Synopsis:
Sector 36 is a dark, gritty story set in 2005, centered around a heartless killer and a determined cop. Prem (Vikrant Massey), the caretaker of a bungalow in Shahdara, Delhi, secretly abducts and murders children from nearby slum areas. His crimes go unnoticed until he attempts to kidnap the daughter of Sub-Inspector Ram Charan Pandey (Deepak Dobriyal). The cop, who had previously ignored similar cases, is now personally involved and sets out to catch the killer. The chase leads to a series of intense confrontations and an edge-of-your-seat investigation.
Story and Screenplay:
Bodhayan Roychaudhury’s story, inspired by true events, offers a disturbing glimpse into a world of horrific crimes. His screenplay maintains a gripping pace, though there are some flaws in the writing that may leave audiences puzzled. Roychaudhury’s hard-hitting and realistic dialogues enhance the overall experience, keeping viewers hooked.
Direction:
Aditya Nimbalkar’s direction in Sector 36 is commendable, especially considering this is his debut. He handles sensitive subject matter with precision, relying on dialogue and atmosphere to convey the film’s darker elements without overusing graphic violence. His strength lies in the execution of tense, dramatic scenes—most notably, a riveting 17-minute interrogation sequence that captivates viewers.
Weak Points:
While Sector 36 impresses in many ways, there are moments of ambiguity that may confuse the audience. Prem’s behavior during his interrogation feels inconsistent with his otherwise calculated demeanor, and the final scene raises questions about the film’s resolution. Additionally, while both protagonists are integral to the story, their screen time feels unbalanced at times, with secondary characters occasionally overshadowing them.
Performances:
Vikrant Massey delivers a career-defining performance, playing against type as a repulsive, heartless villain. His body language and subtle expressions make his portrayal all the more chilling. Deepak Dobriyal matches Massey’s performance with his portrayal of a stoic, determined cop. His ability to convey emotion without dialogue, particularly in moments of silence, is remarkable. Akash Khurana, Darshan Jariwalla, and Subir Bisawas provide strong support, while the rest of the cast adds depth to the narrative with impressive performances in smaller roles.
Music and Technical Aspects:
The film could have done without songs, but the track “Damru” stands out for its impactful placement and Mohit Chuhan’s soulful voice. Ketan Sodha’s background score is cinematic and fitting for the film’s tense atmosphere. Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography is exceptional, particularly in the aerial shots that capture the mood of the film. The production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray is well-researched, and Harpal Singh’s action choreography is gritty and realistic, adding to the film’s authenticity. A Sreekar Prasad’s smooth editing keeps the narrative tight and focused.
Conclusion:
Sector 36 is not for the faint-hearted. With its gripping theme, powerful dramatic moments, and standout performances by Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, the film leaves a lasting impact. Despite some narrative hiccups, it’s a hard-hitting thriller that effectively portrays a cop’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Movie Ratings : ★★★★
