Bhakshak Movie Review: Bhumi Pednekar A Fight for Justice

After watching Bhakshak, I was left reflecting on its intense narrative. The movie is a dark, stark, and very realistic portrayal of the Muzaffarpur Shelter Case, a real-life scandal that rocked the nation in 2018. Bhumi Pednekar’s character, Vaishali Singh, navigates a gut-wrenching dark social crime drama that hits you hard from the first scene. The gripping storyline keeps you on edge, revealing a disturbing reality about systemic corruption and crime. The retelling of the infamous 2018 case offers a hauntingly authentic experience, capturing the deep trauma and emotional toll of these heinous events.

Screenplay and First Half

The first half of Bhakshak sets the tone for the rest of the film with an engaging yet haunting narrative. It follows Vaishali Singh, an aspiring journalist determined to uncover the horrors hidden in the Muzaffarpur Shelter Case. From the beginning, the movie immerses the audience in the dark alleys of Bihar, where systemic corruption and abuse are rampant. Personally, I felt the screenplay did a commendable job in the buildup before the intermission. Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali is flawless, showcasing vulnerability and bravery as she inches closer to uncovering the truth. Before the intermission, the movie leaves you at a critical juncture—Vaishali’s investigation hits a roadblock, and you’re left wondering how she will break through the corrupt system.

In the second half, the stakes are raised as more details about the abuse and the involvement of powerful figures are revealed. The screenplay here takes a darker turn, focusing heavily on the emotional and physical toll that the case takes on Vaishali. Sanjay Mishra as the seasoned reporter provides a grounding performance, guiding Vaishali through the murky waters of Bihar’s corrupt bureaucratic system. Aditya Srivastav as the antagonist is chilling, and his scenes deliver a palpable tension.

One scene that struck me was when Vaishali confronts the local authorities about the missing evidence. The frustration, helplessness, and anger that Pednekar conveys in this moment resonate deeply. However, I felt that the pacing here could have been tighter. It dragged on slightly, diminishing the tension that had built up until that point. On the other hand, I loved the flashback scene where the stories of the victims were brought to light. The empathy and raw emotion depicted made this sequence unforgettable.

Director’s Purpose

Director Pulkit clearly aims to shed light on the deeply ingrained issues of abuse, corruption, and the fight for justice in India’s small towns. His direction brings a well-meaning expose on how vulnerable individuals are exploited by the powerful and how difficult it is to bring these criminals to justice.

Run Time, Cinematography, and Storytelling

If I had to point out one major flaw, it would be the movie’s runtime. At over two and a half hours, it feels unnecessarily long, especially in the second half, where some scenes could have been trimmed without losing impact. That said, the cinematography was brilliant. The way the camera captures the dusty, cramped, and oppressive environment of Bihar adds to the feeling of entrapment the characters face. The use of muted tones and low-light settings enhances the riveting crime thriller atmosphere.

In terms of storytelling, Bhakshak does an excellent job of balancing the emotional depth of the victims’ stories with the overarching investigation. However, some of the secondary characters, like Mithilesh Sinha, played well but got overshadowed by Bhumi Pednekar’s dominating presence.

The songs in Bhakshak are used sparingly and serve more as background scores rather than narrative drivers. They add to the film’s atmosphere without being memorable. I think the movie could have done without them, focusing more on its intense narrative flow.

Final Recommendation

If you’re interested in a hard-hitting story that delves deep into India’s flawed justice system, Bhakshak is a must-watch. While it may not be for the faint of heart, the cast of Bhakshak delivers compelling performances that make the film hard to forget.