• Source:JND
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Creating movies based on real events requires extensive research, profound knowledge, and a touch of artistic flair to ensure a brilliant outcome. Even the slightest deviation from facts can lead to controversies and potentially serious repercussions such as bans. This was evident in the case of the 2023 film ‘The Kerala Story’, which garnered attention and controversy upon the release of its trailer. Despite facing backlash and retracting their initial claim about 32,000 women converting into 3 girls just before its release on May 5, 2023, the filmmakers persevered. Director Sudipto Sen remained resolute, and the film successfully made its mark in theaters. Now, Sen embarks on yet another cinematic journey, delving into real-life events once more. His latest endeavor, ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’, starring the talented Adah Sharma, promises to be a compelling exploration of history and contemporary issues.

What Is Bastar: The Naxal Story Movie About?

According to the media reports, Sudipto Sen’s upcoming movie, titled ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’ is based on the 1910 Bastar rebellion, also called Bhumkal movement. It was a revolt by Adivasis in 1910 against British rule in the princely state of Bastar, central India. Led by tribal leader Gunda Dhur and Diwan Lal Karendra Singh, it involved widespread rioting and arson, fueled by resentment over British forest policies that displaced tribal communities. Despite being quelled by additional troops, these policies persisted post-independence, contributing to ongoing conflicts like the Naxalite insurgency in Chhattisgarh's Bastar division.

What Caused The Bastar Rebellion?

In 1908, there was an attack on the Duruwa community near Jagdalpur, resulting in anger among the tribals over colonial forest policies. Secret preparations for rebellion were made for nine months, led covertly by Lal Karendra Singh and overtly by Gunda Dhur. Messages were sent out symbolically in January, and on February 6, 1910, violence erupted across Bastar, targeting forest officials and outsiders. Rebel leaders seized control of parts of the region, aided by the terrain. In the northwest, rebel leaders began killing officials and arming followers. Skirmishes occurred, including one in which British Indian Army forces were driven from the region.

Bastar: The Naxal Story

‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’ is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language film slated for release in 2024. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film boasts a stellar cast including Adah Sharma, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, and Raima Sen.

 
 
 
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This cinematic venture was first unveiled in June 2023, revealing its title and thematic focus on the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district. ‘Bastar’ is set to hit theaters on March 15, 2024, promising an immersive exploration of a significant socio-political phenomenon.

Bastar: The Naxal Story | Trailer

Adah takes the opportunity to delve into the intricacies surrounding the accuracy of the count of martyrs, offering a deeper understanding of this sensitive issue. Additionally, she draws attention to the influence of individuals she refers to as "fake intellectuals" within India. These individuals, she claims, are disseminating narratives funded by China with the intent of fostering division and discord within society. Through her commentary, Adah aims to shed light on these complex dynamics, encouraging viewers to critically examine the information they encounter and the sources from which it originates.

When Will Bastar: The Naxal Story Hit The Theatres?

Bastar: The Naxal Story will be released in theatres on March 15, 2024.