The Netflix limited series, “The Railway Men,” delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 and the valiant efforts of railway officials in response. Produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Shiv Rawail, the series weaves a dramatic narrative around the catastrophe, highlighting the challenges faced by resource-strapped officials at Bhopal’s railway station.

The story, while rooted in the tragic incident, introduces fictional elements, including a persistent journalist played by Sunny Hinduja. This character unearths the negligence of an American firm leading up to the disaster.

However, the series traverses between fact and fiction, creating a blend of real and fictional characters without clear demarcation. Notably, Kay Kay Menon‘s portrayal of Iftekhar Siddiqui, a dedicated stationmaster, and Babil Khan’s role as Imad Riaz, a conscientious loco pilot, stand out for their compelling performances.

Yet, the series faces criticism for introducing a side narrative involving a thief, played by Divvyendu Sharma, creating a moral conflict within the storyline. While some characters bring depth and tension, others, like R. Madhavan‘s portrayal of Rati Pandey, fall short in resonating with the audience.

“The Railway Men” offers a glimpse into a tragic event through the lens of unsung heroes but raises debates about balancing historical accuracy and creative storytelling.