Bhakshak Review: This crime drama-thriller film, directed and written by Pulkit and Jyotsana, features Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh, Sanjay Mishra as Bhaskar Sinha, Aditya Srivastav as Bansi Sahu, Sai Tamhankar as SSP Jasmeet Gaur, Surya Sharma as Arvind Singh, Chittaranjan Tripathy as Mithilesh Sinha, Durgesh Kumar as Guptaji, Satyakam Anand as Sonu, Tanisha Mehta as Sudha Kumari, and other notable cast members. The movie has a runtime of 135 minutes.
– Bhakshak Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Bhakshak Review
Bhakshak is an intense crime drama-thriller rooted in a true story inspired by the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The film unfolds the distressing narrative of a minor girl exploited within the confines of the shelter home. In a groundbreaking revelation, Bhumi Pednekar, portraying Vaishali Singh, discovers that despite the submission of a social audit report, no actions have been taken against the perpetrators at the shelter home. The story revolves around the unwavering determination of Vaishali Singh as she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, showcasing her resilience in bringing a heinous crime to the forefront.
Bhumi Pednekar’s Bhakshak sheds light on the societal injustices faced by vulnerable girls without familial support. The film delves into the disturbing reality of powerful individuals exploiting these women for personal pleasure. The narrative, though unsettling, serves as a poignant reminder of the prevalent yet hushed nature of such situations, evoking a visceral reaction that underscores the urgency for change, regardless of the identity of the predator.
Sanjay Mishra, in his portrayal of Bhaskar Sinha, exudes a delightful blend of cleverness and mischief, adding a crucial touch of levity to the narrative. His adept delivery of one-liners and nuanced expressions not only induces smiles but also prevents the movie from veering into excessively dark territory. Mishra’s performance is a testament to his well-established acting prowess; he seamlessly immerses himself in each character, skilfully conveying their innermost feelings through subtle gestures. His excellence in acting is a known fact, making every viewing experience a true delight as he effortlessly navigates various emotions and situations within movies and shows.
Nevertheless, the movie maintains its gripping allure right from its opening moments. The initial dark and thrilling atmosphere sets the tone for the entire film, creating a sense of foreboding and impending disaster. The presentation of scenes evokes feelings of dread, especially when depicting the treatment of women in small towns and the distressing scenes at the shelter home. This portrayal sheds light on the harsh reality of how women are treated in such environments.
Moreover, the film delves into the responsibilities of a true journalist and offers a broad commentary on the functioning of the media in contemporary times. It highlights the contrast between the idealistic work of a genuine journalist and the sensationalised content that dominates the news industry today. The narrative draws attention to the disturbing aspects of small-town life, often overlooked by both the general public and the media. In this way, Bhakshak provides a profound exploration of journalism ethics and the media’s tendency to prioritize sensationalism over meaningful news coverage.
Witnessing Bhumi in her role as a journalist is truly captivating. The way she immerses herself in unravelling the intricacies of the case, navigating both its depths and her personal challenges, is nothing short of brilliant. While crime dramas often rely on graphic scenes, this movie commands attention not just for its visceral elements but for the pervasive sense of suspense and anticipation that permeates every frame. As the characters involved in the case succumb to intimidation and threats one by one, the stakes reach unprecedented heights. Aditya Srivastav, portraying Bansi Sahu, delivers a commendable performance that evokes a profound dislike for his character throughout the narrative.
The film provides a compelling exploration of case discrimination. While the primary focus is on the journalist’s efforts to rescue girls from the shelter home, there are poignant moments that reveal the societal neglect faced by those without family support. These instances illuminate the dark side of society, exposing the callousness of powerful individuals. Additionally, the narrative delves into Vaishali’s mental health, highlighting the profound impact the case has on her life. As viewers, we empathise with her and the girls as they bravely strive for justice, standing up for what is right amidst heartbreaking challenges.
However, there are minor issues that arise when watching the film. It raises questions about why only the individuals managing the shelter home are held accountable for the problems, rather than addressing the government’s role. The film could have portrayed government officials who failed to take action despite being aware of the issues. This omission in depicting real-life scenarios in the movie may have missed an opportunity to create a more impactful narrative.
Bhakshak Review: Final Thoughts
In the end, the movie sheds light on the indispensable role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy. With a nuanced exploration of its potential, he accentuates the profound impact it can wield in advocating for the welfare and rights of the people. The movie narrative skilfully dissects the intricate dynamics of media functionality, portraying it as a formidable force for positive change that can reshape societal narratives. The storyline gracefully interweaves instances of altruism, portraying individuals who, against all odds, rise to confront malevolent forces, embodying an unwavering commitment to justice.
While the film acknowledges the nuanced nature of reality where even the virtuous may face defeat, it concludes on a resonantly uplifting note, injecting a dose of optimism into the narrative. The movie, while not groundbreaking in its innovation, manages to evoke genuine smiles and provides an enjoyable cinematic experience, capturing the intricate interplay between good and evil with a compelling complexity.
Bhakshak releases on Netflix on November 9, 2024.
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