Bastar: The Naxal Story – 2024 Indian Hindi Film on True Incidents

Bastar: The Naxal Story – Movie Name
Directed by: Sudipto Sen
Starring: Adah Sharma, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, Raima Sen, Anangsha Biswas, Anupam Joardar, Kishore Kadam
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, History
Running Time: 124 Minutes
Release Date: 15 March, 2024
Production Company: Sunshine Pictures
Rating:
Budget: Not Available

Bastar: The Naxal Story – Overview

Bastar: The Naxal Story is an upcoming 2024 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It stars Adah Sharma, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta and Raima Sen.

The film was announced in June 2023, along with the title of the film, it’s based on the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. Bastar is scheduled for a theatrical release on 15 March 2024.

Director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah announce their upcoming film ‘Bastar,’ based on a true incident, set to release in 2024.

Director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah, the duo behind “The Kerala Story“, announced their next project “Bastar”. According to the makers, “Bastar”, based on a “true incident”, will hit the screens on 15 March 2024.

Shah’s Sunshine Pictures, the banner behind the upcoming movie, shared the announcement on its Twitter page. “Unveiling our next, #Bastar. Prepare to witness another gripping true incident that will leave you speechless. Mark your calendars for 15 March 2024! #VipulAmrutlalShah @sudiptoSENtlm @Aashin_A_Shah #SunshinePictures,” the production house said in the tweet.

“The Kerala Story” polarised the political discourse in the country as it depicted how women from Kerala were forced to convert and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS). Directed by Sen and produced by Shah, it was released on 15 March 2024.

The movie, which emerged as one of the most successful films at the box office with over Rs 200 crore in reported earnings, was banned by the West Bengal government, fearing tensions among communities. Theatres in Tamil Nadu had decided to stop the screening, citing the law and order situation and a poor audience turnout. It also received the tax-free status in BJP-ruled states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana.

“The Kerala Story” starred Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani.

Bastar: The Naxal Story – Movie Trailer

#Trailer2

Movie Review:

This Naxal saga is an intense dive into societal turmoil

Story: Drawing inspiration from actual events, this film delves into the Naxal menace in the state of Chhattisgarh, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of a single police officer who went above and beyond to quell the Naxal threat.

Review: With ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story,’ director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah attempt to shed light on yet another societal issue. Following the box office success of ‘The Kerala Story,’ their focus now shifts to the Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh. While “Bastar” engages audiences for much of its duration, a deeper exploration of the political landscape could have enhanced the narrative, and made this a finer watch. Drawing inspiration from real-life incidents and characters, the film injects a fictional essence into its portrayal. Despite a screenplay that lacks strength, Sen compensates with his skilful depiction of events, but be forewarned that there are moments in the film that may be difficult to watch.

The focal point of the story is Neerja Madhavan (Adah Sharma), a no-nonsense IPS officer holding a senior CRPF position tasked with quashing the Naxal insurgency. The film begins in a courtroom where government and Naxal representatives are engaged in a legal battle. Neerja employs Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the state-run militia, Salwa Judum, to curb Naxal influence in Chhattisgarh. Running parallel to this is the story of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman whose husband was gruesomely killed by Lanka Reddy (Vijay Krishna), a notorious Naxalite. Seeking retribution, Ratna enrols and trains to become a Special Police Officer and aids Neerja in her mission.

The film incorporates characters based on real individuals, although with altered names, leading to a guessing game for viewers familiar with the actual events. The film’s realistic tone is complemented by fitting locations. Throughout the film, its gritty atmosphere keeps audiences on the edge, particularly in scenes where the ‘influential elite’ offer their support to the Naxalites. A significant oversight lies in the absence of depicting Delhi and Raipur as central control hubs. In a narrative of this nature, delving into the behind-the-scenes operations of these centres becomes crucial. While the film touches on these elements, it merely scratches the surface. Additionally, while the film is well-shot, the loud background music serves as a distraction.

Once again, Adah Sharma shines in a commanding role, reminiscent of her impressive performance in ‘The Kerala Story.’ Portraying an uncompromising police officer, she delivers a sincere portrayal, unafraid to speak her mind even in the presence of politicians. Indira Tiwari, embodying a tribal woman, delivers a heartfelt performance that resonates deeply. Vijay Krishna’s portrayal of Lanka Reddy, adeptly switching between English and Hindi, exudes menace, while Raima Sen, Shilpa Shukla, and Yashpal Sharma fit their respective roles perfectly. ‘Bastar’ is a hard-hitting crime drama, with moments that surely shake you.

Bastar Movie Songs:

Song Title: Vande Veeram
Song Lyrics: Amarnath Jha
Music Composer: Bishakh Jyoti
Singer(s): Javed Ali – Backings Vocals – Bishakh Jyoti , Samrat

‘ऐसा सच जो देश को हिला देगा’: एक और फिल्म लेकर आ रही ‘The Kerala Story’ की टीम, वामपंथी हिंसा की पोल खोलेगी ‘बस्तर’

जहाँ तक है शायद ये फिल्म नक्सलवाद के मुद्दे पर हो। कुछ सोशल मीडिया यूजर्स अंदाजा लगाकर तंज कस रहे हैं कि इसे भी कम्युनिस्ट लोग नक्सल विरोधी करार दे देंगे। वहीं कुछ कह रहे हैं कि भले ही टाइम लगे लेकिन इस फिल्म की क्वालिटी बेहतरीन होनी चाहिए।

द केरल स्टोरी की सफलता के बाद अब इस फिल्म के मेकर्स ने ‘बस्तर’ नाम से फिल्म बनाने का ऐलान किया है। फिल्म का पोस्टर रिलीज हो चुका है। इस पोस्टर में लिखा गया है- “छिपा हुआ सच जो देश को हिला देगा- बस्तर।”

फिल्म 5 अप्रैल 2024 को रिलीज होगी। इसमें स्टारकास्ट कौन होगा ये अभी खुलासा नहीं हुआ है। लेकिन इसका निर्माण लास्ट मान्क मीडिया के सहयोग से सनशाइन पिक्चर्स प्राइवेट लिमिटेड बैनर तले हो रहा है। फिल्म के पोस्टर में बिखरा जंगल और बंदूके नजर आ रही है।

जहाँ तक है शायद ये फिल्म नक्सलवाद के मुद्दे पर हो। कुछ सोशल मीडिया यूजर्स अंदाजा लगाकर तंज कस रहे हैं कि इसे भी कम्युनिस्ट लोग नक्सल विरोधी करार दे देंगे। वहीं कुछ कह रहे हैं कि भले ही टाइम लगे लेकिन इस फिल्म की क्वालिटी बेहतरीन होनी चाहिए।

बता दें कि पोस्टर में जैसा कि दिख रहा है इस फिल्म को विपुल अमृतलाल शाह द्वारा प्रोड्यूस किया जा रहा है। इससे पहले विपुल को द केरल स्टोरी बनाकर अपार सफलता मिली थी। सुदीप्तो सेन के निर्देशन में बनी फिल्म ने 256 करोड़ की कमाई की थी। द केरल स्टोरी के अलावा अमृतलाल शाह ने “आँखे, हॉलिडे, फोर्स, कमांडो, वक्त, नमस्ते लंदन, सिंह इज किंग” जैसी फिल्म बनाई हैं।