Accident Or Conspiracy: Godhra Movie Review : An important subject with underwhelming execution

Story: The movie delves into the events surrounding the 2002 Sabarmati Express burning incident in Godhra, Gujarat. It focuses on the Nanavati Commission’s inquiry set up to investigate the cause of the fire and explores whether it was a pre-planned conspiracy or an accident.

Review: Director M K Shivaaksh's story unfolds through the lens of a courtroom drama, showcasing the contrasting arguments presented by Mahmood Qureshi (Ranvir Shorey) and Ravindra Pandya (Manoj Joshi). While Qureshi attempts to establish that the train burning incident in Godhra was an accident, the latter argues it was a conspiracy. As the courtroom drama unravels, the film also portrays the tragedy's human cost. Deshpande (Hitu Kanodia), a railway staff member, loses his wife, Devki (Denisha Ghumra), and son, Mannu, in the fire. Devastated, he abandons his job to become a professor. We also see the story through the eyes of a student whose parents perish in the subsequent riots. This young man chooses the Godhra incident as his project, meeting key figures—a cop, a victim, and a social worker fighting for the victims. Through their perspectives, the film attempts to paint a complete picture.

The narrative recreates newspaper clippings and cites statistics, delves into the 'us versus them' mentality, the media’s influence, and the raging debate whether the train's burning and the riots stemmed from the state's failure. Aiming for a balanced portrayal of how misinformation fuels misunderstanding, the movie sets out to present a compelling case. However, its objectivity wanes, favouring one side as the victim and the other as the aggressor.

Despite a steady pace, the film's execution and overall treatment feel monotonous, hindering its impact. Cinematographer Shankar Awwate finely contrasts the serenity of Ayodhya's Ganga ghat and Ram Leela, with the tragedy's bleakness. There are several disturbing scenes that depict extreme violence, which the audience may not be able to stomach.

Ranvir Shorey and Manoj Joshi deliver strong performances as the lawyers presenting each side. Both actors have the conviction to pull off their respective roles. Hitu Kanodia and Denisha Ghumra deliver a serviceable as the married couple.

What works here, despite the serious subject at hand, it's not overtly loud and dramatic. However, what fails the film is weak writing and underwhelming execution that leave a muddled impact.