Bastar: The Naxal Story Movie Review

Bastar: The Naxal Story Rating: 4/5

Story: Based on real-life incidents, this movie explores the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the remarkable actions of a lone police officer who went to great lengths to combat the Naxalite menace.

Movie Review: In "Bastar: The Naxal Story," director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah aim to shed light on another societal issue. Following the success of "The Kerala Story" at the box office, 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 enriched the narrative, making it a more compelling watch. Drawing inspiration from real-life incidents and characters, the film infuses a fictional essence into its portrayal. Despite a screenplay lacking in strength, Sen compensates with skillful depiction of events, though there are moments in the film that may be challenging to watch.

The central character of the story is Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a no-nonsense IPS officer holding a senior position in the CRPF tasked with quelling the Naxal insurgency. The film begins in a courtroom where government and Naxal representatives are locked in a legal battle. Neerja employs Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the state-run militia, Salwa Judum, to counter Naxal influence in Chhattisgarh. Running parallel to this is the story of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman whose husband was brutally killed by Lanka Reddy (Vijay Krishna), a notorious Naxalite. Seeking retribution, Ratna enrolls and trains to become a Special Police Officer and assists Neerja in her mission.

The film incorporates characters based on real individuals, albeit with altered names, leading to a guessing game for viewers familiar with the actual events. The film's realistic tone is complemented by appropriate locations. Throughout the film, its gritty atmosphere keeps audiences engaged, particularly in scenes where the 'influential elite' lend 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 centers becomes crucial. While the film touches on these elements, it only 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 undoubtedly leave an impact.