arni patel

I watched Sister Midnight only because Radhika Apte was in it. She’s one of the few actresses I truly admire — bold, nuanced, and fearless in her choices. But wow... this film? It made no sense. Absolutely none. From start to finish, this was not a story. It was a disturbing collage of blood, birds, hallucinations, and random acts of violence masquerading as art. Characterization? Missing. Logic? Thrown off a building. Uma, the protagonist, is portrayed as a woman trapped in a depressing marriage inside a Mumbai chawl. Fine. But her character is so bizarrely underdeveloped that I kept wondering: Where did she grow up? How does she not know how to cook, clean, or do basic tasks? She’s not some upper-class rich girl raised by butlers. She’s from a modest background — surely, she’d have picked up these basic life skills? Instead, she’s painted as helpless to the point of being almost childlike — until suddenly, she starts killing animals, drinking blood, and hallucinating her way into a full-blown breakdown. Violence for what? Shock value. What disturbed me wasn’t just the violence — it was the way the film used it as some kind of “spiritual awakening.” She kills birds. She butchers a baby goat. Her husband dies (conveniently) right after their first sexual interaction, and she just... wraps him in fairy lights? Then dismembers him and burns his body like it’s part of some divine mission? And not once does the film pause to ask, why is she doing this? There’s no remorse. No reflection. Just a trail of gore glamorized as symbolism. Hallucinations, sadhus, and goddess delusions — for what purpose? There’s a sadhu rubbing her face with ashes. A random scene where people treat her like a goddess. Some cryptic witchcraft vibes. None of it connects, none of it explains anything. It's just... there. Like the director had a bucket of bizarre ideas and threw them at the screen hoping it would look “deep.” 🌱 Growth? Actually yes — but they killed it off. Here’s what makes it worse: Uma was making progress. She made a friend in the hijra community. The watchman supported her. Her neighbor even taught her to cook. She got a job and started finding independence. But instead of letting that be her arc — rising from emotional suppression to self-reliance — the film trashed it all and threw her into a downward spiral of senseless violence. For no reason. Final thoughts! This wasn’t powerful. It was grotesque. It wasn’t artistic. It was incoherent. And it definitely wasn’t feminist. It’s easy to throw a woman into madness and call it "liberation." It’s harder — and far more meaningful — to show her fight, heal, and rise without leaving a trail of corpses. I came in expecting nuance from Radhika Apte. What I got was an hour and a half of disturbing, disjointed chaos. Rating: 1/5 (and that 1 is only for Radhika’s commitment to the role) Watch it if you enjoy surreal cinema with zero grounding in reality. Otherwise, save your time — and your sanity.

A Powerful Narrative with a Purpose Sabarmati Report is not just a movie; it’s a mirror to society, reflecting the complexities of humanity, the biases that divide us, and the hope that unites us. The makers of this film deserve immense appreciation for bringing such a thought-provoking and deeply relevant story to the forefront. The movie masterfully portrays how incidents can be orchestrated by a few individuals to harm an entire community, driven by hate and power. Yet, it beautifully balances this harsh reality by showcasing the strength and courage of people from the same community who step forward to bring justice and closure. This duality reminds us that good and bad exist everywhere—it’s the choices of individuals that make all the difference. The depiction of the media world is strikingly realistic, showing how money and connections can twist narratives. But amidst this chaos, the movie introduces us to characters with unwavering integrity, people who stand firm against all odds to reveal the truth. Their journey is a testament to the fact that honesty and courage still hold power in a world often overshadowed by manipulation and greed. One of the most poignant moments in the film is when India wins the cricket match, and the Muslim kids are seen celebrating with unbridled joy. That scene delivers a powerful message: religions, in their essence, are not flawed. It’s the poisonous thoughts carried by a few—and often amplified by those in power—that lead to divisions. The film emphasizes that unity, love, and humanity transcend religious boundaries, and it’s a lesson we must carry forward for generations to come. The sincerity and dedication behind this film are palpable. Every actor has delivered a stellar performance, bringing authenticity and emotion to the screen. Special recognition must be given to the visionary who believed that such a story needed to be told. In a world filled with superficial entertainment, Sabarmati Report stands out as a shining example of informative storytelling that not only entertains but also enlightens. Lastly, as we reflect on the tragic events depicted in the film, let us offer prayers for those who suffered. It may be years too late, but our thoughts and prayers still hold meaning. Let this film serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that such events never happen again. May we move toward a future where not just nations but humanity as a whole is united. Sabarmati Report is more than a movie; it’s a wake-up call, a heartfelt plea for change, and a beacon of hope.