PM Modi hails film 'The Sabarmati Report' on Godhra Train incident: 'Truth is Emerging'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appreciated the film The Sabarmati Report, emphasizing its role in uncovering the truth about a significant historical incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister stated, “Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it. A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out!”

The remark was in response to a user who tagged the Prime Minister alongside a trailer of the movie. The film, released on Friday, has already sparked discussions about its portrayal of the tragic events of 2002.

Based on 2002 Godhra Train incident

Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, The Sabarmati Report tells the story of the tragic burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station on February 27, 2002. This horrific incident resulted in the deaths of 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya, sparking riots across Gujarat. The film highlights the incident through the perspective of media coverage, adding layers to the retelling of this event.

Produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R. Kapoor, Amul V. Mohan, and Anshul Mohan, the movie features notable actors like Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra. Critics have praised Vikrant Massey’s performance, describing it as effective and impactful in portraying the sensitivity of the subject matter.

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This isn’t the first time Prime Minister Modi has openly supported films dealing with significant historical or cultural events. In 2022, he commended The Kashmir Files, a movie directed by Vivek Agnihotri, which focused on the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley. The Prime Minister had remarked that presenting history in its proper context is crucial, and films, like books and literature, play a vital role in this process.

The movie The Kashmir Files featured a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, and Pallavi Joshi, and gained significant attention for its depiction of the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. PM Modi had pointed out how the film rattled critics who advocate for freedom of expression but were uneasy about its bold narrative.

Similarly, the Prime Minister mentioned The Kerala Story while campaigning in Karnataka last year. He lauded the film for exposing the societal consequences of terrorism, particularly in a culturally rich and vibrant state like Kerala. Accusing Congress of attempting to ban the film, Modi emphasized the importance of such narratives in highlighting the dangers of terrorism.

Highlighting facts through Cinema

The Prime Minister’s remarks on The Sabarmati Report and his consistent support for films addressing historical and social issues underline his belief in cinema’s power to inform and educate. His statement about the film aligns with his broader stance that truthful narratives, even if contested initially, will ultimately prevail.

Films like The Sabarmati Report, The Kashmir Files, and The Kerala Story serve as mediums to revisit crucial historical events, spark dialogue, and challenge misleading narratives. By shedding light on untold truths or overlooked facts, they play a significant role in fostering awareness among the public. 

As these films continue to provoke thought and discussion, they reaffirm cinema’s place as a potent tool for storytelling and truth-seeking. Prime Minister Modi’s endorsement of such works further highlights the importance of addressing controversial subjects through creative mediums.