The Sabarmati Report sparked intense controversy, with various political and social groups questioning its findings and motives. Some of the controversies surrounding the report include:
The film does not address the subsequent Gujarat riots (2002) that killed over 1,000 people, focusing strictly on the train burning event. The Sabarmati Report
A major theme is the critique of the "fourth estate" (the media). The film depicts a divide between "elitist" English-language news anchors and grassroots Hindi reporters, accusing certain media sections of distorting facts to suit political narratives. The film depicts a divide between "elitist" English-language
The film earned approximately ₹34–36 crore net in India. | Pre-planned conspiracy with external accelerants
| Element | As per Official Records (Nanavati Commission) | Portrayal in Film | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Sabotage; a mob set fire to the coach. | Pre-planned conspiracy with external accelerants. | | Number of victims | 59 killed. | Accurate. | | Role of local police | Delayed response / failure to act. | Shown as complicit or overwhelmed. | | Accidental theory | Dismissed by the Commission. | Film shows journalists debunking this theory. |
Released on , The Sabarmati Report is a Hindi-language political drama that revisits one of the most harrowing chapters in modern Indian history: the Godhra train burning of 2002. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna , the film stars Vikrant Massey , Raashii Khanna , and Riddhi Dogra . It explores the tragic events of February 27, 2002, and the subsequent media narratives that shaped public perception for decades. Plot and Narrative Structure