Introduction
Delhi Bus (2024), directed by Sharique Minhaj, is a crime drama that revisits the haunting events of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case in Delhi. Aiming to pay tribute to the victim and highlight the systemic failures that enable such atrocities, the film attempts to deliver a stark reminder of the pervasive violence against women in society. While the subject matter is deeply impactful, the execution of this cinematic endeavor has received mixed reviews, raising questions about its effectiveness as a social commentary.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Shruti Pandey (played by Divya Singh), an aspiring medical student, and her friend Avinash (Sanjay Singh). After a late-night movie outing, they board a private bus that becomes the site of a horrific crime. Six intoxicated men, including the bus driver, brutally assault Shruti and Avinash, leaving them severely injured. The narrative follows the immediate aftermath of the assault, the public outrage, and the subsequent legal actions that led to the perpetrators’ sentencing.
While the film’s intent is to recount the tragedy and highlight the societal issues it exposed, much of its impact is diluted due to flaws in storytelling and presentation.
Themes
- Violence Against Women
The central theme of Delhi Bus is the systemic and societal indifference towards violence against women. It portrays the harrowing reality faced by countless victims in a society where safety and justice are often elusive. - Public Outcry and Justice
The film captures the nationwide protests and debates surrounding women’s safety, shedding light on how the Nirbhaya case became a turning point in India’s legal and cultural landscape. - Family and Loss
Through Shruti’s mother, the film delves into the emotional toll such crimes take on families, showcasing their pain, resilience, and relentless pursuit of justice.
Strengths
1. Intent and Message
The film’s primary strength lies in its intent. By revisiting one of India’s most notorious crimes, it forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about gender-based violence. The portrayal of the public outrage and legal reforms that followed the case serves as a reminder of the power of collective action.
2. Performances
Divya Singh delivers a commendable performance as Shruti, managing to depict the character’s vulnerability and strength with sensitivity. Neelima Azim, playing Shruti’s mother, is particularly powerful in her emotional scenes, especially during press interactions and moments of grief. The actors playing the assailants evoke the intended revulsion, adding to the film’s emotional weight.
3. Cinematography
Jahangir Molla’s camera work avoids sensationalizing the crime, using subdued angles and techniques to maintain dignity while narrating the horrific assault. This restrained approach helps the film balance its sensitive subject matter.
Weaknesses
1. Superficial Storytelling
Despite its impactful premise, the film struggles to dig deep into the complexities of the case. Key aspects, such as the investigation and courtroom drama, are underdeveloped, leading to a narrative that feels incomplete. The lack of depth in character development, especially for Shruti and her family, makes it difficult for the audience to fully connect with the emotional core of the story.
2. Technical Limitations
The production quality feels dated, with uninspired direction and editing choices that fail to create a lasting impact. The music by Babli Haque and Aarav adds little to the emotional or narrative depth of the film.
3. Missed Opportunities for Commentary
While the film highlights the crime and its aftermath, it misses the chance to explore broader societal issues such as the systemic failures that enable such violence. A deeper exploration of police negligence, judicial delays, or the psyche of the perpetrators could have made the narrative more nuanced and impactful.
Reception
Delhi Bus has received mixed reactions from critics and audiences.
- The Times of India rated the film 1.5/5, criticizing its dated production values and lack of narrative depth. They noted that while the film handles its sensitive subject with care, it ultimately fails to engage its audience emotionally.
- Live Palamu, however, offered a more favorable perspective, praising the film as “a powerful tribute to Nirbhaya” and commending its intent to ignite societal change.
- Film Information highlighted the screenplay’s occasional strengths but criticized its inability to sustain momentum, particularly in its depiction of legal proceedings and the aftermath of the crime.
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