“Bastar,” the upcoming film from Adah Sharma, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and director Sudipto Sen, follows their previous success, “The Kerala Story.” This time, they delve into the Naxal story. The recently released teaser boldly addresses contentious issues.
Adah Sharma portrays IPS Neerja Madhvan, who highlights alarming statistics about Indian soldiers’ deaths due to Naxalism. She questions the mentality behind celebrating such losses and takes aim at what she terms the “pseudo-intellectuals” in big cities.
The teaser concludes with a daring declaration from Neerja, suggesting she’s prepared to gun down the ‘pseudo-intellectuals’ and is willing to be hanged.
Following the unprecedented success of “The Kashmir Files,” films that provoke sections of the audience against others have become a recipe for easy box office success.
“The Kerala Story’s” success further proves the audience’s interest in such content. Now, “Bastar” attempts to sell a narrative, whether factual or not, already propagated by right-wing factions on social media. This film validates their propaganda.
Scheduled for release on March 15, the film’s fate remains uncertain. Will it soar like “The Kerala Story” or falter like “The Vaccine War”? Only time will reveal if “Bastar” becomes another sensational blockbuster or fades into obscurity.
