Star Cast: Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal and Akash Khurana
Director: Aditya Nimbalkar
Sector 36 Review: An Unsettling Glimpse into a Gruesome Crime
What’s Good: The cast, particularly Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, deliver commendable performances, trying their best to elevate the material.
What’s Bad: The careless approach to a deeply disturbing real-life event.
Loo Break: You might lose the connection if you step away, so better hold on!
Watch or Not?: If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, this may not fully satisfy; otherwise, it’s worth a watch.
Language: Hindi
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
The allure of crime in cinema is undeniable, often packaging violence in a way that allows audiences to enjoy it from a distance. But where do we draw the line between dramatization and glorification? Should there be rules when adapting real-life atrocities for the screen? In the case of Sector 36, which attempts to bring the horrifying Nithari killings to life, the lines seem blurred.
The film is loosely based on the notorious Nithari case, where businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and his domestic help Surinder Koli were charged with the gruesome murder and dismemberment of children. Their remains were found buried near their home, and Sector 36 draws heavily from this chilling narrative.
Vikrant Massey steps into the shoes of Prem, embodying the house-help character reminiscent of Koli, the primary accused in the real case. From the very first scene, the movie plunges into the crime. Deepak Dobriyal plays the role of a police officer who cracks the case after his own daughter narrowly escapes the horror.
Script Analysis:
The foundation of the film is strong, but as it tries to weave in subplots like corrupt cops, social hierarchies, and the divide between the rich and poor, it loses focus. Director Aditya Nimbalkar sets the tone well at the start, especially with a striking line from Dobriyal’s character: “No matter how strong the cockroach is, the shoe always wins.” However, despite an intriguing beginning and a chilling introduction to Massey’s character as a deranged serial killer, the film soon falters. It drifts towards a bland, uninspired narrative reminiscent of shows like Savdhaan India or Crime Patrol.
The storytelling feels too casual, as though the horrific events are just another day in Noida. Nimbalkar had an opportunity to instill a deep sense of dread and urgency, but instead takes a more detached approach. There are moments of thought-provoking dialogue about nationalism, but these conversations don’t seem to have any real bearing on the plot.
Star Performance:
In one standout scene, Dobriyal’s wife grabs him by the collar and demands he find the man who nearly abducted their daughter. That moment alone carries more emotional weight than much of the film’s retelling of one of the most horrifying cases in recent memory.
Dobriyal, typically excellent in darker roles, steps into the shoes of a morally upright officer here, which feels like a missed opportunity. Massey, while trying hard to portray a menacing psychopath, struggles to shake off his naturally innocent demeanor. His portrayal starts strong but gradually loses intensity, largely due to weak writing. His confession scene, which should have been the film’s climax, falls flat.
The backstory given to Massey’s character attempts to evoke sympathy, making him seem more like a victim of circumstance than a cold-blooded murderer. This approach feels misjudged, and the film might have been stronger if Dobriyal and Massey had swapped roles.
Direction and Music:
Aditya Nimbalkar chooses a harrowing topic, but despite the film’s promising start, it fizzles out quickly. Graphic scenes of bodies, bones, and a chilling confession should have been impactful, but the execution dulls their effect. Massey’s fascination with a game show like Kaun Banega Crorepati is an odd plot point that doesn’t fully add up, further detracting from his portrayal as a sinister figure.
The musical choices, especially the songs at the beginning and end, feel out of place. Instead of enhancing the emotional tone, they seem like an afterthought.
Final Thoughts:
Sector 36 had the potential to be a gripping portrayal of one of India’s most terrifying crimes. Unfortunately, the lack of deep research and its tendency to play it safe diminish the impact. What could have been a profound psychological thriller ends up feeling like a diluted version of real events, more fitting for a crime anthology show than a hard-hitting film. The movie misses an opportunity to turn Massey into the chilling villain the role demands, instead offering a lukewarm version of a story that deserved better.
