Netflix Review: ‘Sector 36’ exposes society’s dark recess
Photo- Grab from trailer.
MELBOURNE, 13 September, 2024: Vikrant Massey’s ‘Sector 36’ had its world premiere at the recently concluded Indian Film festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024. Addressing the festival crowd, Messey said, , “… this was one of the few films that drove me against the wall; it was extremely difficult. Although I did not have to physically shift, this film pushed me to my limits psychologically and emotionally.”
He was right. When you see the movie it will drive you against the wall. Society’s dark realities are there to see. You do not want to admit them but they are there. India recently saw the rape and brutal murder of a young doctor. There is outrage. Still, it happens again and again.
‘Sector 36’ is based on real incidents (Nitihari case of 2006) where children vanish from Sector 36 (a slum). A corrupt police officer is compelled to investigate the case. Attempts are made to thwart the investigation. A determined effort gives leads and the culprit is interrogated. The movie addresses why a person becomes like this. One powerful dialogue – ” Ramji Ke Rajya Main Rakshashon Ki Chaal Rahi Hi”.
There are gruesome scenes with blood flowing and one needs to be strong to see them. How brutal a person can be speaks for itself. Will the victims get justice and the high society system that protects those behind the crime get exposed and punished?
In fact, the movie is an indictment of policing, the criminal justice system and its nexus with those in power. How long (if at all) a criminal investigation takes place or is done in a transparent way, is well known. An influential fellow suspected in a crime is tough to investigate. Vested political interests protect the accused. This is the system. This is what the movie tells us. This is ignored till one gets entangled in a case.
Inspired by true events, Sector 36 chronicles the disappearance of several children from a local slum, leaving a local police officer to unravel an unsettling truth in a shocking sequence of events. Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and Jio Studios, the upcoming crime thriller, marks Aditya Nimbalkar’s directorial debut and offers a spine-chilling look at society’s dark recesses.
Featuring critically acclaimed actors VikrantMassey (12th Fail) and Deepak Dobriyal in roles unlike any they’ve portrayed before, Sector 36 explores themes of power, crime and social inequality. The film follows a police officer clashing with a cunning serial killer in a chilling investigation that uncovers secrets, leaving viewers captivated by its unforgettable characters long after the credits roll.
Dinesh Vijan, Producer at Maddock Films, said, “We are excited to work with Netflix again and on a story like Sector 36 that is an intensely sensory film. For us, it’s a story that we felt was crucial to be told. The film is layered, delving deeply into the human psyche, exploring the hunter and the hunted, the haves and the have-nots. Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal deliver outstanding performances, and we couldn’t be prouder of their work.”
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, added, “Sector 36 is a chilling story that will linger with you long after it ends. Debut director Aditya Nimbalkar crafts a gripping film, elevated by phenomenal performances from Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal. We believe this film will strike a chord with audiences through its exploration of human behavior and leave them thinking beyond what meets the eye.”
Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal give powerful performances. The 2 hours & three minutes movie could have been shorter with tight editing. Going deep behind the making of a criminal mind and subsequent actions are subjects of criminology. The director ably handles the criminal’s past and what happens later is the movie. A subject people do not want to talk. Especially, those who claim to be ‘Sanskaris’ (traditionalists), claiming an ancient and superior culture.
Sector 36 releases on 13th September exclusively on Netflix!
