other Hindi release is The Sabarmati Report. It stars Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra and Raashii Khanna and is based on the 2002 Godhra riots. The film went on floors in January 2024 and the initial plan was to release on May 3. The plan failed to materialize and also the Central Board of Film Certification had some objections. Later, the film was reshot and the original director Ranjan Chandel left the project.
The awareness is there for The Sabarmati Report but the excitement is limited. Vikrant’s recent controversial interviews have grabbed eyeballs but it remains to be seen if it translates into healthy ticket sales.
Lastly, Gladiator II will see an early release tomorrow in India, a week before the release in North America. It is the sequel to the 2000 classic movie which has a strong recall value even today. The early reviews are positive and even in India, the advance booking has been better than expected. Hence, it’s a film that can surprise this weekend.
The Diwali release – Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 – have done maximum business and now all eyes are on the mid-sized releases this month. The biggest release of the week is Kanguva, which is released today, Thursday, November 14. It is a Tamil film which has been widely released in its dubbed Hindi version. It stars Suriya, Bobby Deol and Disha Patani and looks like a grand flick.
However, Kanguva’s excitement is limited. The film is expected to open at around Rs. 2.25-3 crores in Hindi. The word of mouth seems mixed and hence, it’s difficult to say if it’ll have a long run at the box office. The first-day collections in the original Tamil language are decent.
The other Hindi release is The Sabarmati Report. It stars Vikrant Massey, Ridhi Dogra and Raashii Khanna and is based on the 2002 Godhra riots. The film went on floors in January 2024 and the initial plan was to release on May 3. The plan failed to materialize and also the Central Board of Film Certification had some objections. Later, the film was reshot and the original director Ranjan Chandel left the project.
The awareness is there for The Sabarmati Report but the excitement is limited. Vikrant’s recent controversial interviews have grabbed eyeballs but it remains to be seen if it translates into healthy ticket sales.
Lastly, Gladiator II will see an early release tomorrow in India, a week before the release in North America. It is the sequel to the 2000 classic movie which has a strong recall value even today. The early reviews are positive and even in India, the advance booking has been better than expected. Hence, it’s a film that can surprise this weekend.
I don’t want my name associated with The Sabarmati Report-Ranjan Chandel
9:16 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 23, 2024)
The Sabarmati Report starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra has been having a tumultuous ride — first its release date was pushed and then the film underwent a director change. While Ranjan Chandel was originally at the helm, he was replaced by director Dheeraj Sarna and a new poster was released recently.
He wasn’t informed about the credit change, but Chandel has no qualms about it: “I only took that decision to get out, so I don’t want my credit at all now.” The change reportedly took place when the film’s producers wanted portions of the film to be reshot, and he didn’t agree to it.
He further adds, “The film might have a huge portion that I shot, but since there was a difference in creative vision, I told the makers I don’t want my name associated with it, as the whole vision of the film wouldn’t be mine. I didn’t want to take responsibility for it as the film deals with a sensitive subject. But I am happy and I wish the film all the best.”
The film is set against the background of the Godhra train burning incident that took place on the morning of February 27, 2002, on the Sabarmati Express train.
I left The Sabarmati Report due to creative differences-Ranjan Chandel
8:43 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 17, 2024)
Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra-starrer The Sabarmati Report was set to release on August 2 this year. However, recent reports suggested that the film has gone into reshoot, with its director Ranjan Chandel having stepped out of the film. Confirming the same to us, Chandel reveals, “I took this decision on my own.”
Explaining the reason, the director says, “I shot the complete film, but then there were a few ideas by the makers that were not for reshoot but additions in the film. I didn’t agree with those changes as the film deals with a sensitive subject. However, the makers wanted them, so I decided to step out. There were creative differences between us.”
The Sabarmati Report revolves around the train burning incident, when Sabarmati Express was stopped outside the Godhra railway station and 58 pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were killed in the burning train on the morning of February 27, 2002.
Ask Chandel if the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has suggested changes in the film, and he says, “There are reports that the changes are being made after the film went to the CBFC and that’s why the film got postponed, but that isn’t true,” he ends.
The pressure to deliver after 12th fail is unnerving-Vikrant Massey
8:29 AM
Actor Vikrant Massey, who is going through an ‘incredible purple patch’, says he can feel the jitters ahead of the string of projects he stars in next
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 18, 2024)
It might be the best phase yet in Vikrant Massey’s life, personally and professionally. His film 12th Fail (2023) crossed the 25-week mark recently. The actor’s next, The Sabarmati Report, where he plays a journalist, is already generating great buzz. And the cherry on the cake was Massey welcoming his son Vardaan, earlier this year.
“The last six months have been quite eventful. The success of 12th Fail, wrapping up The Sabarmati Report and it being touted as a much-anticipated release — and then fatherhood. I can easily say that I’m going through an incredible purple patch,” the actor tells us.
12th Fail becoming the first film in 23 years to enjoy a silver jubilee run in theatres was undeniably the happiest moment for the team. The 37-year-old recalls, “I got a call from Vinod sir (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film’s director) about the news, and I celebrated this achievement with my family. It’s an unprecedented feat in modern cinema.”
Massey is also aware of how the success of 12th Fail has opened him up to huge expectations hereon, and can already feel the jitters ahead of his next. “It can also be unnerving, this pressure to go out there and meet expectations again. In the back of your head, you know you cannot replicate 12th Fail or any success. You have to start afresh, so I am starting afresh with my next slate of films,” says Massey, who will be seen next in Yaar Jigri, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba and Sector 36.
The actor, who’s starred in films such as A Death In The Gunj (2017), Ramprasad ki Tehrvi (2019), Chhapaak (2020) and Haseen Dillruba (2021), wants more films made on “real and rooted” stories.
We offered The Sabarmati Report to Vikrant Massey a few months before 12th Fail was released-Amul Mohan
8:38 AM
Glad to have Massey front The Sabarmati Report, producer Amul discusses how the political thriller about the Godhra train burning case is ‘emotion-driven’
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 7, 2024)
The Sabarmati Report’s teaser has created a flutter. Starring Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna, the Ranjan Chandel-directed political thriller revolves around two reporters who investigate the burning of the Sabarmati Express in 2002. Amul Mohan, who has backed the movie along with Ektaa R Kapoor, says that as a producer, he is looking for compelling narratives and The Sabarmati Report delivered on that count.
“Aseem sir [Arora, writer] had a take on The Sabarmati Report, and we built on that. It’s emotion-driven, as it deals with a timeline in India when such a ghastly act happened. The sense of injustice we felt while we were researching it, made us gravitate towards it,” starts Mohan.
On February 27, 2002, 59 pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were killed in a blaze in the four coaches of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway station in Gujarat. It had led to one of the worst communal riots in Gujarat. While the film is a mix of fact and fiction, Mohan highlights that it isn’t centred on the Sabarmati Express fire or the subsequent riots, but focuses on the following decade and the findings of the actual Sabarmati report.
“We are not touching on anything that happened immediately, post the Godhra train incident but the investigation as to what really transpired that night, near Godhra station, in Gujarat in 2002. Our subject is controversial, but our take will make it more palatable for the masses,” states Mohan.
Massey is on a career high since the runaway success of his last release, 12th Fail (2023). The producer says they had approached the actor before he struck gold at the box office. “We offered the film to him a few months before 12th Fail was released. Before we came for the narration, Vikrant had read the story. That shows the kind of actor he is. After working with him, I respect him even more.”
He is grateful to Kapoor, with whom he worked as a creative producer on Ek Villain (2013) and Ek Villain Returns (2022), for backing the project. Kapoor is known to be clear about what she wants, which some interpret as interference, but Mohan says she has a finger on the audience’s pulse like no other.
“It’s a dream come true that Ektaa is backing a new producer like me. I’m lucky to have witnessed her insight about stories that she wants to tell. She connects with the masses.”
Vikrant Massey's paternity leave ends; resumes work on The Sabarmati Report
9:19 AM
After taking paternity leave earlier this month, Vikrant resumes work on The Sabarmati Report; political thriller to be wrapped up by next week
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 24, 2024)
In January, mid-day had reported that Vikrant Massey was headlining The Sabarmati Report that is centred on the real-life episode of the burning of the Sabarmati Express in 2002 (That burning question, Jan 17). While director Ranjan Chandel’s political thriller rolled in December 2023 in Ahmedabad, the leading man had taken a paternity leave in the first week of February to be by wife Sheetal Thakur’s side. We now hear that the new daddy has resumed the shoot that is underway at Madh Island.
On February 27, 2002, 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were killed in a blaze in the four coaches of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway station in Gujarat. It had led to one of the worst communal riots in Gujarat. The Ektaa R Kapoor production sees Massey and Raashii Khanna play journalists who investigate the cause of the fire.
“Since January, Ranjan sir has been continuously shooting on a huge set in Madh Island, where art director Rajat Poddarr and his production design team have built replicas of trains and the Godhra railway station. Vikrant had informed the director beforehand that he would take a few days off in February as Sheetal and he were expecting. So, the schedule was planned such that Ranjan sir and DoP Amlendu Choudhury shot portions featuring Raashii, Ridhi Dogra and the supporting cast in that window. Vikrant was back on set a few days after welcoming his baby boy on February 7,” reveals a source.
If things go as planned, the director will call it a wrap on The Sabarmati Report next week. The source adds, “The editing has begun so that the movie can make its May 3 release.” Playing out over a decade, the narrative begins in 2002 and touches on events in 2007 and 2012.
12th Fail actor Vikrant Massey begins shooting for The Sabarmati Report
8:27 AM
Sources say 12th Fail star Vikrant has begun shooting for The Sabarmati Report, which sees him as journalist investigating 2002 Godhra train burning case
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 16, 2024)
What would be a fitting film to continue Vikrant Massey’s golden run after 12th Fail (2023)? Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s directorial venture, one of the finest Indian movies of 2023 and a sleeper hit, is a tough act to follow. But it looks like Massey has found another powerful story, this time with producer Ektaa R Kapoor. The duo have teamed up for a political thriller titled The Sabarmati Report.
Beginning with the real-life episode of the burning of the Sabarmati Express in 2002, the movie then focuses on two journalists who investigate the incident and the cause of the fire. While Massey and Raashii Khanna play the reporters, we hear Ridhi Dogra—recently seen in Jawan (2023)—portrays a negative role.
On February 27, 2002, 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were killed in a fire in the four coaches of the Sabarmati Express near the Godhra railway station in Gujarat. The incident led to one of the worst communal riots in Gujarat.
A source from the creative team reveals, “While The Sabarmati Report is based on the burning of the Sabarmati Express, the makers have completely stayed away from the Gujarat riots. Ektaa and director Ranjan Chandel, who previously helmed the acclaimed Grahan [2021], want to treat the subject with utmost sensitivity. When co-producer Amul Mohan and writer Aseem Arora first narrated the story to Ektaa, she was moved and told them that it was the best political thriller she had come across in years. Aseem’s story is loosely based on real-life incidents. It plays out over a decade, from 2002 to 2012.”
We hear Chandel took the film on floors in Ahmedabad on December 17 last year. The director has charted out a start-to-finish schedule.
“It was always planned as a 36-day schedule. Currently, the film is being shot near Madh Island, where life-size trains and the Godhra railway station have been recreated by art director Rajat Poddarr and his production design team. Chandel has chosen Amlendu Choudhury to serve as the director of photography.”
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