Modi recently praised the movie The Sabarmati Report for shining a light on the 2002 Godhra train incident and revealing the actual facts behind the tragedy.
Modi said that the movie provides insight into the lesser-known aspects of the incident, thus putting to rest the long-held incorrect ideas related to it.
The Prime Minister stated that misinformation will not last long because the truth will ultimately come out, which is positive that the film is informing the people through a factual lens.
Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, The Sabarmati Report is a cinematic retelling of the unfortunate 2002 Godhra incident, where a train coach carrying 59 people, including women and children, was set ablaze.
This incident instigated sweeping communal riots across Gujarat and left an indelible mark on India’s social-political landscape.
The movie, which was released on November 25, will feature Vikrant Massey in the lead role, playing an investigative journalist handling the tragedy.
It aims to present a neutral version of events, rebutting the many misleading myths that have clouded the incident for over two decades.
The Sabarmati Report has managed to capture quite a bit of attention since its release. Modi’s praise was in response to a user on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) who praised the film for its fair presentation of the events.
The Prime Minister commended the film’s attempt to present an unvarnished version of history, asserting that while falsehoods may persist for a time, the truth will eventually triumph.
Vikrant Massey is excited and has shared that, as a journalist in the film, he had to face many challenges, including threats during the course of shooting, owing to the sensitive nature of the subject.
“We have to go on for our team, both in bringing this story out and hoping that it triggers balanced discourse and an informed argument about the tragedy” said Massey.
Wider Consequences
Modi’s endorsement of the film carries import because it echoes his position on the necessity of bringing forth factual accounts of historical events.
His comments emphasise that it is more critical to revisit such incidents through credible sources and narratives, especially in this age of misinformation.
The Prime Minister’s bona fides might attract more viewers to the film, thus raising the debate on the Godhra tragedy and its aftermath in 2002.
The release of The Sabarmati Report also coincides with ongoing debates about the portrayal of sensitive historical incidents in Indian cinema.
The film attempts rather carefully to amalgamate emotive storytelling with investigative journalism toward a nuanced investigation of complex socio-political issues in mainstream cinema.
