Sector 36, a new Netflix film inspired by true events, is a haunting crime thriller starring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal. The film delves into the harrowing search for a serial killer behind the disappearance of several children from a slum in north India. The film, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, aims to delve deep into what makes a psychopath, and nearly succeeds.

The story is loosely based on the 2006 Noida serial murders, also known as the Nithari killings. In the film, Vikrant Massey delivers a chilling performance as a house help in an affluent residence who hides a dark and sinister secret. His character, driven by a ruthless and unfeeling nature, is a serial killer who abducts and murders children without a hint of remorse. His past, marked by trauma and hardship, has forged a cold-blooded killer, and his current actions are a horrifying manifestation of his inner demons.

The narrative delves into the dual darkness of his world as it also reveals that his employer, played by Akash Khurana, shares a similarly vile past. Khurana, a figure of affluence and power, has his own history of abusing children, making him complicit in the heinous crimes committed under his roof. Both characters are intertwined in a grotesque alliance, their shared depravity driving the horrific events that unfold in the story.

Deepak Dobriyal plays Inspector Ram Charan Pandey, a dedicated law enforcement officer initially indifferent to the missing children cases, seeing them as mere statistics. However, his complacency is shattered when his own daughter narrowly escapes becoming a victim. This personal stake propels him into the heart of the investigation, shifting his perspective from a detached observer to a desperate avenger.

As Inspector Pandey digs deeper into the case, he uncovers the horrifying truth behind the disappearances. The film's crux revolves around the unravelling of this dark conspiracy. The pace of the story is urgent, and capable of holding your attention. The police being overworked, corruption within the system, everything is touched upon just enough, without going overboard. 

Performances

Vikrant Massey delivers a chameleon-like performance in the film, diving deep into the complex role of Prem Singh with remarkable authenticity and depth. His portrayal adds significant weight and realism to the film. Equally impressive is Deepak Dobriyal, whose role as the determined police officer Ram Charan Pandey enhances the film’s tension and emotional impact. Together, Massey and Dobriyal bring a level of credibility and intensity that elevates the crime thriller, making it a standout experience.

Bodhayan Roychaudhury, the writer, has given Dobriyal a complete character arc—from the coward who would rather brush up cases under the carpet, to someone willing to risk everything in pursuit of the truth. Watch out for him in the interrogation scene in the climax. His perplexity, coupled with the anger he feels listening to the ghastly crime confessions, has you hooked.

And that brings us to the person being interrogated—Vikrant Massey as the unhinged Prem. Barring accent slip-ups in a scene when he suddenly spouts English words in his normal accent (contrary to how he speaks otherwise), he nails it. It’s unlike anything he’s done before. If Vikrant inspired us in his earlier film 12th Fail, he leads us through his descent into necrophilia and cannibalism in Sector 36.

Akash Khurana deserves applause for his bang-on portrayal of Mr. Bassi. He commands attention with his near-perfect introduction scene. His passive frustration as he fails to prey upon his own granddaughter is chilling. And thankfully, even his Punjabi accent is spot on. Darshan Zariwala is fine as Deepak’s senior police officer.

A Worthy Watch?

Given its bold approach and the impactful performances that drive its narrative, Sector 36 is a film that will likely be talked about for years to come. Kudos to Aditya Nimbalkar for choosing a film like this as his directorial debut. The film's ability to bring such dark themes into light while maintaining a gripping narrative is a testament to his directorial prowess. 

Maddock Films, known for their discerning content choices, shines brightly with Sector 36. Their commitment to selecting thought-provoking and high-quality content is evident in this film, which not only showcases their dedication to storytelling but also underlines their ability to handle challenging material with grace and precision. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios respectively, Sector 36 is a remarkable piece of cinema that promises to leave a lasting impression, thanks to its intense portrayal, stellar performances, and masterful execution. 

If you're looking for a crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Sector 36 is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared for some disturbing scenes. Overall, the film is a well-made and compelling thriller that stays with you long after the credits roll.