'The Sabarmati Report': What happened in the 2002 train tragedy
Vikrant Massey will be seen in The Sabarmati Report, a Dheeraj Sarna directorial inspired by real-life events. The story revolves around a major incident in India in 2002, which led to a nationwide debate and the examination of several government bodies. The film will explore what exactly happened with the Sabarmati Express train that year.
'The Sabarmati Report' features a star-studded cast
Apart from Massey, The Sabarmati Report also stars Raashii Khanna and Riddhi Dogra in key roles. The movie was originally scheduled for a May 2024 release but then was pushed to August 2, 2024. It is finally getting released on Friday, November 15 now. Also, it went through a captain change. Earlier, Ranjan Chandel was at the helm and he was apparently replaced after the producers decided to reshoot certain scenes, a decision he did not agree with.
'The Sabarmati Report' is based on this true incident
The Ahmedabad-Varanasi City-bound Sabarmati Express was attacked on February 27, 2002. The train was carrying around 1,700 passengers, including pilgrims and karsevaks (volunteers) returning from Ayodhya, when a mob of around 2,000 people attacked it a little after crossing Godhra Junction railway station. The attack started with stone-pelting and escalated to setting four train coaches on fire, killing 59 passengers trapped inside the blaze.
'The Sabarmati Report' explores conflicting theories about the incident
Allegedly, the attack was in retaliation to the widespread 2002 Gujarat riots in Godhra and other parts of Gujarat. The Concerned Citizens Tribunal in 2003 reported the fire had been an accident. When Lalu Prasad Yadav became railway minister, he commissioned former Supreme Court Justice Umesh Chandra Banerjee to probe the incident who submitted his interim report in January 2005, stating it was an "accidental fire." However, the Nanavati-Mehta Commission in its 2008 report suggested it was a "planned conspiracy."
Massey's role in 'The Sabarmati Report' revealed
In The Sabarmati Report, Massey plays a journalist who is convinced that the train killings weren't an accident but a premeditated attack. His character is resolute to uncover the truth and shine a light on the events of 2002. Ahead of the film's release, Massey made a surprise visit to Godhra Station, which inspired the movie. He has apparently received death threats over the role.
