Film Review: Delhi Bus
Cast: Divya Singh, Sanjay Singh, Neelima Azim, Anjan Srivastav, Javed Haider, Mushtaq Khan, Kamal Khan
Director: Sharique Minhaj
Producer: Vipul Shah
Co-Producer: Tariq Khan
Release Date: 29th November
Duration: 101 minutes
Certification: A Certificate
Banner: VSP Productions
Rating: 4 Stars
Inspired by the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape case, Delhi Bus hits theaters this week, reminding us of the brutality that shook the nation. The incident, which took place inside a moving bus, was a disturbing reminder of the unsafe reality faced by women everywhere. This film, based on that tragic event, is sure to send chills down your spine.
Directed by Sharique Minhaj, Delhi Bus transforms the heartbreaking event into a cinematic piece that serves as a tribute to the thousands of women who have fallen victim to similar atrocities. It’s a raw, unflinching portrayal of the impact of such crimes on society.
The film opens with the haunting screams of a girl in an emergency hospital. Shruti Pandey, a medical student, is brought in after a brutal gang rape. In the same hospital, the daughter of Judge Sahab (played by Anjan Srivastav) gives birth to a baby. Shruti, who is a close friend of the judge’s daughter, is shattered upon hearing about the incident and tells her father, “I don’t want a daughter now, not after what happened. This incident has shocked all of India.”
The poignant line from a new mother expressing fear for her daughter in this unsafe society speaks volumes about the societal dread women face. She feels powerless, and her words reflect the deep fear she holds for her child’s future.
Then comes the powerful judgment from the court: “What happened to Shruti Pandey is a moral defeat, a defeat of a mother’s dreams. This death is the death of our conscience, the death of humanity.” The court sentences the rapists to death, but the grim reality of society’s indifference remains.
When a journalist asks Shruti’s mother (Neelima Azim) whether she is happy with the verdict, her response slaps society in the face: “Women still don’t feel safe when they step outside. How can I be happy when that hasn’t changed? True justice will come only when all women feel safe, every day.”
Divya Singh plays the role of Shruti with deep emotion and conviction, while Sanjay Singh portrays her supportive yet troubled boyfriend, Avinash. Neelima Azim delivers a heartfelt performance as Shruti’s mother. The ensemble cast’s performances are commendable.
Director Sharique Minhaj takes on the challenging task of portraying such a sensitive and painful topic. Although the film is just 1 hour 41 minutes long, some of the bus scenes feel stretched, and could have been tightened during editing. Several dialogues and moments are unsettling and thought-provoking.
The music, composed by Babli Haque and Arav, complements the narrative. The romantic song “Bethasha Udne Lage Hai Hum,” filmed on Divya Singh and Sanjay Singh, is moving. “Kyun Chala Gaya” stands out as a brilliant situational track. The title song Delhi Bus plays during Shruti’s treatment, advancing the storyline. However, the background score could have been stronger.
Delhi Bus revisits the brutal and shameful memory of the Nirbhaya incident, aiming to ignite change in society, particularly in men’s mindset. Even after twelve years, crimes against women persist, and this film seeks to highlight that ongoing issue, raising tough questions about women’s safety.
While Delhi Bus is a solid attempt, with strong performances, direction, and music, it does have its flaws. The cinematography, editing, and background music could have been better. A few unnecessary scenes could have been cut, potentially reducing the film’s length by 10-15 minutes, making it more impactful.
