Vikrant Massey’s latest film, The Sabarmati Report, released on November 15, explores the events surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning incident. In the movie, Massey portrays Samar Kumar, a journalist navigating complex social and political realities.
In an interview with NDTV, the actor discussed the challenges faced by Hindi journalism and its lack of recognition compared to English journalism. He remarked, “It is pure classism, and kahi na kahi unfortunately aaj bhi sach hai ki angrezi ko leke, aur humne patrakarita ke madhyam se yeh kehne ki koshish ki hai, but it is a far larger conversation. It is not just about journalism. Maine jo cheez 12th Fail me bhi kahi thi ki language is just a medium. Aap yogya hai ya nahi hai, vo aap ki bhaasha ki vajah se aap yeh tayeh nahi kar sakte.”
Elitism and the Perception of English
Massey shed light on the “elitist mindset” that continues to dominate India’s perception of language and capability. He explained, “Kahi na kahi aaj hamare desh me itni sari bhashayen hone ke baad, itne cultures, itne subcultures hone ke baad, itni local languages, regional languages hone ke bawjud, kahi na kahi, ek hamara elitist mindset hai ki jo angrezi bolta hai, vo hi yogya hai, ya knowledgeable hai. Agar usko seedhi baat me kahe ki jo angrezi kehta hai vo buddhimaan hai.”
Struggles in Journalism and Ground Realities
The actor pointed out that, even during the time depicted in The Sabarmati Report, English news channels dominated the narrative. He called this mindset “ridiculous,” elaborating, “At that time, social media did not exist. There was this elitist mindset that whatever the English media said, that was the truth. Back then, things were outsourced from Delhi, and now, they’re outsourced from Noida. Smaller districts and towns outsource work to bigger news channels for data collection and ground reporting. They work extremely hard and it is a very laborious job.”
Language Barriers in Competitive Exams
Massey also highlighted the language barriers faced by candidates in India’s most prestigious exams, such as the UPSC. He shared, “Aaj bhi agar hum UPSC ki baat karein – adhiktar bache jo hai, I am talking about more than 80 percent, English medium walo ka hi selection hota hai. Bahut kam Hindi medium wale jo hai unka selection hota hai. Jab ki unko kaam galiyon me, kasbon me, un kshetron me karna hai, jahan pe log yeh bhasha bolte hi nahi hai.”
He stressed the disconnect between the language of the exams and the regions where these officers eventually work, adding, “Vo grassroot level pe jaake kaam karte hai. To central government ke aapke jo examination hai vo aap aisi bhaasha me kar rahe hai jo aadhe se zaada desh bolta hi nahi hai. To in cheezo ke baare me charcha honi chahiye kyuki cinema has always been reflective of the times that we live in.”
About the Film
Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, The Sabarmati Report features an ensemble cast, including Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra, Nazneen Patni, Hella Stichlmair, and Aryan Ardent. The film is produced by Ektaa Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Amul V. Mohan, and Anshul Mohan under the banners of Balaji Motion Pictures, Vikir Films Production, and Vipin Agnihotri Films.
By addressing the societal implications of language and classism, Massey hopes the film sparks a larger conversation about the deep-rooted inequalities in journalism and beyond.
