Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra – A Disjointed Exploration of a Tragic Event

Director: MK Shivaaksh

Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Manoj Joshi, Hitu Kanodia, Denisha Ghumra, Akshita Namdev, MK Shivaaksh, Ganesh Yadav, Makrand Shukla, Rajeev Surti, Gulshan Pandey, Bhaskar Manyam, Avyan Alpesh Mehta

Rating – 2

Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra attempts to shed light on the harrowing events of the 2002 Godhra train fire in Gujarat, a tragedy that ignited the 2002 Gujarat riots. Despite its ambitious premise, the film falls short in delivering a compelling narrative, leaving audiences more puzzled than enlightened.

The film centers around the investigation of the Godhra train fire, exploring whether it was an accidental tragedy or a meticulously planned conspiracy. Based on the Nanavati-Mehta Commission report, the film delves into the chaos and aftermath of the fire, aiming to answer pressing questions about the incident's origins and the subsequent violence.

Director MK Shivaaksh's Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra sets out to tackle a sensitive and complex subject, yet it struggles with execution. The film’s portrayal of the events lacks the necessary depth and nuance, rendering the narrative both disjointed and uninspiring.

Ranvir Shorey, known for his ability to handle intense roles, attempts to anchor the film with his performance. However, even his considerable talent cannot salvage the movie from its shortcomings. Manoj Joshi, often seen in significant roles, finds himself in a similar predicament. Despite his previous successes, Joshi's portrayal as a lawyer is overshadowed by the film's broader issues. The ensemble cast, filled with mostly fresh faces, contributes earnestly but is unable to rise above the film’s lackluster writing and direction.

The film’s attempt to depict the disaster through gritty visuals falls flat. The scenes inside the train, which are meant to evoke shock and sympathy, come across as stale and uninspired. The direction lacks the emotional weight required to truly engage with the tragedy. The courtroom scenes are restrained, avoiding melodramatic clichés, yet they still fail to create a lasting impact.

The screenplay’s greatest flaw is its fragmented approach. The film juggles multiple storylines and perspectives but fails to weave them into a coherent and impactful narrative. The writing often feels forced, with attempts to address significant questions and issues about the incident falling short of meaningful exploration. The film’s depiction of the event and its aftermath feels superficial, missing the opportunity to provide a deep, reflective analysis of the disaster.

Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra is a bold attempt to address a controversial and painful chapter in Indian history, but it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling and insightful portrayal. While the film’s subject matter holds potential for a gripping and thought-provoking drama, its execution leaves much to be desired. The performances, though earnest, are unable to overcome the film’s numerous shortcomings. In the end, the film serves as a missed opportunity to provide a nuanced and impactful exploration of one of the most tragic events in recent history.