Vikrant Massey’s Bold Take on The Sabarmati Report and India’s Political Landscape Sparks Debate
Actor Vikrant Massey, who is set to star in the upcoming film The Sabarmati Report, recently found himself at the center of controversy after he remarked on the safety of Muslims in India. His comments, made during an interview on Shubhankar Mishra’s show Unplugged, sparked a debate, with some people reacting strongly to his perspective.
Speaking with Mishra, Vikrant revealed how his views on the political landscape in India have evolved over time. “I was a big critic of BJP,” he admitted. “I realized that things are not so bad; Muslims are not in danger in the country,” he shared. And while these remarks have drawn obvious criticism, the actor continues to stand by his words.
Massey remains unfazed by the online threats
Vikrant emphasized that the film, produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and directed by Dheeraj Sarna, is based on factual events and that his portrayal as a journalist sheds light on these historical incidents without distorting reality. During the trailer launch, Vikrant spoke more about the nature of the threats stating, “I have been receiving threats. Without drawing attention to it, it is something which I am dealing with and we, as a team, collectively are dealing with.”
To him, these threats are a reminder of the risks that come with addressing controversial topics, especially in the realm of Indian cinema. He pointed out that artists, as storytellers, have a duty to present stories with integrity, and The Sabarmati Report is committed to telling the truth, regardless of how people may react.
“Unfortunately, you have not seen the film so you should not make a preconceived notion that it is talking about only one facet,” he explained, responding to concerns that the film might present only one side of the tragic 2002 events.
Ekta R. Kapoor clears up rumors surrounding “The Sabarmati Report”
Producer Ektaa R Kapoor also commented, “This is not just the one facet, but the first facet. So, we are telling the genesis of this first facet without undermining the other facets. Unfortunately, this facet, how it all started, has not been reported enough.”
When asked whether the film could exacerbate communal tensions, Kapoor clarified that the project aims to foster awareness, not division. She framed the film as a “social commentary” and spoke about her own beliefs. “I will never make a comment about any religion because I’m a Hindu. And I want to tell you this, that I love all religions,” she said. According to her, the film avoids targeting any religious group, and the narrative identifies the “perpetrators” without tying them to any faith. “That’s the beauty of a storyteller,” she added, emphasizing that the message is one of neutrality and respect for all religions.
She also stressed that no external agendas played a role in the creative process, explaining, “I have not spoken to any politician or taken support of anyone. I am not with any wing that has shown a true wing and it is flying on that wing only.” Her objective, she says, was solely to create an authentic portrayal of the events.
Massey and Kapoor share a long history together
Vikrant, who became a notable name in Bollywood after his success in 12th Fail, attributes much of his growth to Kapoor, who gave him his first big role in the 2013 film Lootera. Reflecting on their journey, Vikrant said, “This is our eighth project together and this time it is all the more special… I resonate with everything we have said in The Sabarmati Report. That is the reason I am part of this film. I am extremely proud to be part of this film…”
Comparing the significance of the Godhra incident to America’s 9/11, he added, “We read the newspaper and move on and this has become a norm. But this was our 9/11 which changed our socio-political fabric overnight.”
