3.5/5
Bhakshak relies on the notorious incident that happened in a shelter house in Muzaffarpur, Bihar the place a number of younger women, aged between 7-17, had been sexually abused. The case got here to mild in 2018 when a report was submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the Bihar Social Welfare Department. The report talked about particulars of allegations of sexual abuse of minor women on the shelter house which was run by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti. When the police acted on the report, it was discovered that everybody, from the caretaker of the stated institute, to folks from all walks of the federal government equipment had been concerned within the nefarious actions. The caretaker was discovered responsible by the courts and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The authorities later vowed to place up stricter norms for the welfare of younger homeless kids.Vaishali Singh (Bhumi), is a journalist operating a small-time unbiased information channel known as Koshish News in Patna, alongside along with her cameraman Bhaskar Sinha (Sanjay Mishra). An informant (Durgesh Kumar), informs them a couple of report submitted to the Ministry of Welfare which hasn’t been acted upon. When they examine, they discover out that the person operating the institute, Bansi Sahu (Aditya Srivastava), has been straight chargeable for the heinous actions. He appears to be politically properly related and therefore no motion has been taken towards him.Vaishali and Bhaskar organise a relentless media marketing campaign towards the wrongdoers, posting details as and after they get them. Their huge break comes when a woman, who was beforehand working as a prepare dinner on the institute, provides them the insider particulars and later even agrees to show witness. This prompts the judiciary to lastly take motion towards the perpetrators.The movie is just not for the fainthearted. Some scenes are decidedly visceral and are not straightforward to observe. That stated, it boggles the thoughts that Vaishali is the one reporter chasing the story, and that senior police officer Gurmeet (Sai Tamhankar) dumps the onus of investigation on Vaishali, reasonably than doing it herself. Strange certainly. The movie gave the impression to be shot on location and the claustrophobic bylanes of a small-town, in addition to the jail-like situations of the institute, highlights the horror of all of it extra profoundly.Aditya Srivastava, who’s all the time seen in a optimistic mild in movies and TV makes for a terrific villain. The scene the place he intimidates Vaishali and Bhaskar with a smile on his face is value watching twice. He holds courtroom together with his coterie, and casually discusses rape and torture like he’s discussing the climate. The crimes imply nothing to him as a result of he doesn’t contemplate the victims to be human. Sai Tamhankar makes her presence felt in her transient position. Sanjay Mishra, who appears the very picture of a small-town journalist who is aware of all the pieces there’s to know, reiterates the actual fact but once more as to why he’s thought of among the best actors in India. Bhumi Pednekar is again to doing what she is aware of greatest. She’s the aware keeper of the movie and makes you realise that if we actually desire a change, then we shouldn’t flip a blind eye to the issues that are occurring round her. She makes you consider she’s a bloodhound out on a hunt, sniffing the path of the crime with a lot gusto and doing her greatest to seize the criminals. Her trustworthy portrayal retains you hooked to the movie.Watch the hard-hitting movie for its message and for the show of superior performing by the complete ensemble forged.
Trailer : Bhakshak
Renuka Vyavahare, February 9, 2024, 4:02 PM IST
2.5/5
Story: An unbiased TV reporter Vaishali Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) and her solely colleague Bhaskar (Sanjay Mishra) fire up a hornet’s nest. In pursuit of fact, these small-town journalists try to show a human trafficking racket in Bihar.
Even because the wealthy and highly effective are busy toeing the road, director Pulkit hopes to rejoice the unsung warriors of smaller cities. They may exude a sure naivete, however they dare to talk fact to energy. He addresses rising apathy in a shrinking social media world.
The topic is necessary and the lead efficiency honest, however execution has a 90’s melodramatic hangover. Everyone mouths Bansi Sahu’s identify a minimum of 100 occasions within the film and he doesn’t appear as menacing or influential as he’s made to seem like. Strangely, everybody has entry to him always. The investigative-crime thriller lacks each investigation and thrill, making the movie extra exhausting and fewer gripping. The storytelling lacks a way of urgency and even worry which might be important to make a hard-hitting challenge like this deeply partaking. At no level are you emotionally invested within the characters or their trauma. Vaishali’s supportive husband too would not get sufficient scope to precise his inhibitions.
At one level a girl supercop tells Vaishali, “My hands are tied. You get me the evidence and I will make arrests.” Cops are additionally supposed to assemble proof and journos are supposed to tell and alert society by their accountable reportage. Passing the buck solely on journos doesn’t work, as freedom of press is stifled, nor have they got the facility of uniform.
Bhumi Pednekar has emerged as some of the bankable performers, who has persistently portrayed sturdy feminine characters. The Marathi woman from Mumbai has her north Indian accent on level and it’s her fearless presence that fights patriarchy within the film greater than the writing. Sanjay Mishra feels wasted and CID fame Aditya Srivastava isn’t as convincing because the evil antagonist. Sai Tamhankar makes a vital particular look, however her character lacks nuanced writing.
Bhakshak’s battle for justice feels long-winded and simplistic. You really feel for the plight of the ladies trapped however the movie does little to embolden that fireplace in your stomach.