Bhakshak

Bhakshak, is streaming on Netflix and stars Bhumi Pednekar as a local journalist on a quest for justice against child abuse. The film boasts great performances and a potent, relevant message, but feels derivative and unoriginal in its execution.

Let's start with the positives. There are multiple stomach-churning sequences of child abuse throughout the film that successfully evoke feelings of disgust towards the vile, twisted villains. In particular, the display of sheer brutality during the opening sequence made my blood boil. All these elements culminate in a sense of satisfaction when justice is served in the final moments of the film.

The entire cast delivers top-notch performances. Bhumi Pednekar continues to show her versatility as an actor, Sanjay Mishra is a welcome comedic relief and Aditya Srivastava is the embodiment of true evil as the film's primary antagonist.

The primary shortcomings of the film lie in the overly preachy script that isn't as nuanced as the film requires it to be, and is fixated on reciting its underlying themes. Multiple scenes involve characters saying "Yahi to problem hai samaj mein....". The film's impact would have been greater had its message been delivered with more subtlety.

The motivations of characters in the film are also not quite clear. Certain character have abrupt changes of heart throughout the film that do not make much sense and merely serve to advance the plot.

Overall, Bhakshak is a well-acted film with a pertinent themes and is certainly recommended for your watchlist, but is not without its fair share of flaws.

A female journalist uncovers the syndicate involved in the child abuse going on in a small orphanage located somewhere in Bihar. Sounds like Spotlight (2015), but on a serious note it's way more than that.

Bhumi Pednekar or I should say Anshuman Khurana of female actresses gives a riveting performance in this film filled with too many critically acclaimed figures. Needless to say Sanjay Mishra & Aditya Srivastav aka Abhijeet from CID are equally responsible in making this film an intense crime thriller with lots of thought provoking instances.

Never heard of the director though. Pulkit has hit the bulls eye with this project & will surely have me in queue for his next.

PS: Tagged by Netflix "Spotlight meets Khakkee", I would rather say "Spotlight with Wasseypur cast".

With the recent leave your brains at home escapism Hindi movies breaking box office records by mostly glorifying violence, sadomasochism and misogyny, I felt that we are heading back to the stone age times on sonic the hedgehog or flash gordon breakneck pace with no much scope now for any kind of mind progression, empathy or human compasion.

Thats why seeing this movie Bhakshak (Predator) felt like there is still a ray of hope for compasion and social awareness for mankind.

It's a movie well made that is difficult to watch for sure but it is necessary similar to the movie Gargi it stays with you long after you have finished watching it.

Kudos to the entire team and production house backing this project so that more movies on social awareness, helping mankind, being the change are made. These type are definitely not the leave your brains at home and watch stuff but they certainly are the use your brains and compasion and work towards being the chnage type movies.

My god! This was heavy, both in subject material and execution. But, despite being disturbing, these are the stories are meant to be told, not because this sort of stuff happened, but because we shouldn't have to be a mere spectator, rather we should demand answers from the authority. This film is a compelling tale of the importance and power of media, and if used correctly, it truly can act as a balance against the unchecked authority of the government. Loved it! This is a labour of love and everyone gave his heart and soul to this project. Extremely well written, superbly directed and brilliantly performed, this film about an investigative journalist sifting a case of sexual assault in an orphanage is a winner on all fronts. Films like these strengthen my belief in the fact that the Hindi film industry is still going strong, and isn't as toothless as claimed by some so-called elites (people who watch only 2 Bollywood films each year, that too of mostly terrible quality is deliberately selected).

I don't watch Hindi movies much. They are all masala, macho, mumbo jumbo nonsense. I liked Bhakshak movie. The acting is decent, the direction is done well and the story is strong enough to grip your attention.

The story however is heart wrenching. It's not easy to watch the plight of the girls. Though it's a fictional story it makes you wonder if there are places like this in our country where children are suffering. I like the social message of this movie. I strongly think journalism is dead in our country compared to the west. I hope aspiring children of our future will give this field the respect it deserves.

I would vote to see more movies like this.