Bastar: The Naxal Story

I love this

Good movie!

Good movie!

Good movie!

The Naxalites fighting in the forests and the urban Naxalites sitting in the cities are the same, who have also formed an alliance with Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorism in India. The way this topic has been raised in the film is commendable. In one scene, an alleged defender of human rights, a leftist writer, a leftist teacher, a leftist lawyer, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, an LTTE commander, a ULFA Maoist and the foreign leftists who send them help from abroad are sitting at a table and planning to break India into 36 pieces. Making plans. The film appears to deliver 100 percent of the message it wants to convey. Only a few minor shortcomings were seen as exaggeration, like the CRPF commander from the combat area directly calling the country's Home Minister in Delhi for help, this would be called an exaggeration. But this can be ignored.

Director Sudipto Sen strikes again with another hard subject of Bastar where Naxal story is being described. The story of this film is itself more complicated than any other thing in India. It takes guts to touch this kind of topic and to present in this kind of format takes really guts and this director take this challenge and it is definitely appreciated. After massive kerala story success I had high hopes from this one yes in some parts director has done total justice to the story and the exceution but there are lots of things which is unexplained and unjustified in the film. Talking about the story/screenplay movie sticks to its words in keeping the story as real as possible but screenplay dips in several parts and many aspects just come from the middle only except they should start from the beginning. Cinematography is too dull and the colour grading is very bad I don't know why they keep this low. Are they having budget issue or any other things no idea but cinematography is really bad. Character development is very weak because you cannot connect with a single character properly because there are some major scenes happening and yet sometimes you can't feel the pain at all. Talking about the performance ADAH SHARMA superb performance by her though she could've been more better but still she is really good as well as the rest of the cast. Overall Bastar story is definitely hard hitting in some parts but as keeping all the aspects BASTAR is a complete misfire which can be more better if it had proper character development & srceenplay execution....

"Bastar: The Naxal Story" is not for the faint-hearted. Director Sudipto Sen, known for his bold storytelling, delivers yet another hard-hitting narrative in Bastar. Following the success of his previous venture, "The Kerala Story," this time Sudipto didn't deliver his best but managed to dive deep into the complex and brutal world of Maoism in the Bastar region. The film grips you with its unflinching portrayal of terrorism, nationalism, and communism. The first half opens with a chilling sequence depicting the Maoist leader Lanka's merciless act of chopping a man into pieces for hoisting the Indian flag. This sets the tone for the relentless brutality that unfolds throughout the narrative. The use of intense visuals ensures that sensitive viewers are left disturbed. The script is taut, the dialogue delivery is sharp, and the cinematography & editing work seamlessly to create a gripping narrative. From the harrowing depiction of the 2010 massacre of 76 CRPF Jawans in Dantewada to the chilling portrayal of Indian university students celebrating the atrocity, every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke a visceral response from the audience. It is coupled with stellar performances, particularly from Adah Sharma, who showcases remarkable growth as a performer, and Vijay Krishna, whose portrayal of the menacing Maoist leader Lanka Reddy leaves a lasting impact. Supporting performances from Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, and Indira Tiwari further elevate the film, with each actor delivering praise-worthy performances. Indira Tiwari, in particular, shines as she effortlessly navigates through a range of emotions, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3.5/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

From the beginning the movie is fast paced. Those who have been following Naxal history in India can easily relate to incidents depicted in the movie. The movie brought out the linkages between the linkage between the Naxals, Left-liberals, Academicians, media quite well. The fact that money play a big role in the continued existence of the naxal movement has been pointed out quite well. The most telling aspect of the movie was the violence that naxals are capable of. About a decade ago, India Today magazine brought out an issue related to Red corridor where it said substantial geographical areas within Indian territory were in the control of Naxals. Ten years ago it was not even possible to release such a movie.

Truly an eye opener.b It's a ctually a fantastic movie based on the real incidends and it also exposes corruption in different parts of our system. The Naxal Story. Based on Maoism and the apprehensions they created in Bastar, the movie takes you into a brutal and violent world of terrorists, nationalists, and communists. This kind of filmmaking isn't very common in India or Bollywood, like it has been in Western countries since the 1920s. The film is based on the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. IPS officer Neerja (Adah Sharma) wants to finish maoism and naxalism in Bastar, which has been eating nationalism in our country since 1967.

In the heart of Chhattisgarh lies a region that echoes with the footsteps of revolutionaries and the cries of the oppressed. *Bastar: The Naxal Story*, directed by Sudipto Sen, plunges us into this tumultuous landscape, where ideologies clash, lives hang in the balance, and hope flickers like a distant star. Drawing inspiration from actual events, the film paints a vivid canvas of the Naxal menace. It centers around Neerja Madhavan (played by Adah Sharma), an unyielding IPS officer tasked with quelling the Naxal rebellion. The movie opens in a courtroom, where government officials and Naxal representatives engage in a legal battle-a microcosm of the larger conflict that engulfs the state. The film deftly weaves together two narratives. First, there's Neerja's relentless pursuit to dismantle the Naxal network. She mobilizes Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the state-run militia, Salwa Judum, to curb their influence. Her determination is unwavering, even as danger lurks around every corner. Parallel to Neerja's story is that of Ratna (Indira Tiwari), a tribal woman seeking vengeance. Her husband fell victim to Lanka Reddy (Vijay Krishna), a notorious Naxalite. Ratna transforms herself into an SPO, driven by a fierce desire for retribution. Her journey intertwines with Neerja's, as they navigate treacherous terrain together. The film's strength lies in its realism. Characters, inspired by real individuals, populate the screen. Their names may be altered, but their struggles mirror those faced by countless others. The gritty atmosphere keeps audiences on edge, especially during scenes where the 'influential elite' offer clandestine support to the Naxalites. Yet, *Bastar* isn't without its flaws. While it engages viewers for most of its duration, a deeper exploration of the political landscape could have elevated the narrative. The box office success of *The Kerala Story* now shifts the spotlight to Chhattisgarh's Naxal insurgency. However, the film merely scratches the surface of the complex web of ideologies, leaving us yearning for more. Director Sudipto Sen compensates for the screenplay's occasional weaknesses with skillful storytelling. His portrayal of events is both gripping and gut-wrenching. Be forewarned, though-there are moments that will test your resolve. The absence of central control hubs like Delhi and Raipur is a significant oversight. In a narrative of this nature, understanding the behind-the-scenes operations becomes crucial. Visually, the film captures the rugged beauty of Bastar-the dense forests, the crimson sunsets, and the tension that hangs in the air. The haunting background score adds to the film's intensity, though at times, it threatens to overpower the dialogue. *Neerja Madhavan*, with her steely resolve, anchors the film. Adah Sharma portrays her with conviction, embodying the complexities of a woman torn between duty and personal demons. Indira Tiwari's Ratna is equally compelling, her transformation from grief-stricken widow to fierce warrior resonating deeply. In the end, *Bastar: The Naxal Story* is more than a film-it's a stark reminder of the insidious nature of ideological conflict and its far-reaching consequences. As the credits roll, we're left pondering the thin line between heroism and tragedy, hope and despair, in a land where shadows dance to the rhythm of revolution.