In the cinematic exploration of societal maladies, "Bhakshak" ventures into the disturbing realm of child sexual abuse, drawing poignant parallels from the haunting events of the Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal. Headlined by the talented Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh, a tenacious journalist driven by a sense of duty and compassion, the film embarks on a harrowing journey to expose the atrocities concealed within the shadows of neglect and impunity.
Pednekar's portrayal of Vaishali is marked by a palpable sincerity, as she navigates the treacherous terrain of investigative journalism alongside the seasoned Sanjay Mishra, whose portrayal of Bhaskar Sinha, her cameraman, adds a touch of seasoned wisdom to their pursuit of truth. Together, they embark on a crusade against the entrenched forces of exploitation and corruption, their cameras serving as beacons of hope in the face of darkness.
The narrative of "Bhakshak" unfolds with an unflinching gaze, laying bare the grim realities of a society riddled with indifference and complicity. However, while the film's intentions are noble, its execution falls short of delivering the nuanced exploration that such a sensitive subject demands. Instead, it relies on a heavy-handed approach, inundating the audience with graphic depictions of horror and a didactic tone that veers dangerously close to preachiness.
While the inclusion of Vaishali's personal struggles adds a layer of depth to the story, it also contributes to the film's bloated runtime, detracting from the urgency of its central message. Pednekar's commitment to her character is evident, but the screenplay fails to provide her with the necessary depth and complexity to truly shine, relegating her to the role of a valiant crusader without delving into the intricacies of her inner turmoil and conflict.
Director Pulkit's decision to break the fourth wall and admonish the audience for their indifference feels forced and detracts from the overall impact of the film. Instead of inviting empathy and introspection, it comes across as a heavy-handed attempt to elicit a reaction, robbing the narrative of its emotional resonance and authenticity.
In terms of performances, the ensemble cast delivers competent portrayals, with Aditya Srivastava standing out as the sinister Bansi Sahu, the puppet master behind the heinous crimes perpetrated against the innocent. Sai Tamhankar also leaves a mark as the determined female cop who offers fleeting assistance to Vaishali in her uphill battle for justice, her steely resolve serving as a beacon of hope in a sea of despair.
Despite its flaws, "Bhakshak" serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by victims of child sexual abuse and the systemic failures that perpetuate their suffering. However, its impact is diluted by a lack of subtlety and a narrative that struggles to strike a balance between advocacy and entertainment, leaving the audience grappling with a sense of disillusionment rather than empowerment.
In conclusion, "Bhakshak" is a well-intentioned effort that falls short of its potential, hindered by its heavy-handed approach and lack of nuance. While Pednekar's earnest performance and the film's timely subject matter may resonate with some viewers, its shortcomings prevent it from making a lasting impression on the collective consciousness.
Rating: 2 stars
Cast:
- Bhumi Pednekar
- Sanjay Mishra
- Aditya Srivastava
- Sai Tamhankar
- Surya Sharma
Director: Pulkit
