Bhakshak Movie Review: 'Do you still consider yourself a human or have you turned into a predator?' Bhumi Pednekar-starrer 'Bhakshak' is one such movie that makes us question humanity and our willingness to shut our eyes on the issues that do not concern us. The movie is based on the true story of the 'Muzaffarpur Balika Greh rape case', in which minors were sexually abused in a children's shelter home by powerful people. Directed by Pulkit, the movie is streaming on Netflix and also stars Sanjay Mishra, Sai Tamhankar and Aditya Srivastava.

Bhakshak Movie Review:

What works:

'Bhakshak' starts on a hard-hitting note, diving straight into the horrifying and heinous nature of the crime. The movie does not shy away from making the viewers uncomfortable, showcasing the atrocities faced by the young girls in the shelter home. Bhumi Pednekar essays the role of a journalist named Vaishali Singh, who is trying to make it big by herself and running a local channel in Patna along with her cameraman Baskar Sinha, played by Sanjay Mishra. The two come across the social audit report of the shelter homes, which states that the girls living in the supposed 'safe environment' are getting abused. The plot follows Vaishali and Baskar as they try to uncover the truth and save the girls from the living hell.

 

 

 

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'Bhakshak' keeps you captivated throughout the movie, making it an impressive crime thriller. As the investigation goes on and further gets delayed by the corrupt system, you also feel the characters' frustration and dilemma. Director Pulkit does a commendable job by making the narrative intense and gritty, portraying the uneasiness of characters through the way the movie is shot.

The effortless performances in 'Bhakshak' carry the film, making the viewers completely engrossed in the plot. The movie also sheds light on corruption, which is deeply enrooted in society and how justice gets delayed due to so-called 'system' and 'formalities'. 'Bhakshak' brilliantly portrays what happens when society's protectors become the predators and how the common man has to through hell to take a stand.

 

 

 

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What does not work:

'Bhakshak' is only 2 hours and 14 minutes long but some scenes seem too stretched. The focus has also been given to Vaishali's family, which could have been cut short. The songs do not leave any lasting impact on the plot or scenes and wouldn't have affected the movie if not added.

Performances:

Every actor has given an effortless performance in 'Bhakshak' and carries the movie on their shoulder. Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh is the soul of the movie and gives a commendable performance of a frustrated journalist trying to establish her career. She beautifully portrays the anger, fear and courage of her character as she investigates her story. Sanjay Mishra as Baskar Sinha stands with Vaishali through thick and thin in the case and portrays his character gracefully. Aditya Srivastava steals the show as Bansi Sahu and delivers his performance with such honesty that he will make the audience hate his character. Sai Tamhankar is also impressive in her short role as SSP Jameet Gaur.

 

 

 

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Final Thought:

'Bhakshak' is a gripping and intense movie with impressive performances. The movie will make you question society, system, law and most importantly- humanity.