Sector 36 Movie Review

Star Cast: Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal and Akash Khurana
Director: Aditya Nimbalkar
Available On: Netflix
Review Rating: (3/5)

Script Analysis:

Sector 36 begins with a bang, introducing an intriguing premise set against the backdrop of the infamous Nithari Killings. The opening scene, featuring Deepak Dobriyal stomping a cockroach with a memorable line, promises a dark, gripping narrative. Unfortunately, the film loses steam within the first 15 minutes.

The script attempts to weave elements like police corruption, societal hierarchy, and class rage but fails to connect these threads meaningfully. Conversations that could have added depth—like one about how patriotism is celebrated only twice a year—are thrown in without contributing to the narrative.

The writing falters in exploring its characters. Vikrant Massey’s serial killer starts strong but descends into caricature, with a poorly justified obsession with a game show akin to KBC. The emotional stakes and the psychological tension that should define a thriller of this nature are missing, making the film feel more like an extended Savdhaan India episode than a cinematic experience.

Star Performance:

Deepak Dobriyal’s portrayal of a conflicted police officer shines in moments, particularly a scene where his wife urges him to act. However, the role feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering his proven ability to excel in darker characters.

Vikrant Massey struggles to balance the innocence and menace required of his character. While he impresses in the opening scenes, his performance weakens due to underwritten material. His confession scene, which should have been a climactic highlight, fails to evoke the intended chills.

The decision to humanize Massey’s serial killer with an empathetic backstory dilutes his menace, leaving the audience confused rather than captivated. A role reversal between Dobriyal and Massey might have offered more impact.

Direction and Music:

Aditya Nimbalkar’s direction shows glimpses of potential, especially in the early moments, but the film suffers from uneven pacing and lackluster execution.
While Sector 36 tries to tackle multiple angles—cannibalism, child trafficking, organ donation—it spreads itself too thin, failing to delve deeply into any of them.

The visuals are gory but lack the emotional punch needed to make them memorable. Comparisons with Talvar, a film with a similarly investigative tone,
highlight Sector 36’s shortcomings, particularly its lack of research and inability to balance fact with fiction.

The music is forgettable and misaligned with the film’s tone, adding to the disjointed experience.

The Last Word:

Sector 36 had the potential to be a gripping, thought-provoking thriller but stumbles due to weak writing and inconsistent execution. Despite its chilling premise and talented cast, the film fails to leave a lasting impression, delivering an experience that feels more suited to television crime shows than the big screen.

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