Bhakshak (2024) is a crime thriller directed by Pulkit, based on the real-life Muzaffarpur shelter case. The film, starring Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, and Aditya Srivastava, follows journalist Vaishali as she uncovers horrific crimes at a shelter home. The movie emphasizes the struggles and dangers faced by those fighting for justice. It received positive reviews for its gripping narrative and strong performances, particularly highlighting the role of investigative journalism in exposing corruption.
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Movie Overview
| Movie Name | Bhakshak |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 9 February 2024 |
| Directed by | Pulkit |
| Story By | Based on the Muzaffarpur shelter case |
| Screenplay By | Pulkit, Jyotsana Nath |
| Dialogues By | [Not Specified] |
| Produced by | Gauri Khan, Gaurav Verma |
| Starring | Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, Sai Tamhankar |
| Cinematography | Kumar Sourabh |
| Edited by | Zubin Sheikh |
| Music by | Anurag Saikia, Anuj Garg |
| Production Companies | Red Chillies Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
| Running Time | 135 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | [Not Specified] |
| Box Office Collection | [Not Available] |
Plot
Bhakshak tells the story of Vaishali, a courageous journalist who uncovers a disturbing secret at a shelter home, where young girls are being abused. Despite facing numerous obstacles and threats to her life, she is determined to expose the truth. With the help of a brave girl named Sudha and a supportive police officer, SSP Jasmeet Kaur, Vaishali battles against powerful individuals involved in the crime. The film sheds light on the resilience required to fight against systemic corruption and abuse.
Cast
- Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh
- Sanjay Mishra as Baskar Sinha
- Aditya Srivastava as Bansi Sahu
- Sai Tamhankar as SSP Jasmeet Kaur
- Surya Sharma as Arvind Singh
- Durgesh Kumar as Guptaji
- Chittaranjan Tripathy as Mithilesh Sinha
- Tanisha Mehta as Sudha Kumari
- Satyakam Anand as Sonu
- Vibha Chibbar as Rajni Singh
Production
Bhakshak was filmed in just 39 days, wrapping up in February 2022. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under Red Chillies Entertainment, the movie is inspired by the real-life Muzaffarpur shelter case. The film aims to highlight the bravery of small-town journalists who risk their lives to expose crimes. The production team focused on creating a gripping narrative that balances tension with emotional depth, ensuring that the story resonates with audiences on a profound level.
Sound & Music
The soundtrack for Bhakshak is composed by Anurag Saikia and Anuj Garg, with lyrics by Raj Shekhar and Anuj Garg. The music complements the film’s intense and emotional tone, enhancing the storytelling with tracks like “Ganga” and “Shamil Hai.” The score, created by Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes, provides a haunting backdrop to the film’s dark themes, further immersing the audience in the suspenseful narrative.
Reception
Bhakshak received generally positive reviews from critics, with a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised the film’s gripping narrative and strong performances, particularly by Bhumi Pednekar. Critics also highlighted the film’s portrayal of investigative journalism and its role in exposing corruption and abuse. While some found the pacing uneven, the film was commended for its impactful storytelling and its focus on important social issues.
Reviews
IMDb Review: The film has been well-received on IMDb, with particular praise for its storytelling and performances, especially Bhumi Pednekar’s portrayal of a determined journalist.
YouTube Trailer: Watch the official trailer on YouTube
Conclusion
Bhakshak is a powerful crime thriller that sheds light on the courage required to stand up against systemic abuse and corruption. With a strong cast led by Bhumi Pednekar, the film delivers a gripping narrative that emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism in modern society. While it may not be a commercial blockbuster, its focus on real-life events and social justice makes it a significant contribution to Indian cinema.