Bastar – The Naxal Story Review

Director - Sudipto Sen

Cast - Adah Sharma, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, Raima Sen, Anangsha Biswas, Anupam Joardar, Kishore Kadam

Duration – 124 Minutes

Rating – 2

Filmmaker Sudipto Sen's latest offering, "Bastar - The Naxal Story," is a film steeped in controversy and conspiracy theories. Following his previous work, "The Kerala Story," Sen's latest film delves deeper into the complexities of the Naxalite movement, presenting a narrative that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.

From the outset, "Bastar - The Naxal Story" warns viewers of its "unsettling images," setting the tone for a film that is unafraid to confront the brutal realities of the Naxal insurgency. The movie opens with a chilling scene in which a villager who defies the Maoist insurgents is brutally murdered, highlighting the ruthlessness of the Naxalites.

Central to the film's narrative is the Supreme Court's ban on the Salwa Judum militia, a controversial group supported by the Chhattisgarh government to combat Naxalism. The film portrays the Salwa Judum as a necessary evil, fighting against the Naxalites who are compared to terrorist groups like the Islamic State and Boko Haram.

The screenplay, written by Sen, Amarnath Jha, and Vipul Shah, explores the intricacies of the conflict in Bastar, painting a picture of a region torn apart by violence and political intrigue. The film's portrayal of the Maoists as part of a global conspiracy involving terrorist organizations adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, challenging viewers to rethink their perceptions of the conflict.

Despite its controversial subject matter, "Bastar - The Naxal Story" is not without its flaws. The film's screenplay is at times overstuffed with characters and subplots, leading to a lack of focus in the narrative. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the film's strong performances, particularly by Adah Sharma as Neerja, the IPS officer determined to crush the Naxal insurgency.

In conclusion, "Bastar - The Naxal Story" is a film that is sure to spark debate and controversy. While its portrayal of the Naxalite movement may be divisive, the film's unflinching look at the realities of the conflict makes it a compelling watch. Whether you agree with its perspective or not, "Bastar - The Naxal Story" is a film that will leave a lasting impression.