BHAKSHAK

Bhakshak, a new Netflix Indian Hindi language film, is loosely based on real events. Its story is mostly fiction, however it was inspired by the 2018 Muzaffarpur Shelter case where a high number of young girls suffered horrific abuse.

This is a film not for the faint of heart. It is, from its first minute right through to its last, a harrowing watch. At times as upsetting and bone chilling as almost anything I’ve seen

Bhakshak follows struggling journalist Vaishali Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) who stumbles upon information about the Munawwarpur Girls Shelter Home and the atrocities that have been committed there. 

Alongside her cameraman Baskar Sinha (Sanjay Mishra) she sets out to uncover the truth, not only about the home, but those in power who prop it up.

The home itself is owned by Bansi Sahu (Aditya Srivastava), an artifice of smiles and charm but with untold darkness lurking beneath. 

Srivastava is fantastic here, embodying the smarm that someone in his position needs to ingratiate himself, but also the evil. The threat in his smile haunting.

But the real star of Bhakshak is Tanisha Mehta as Sudha Kumari, through whose eyes we are introduced to the full horrors of what happens in the shelter. The terror that Sudha feels. The helplessness, and disgust, but terror above all else, is portrayed with the ease of a veteran performer. 

All the more impressive considering that, as far as I can tell, this is her first film role. 

There is so much more that I want to say about this film, but this is difficult without veering dangerously close to spoiler territory, but needless to say that in the 24 hours since I watched it I have thought about it a lot. And will likely continue thinking about it.

It asks “Have we forgotten to feel sad for others”? A pertinent question for todays society who seem increasingly concerned by the wellbeing of themselves, and those within their circle. A society who see anyone outside of this as “not their problem”.

Bhakshak posits that caring for others takes bravery. Dedication. Tenacity. But only in having these characteristics - only in using them - can things change.

It also asks whether this, from only a handful of people, is enough, as Vaishali hits roadblock after roadblock after roadblock on her vocation to uncover the truth.

Bhakshak is a really important film. In terms of both its subject matter, and the questions that it asks. And it is a shame that it will be seen by so few people in English speaking communities.

As mentioned, it is a difficult watch, and I can understand people not wishing to give it a go based on its contents. But it deserves to be seen by more people, and it deserves for more people to get over that one inch barrier at the bottom of their screens to give it their time.