The Sabarmati Report Box Office: Tax-Free Status Can’t Save Vikrant Massey’s Film

Dheeraj Sarna's directorial The Sabarmati Report has been stable but underwhelming in terms of box office collections. Released last week, the film garnered Rs 10.35 crore by the end of Day 6 (Thursday). While it saw an initial surge due to word-of-mouth promotion, its momentum has slowed in the past few days.

The film opened with Rs 1.2 crore on Day 1, followed by Rs 2.1 crore on Day 2. By Day 3, collections peaked at Rs 3 crore, sparking hope for a potential hit. However, the numbers dropped significantly, with Rs 1.15 crore collected on both Day 4 and Day 5. Despite steady collections, the overall performance has not met expectations.

Political Support Boosts Public Interest

Based on the 2002 Godhra Train Carnage incident, The Sabarmati Report received significant backing from political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly supported the film.

This support led to the film being declared tax-free in several states, starting with Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, followed by Haryana and Rajasthan. The tax exemptions were aimed at encouraging more people to watch the film, but the overall footfall has remained lukewarm.

The film’s lead actor, Vikrant Massey, revealed that he had received multiple threats due to his involvement in the project. During the trailer launch on November 8, he shared how the controversial subject of the Godhra train burning incident had led to opposition against the film's production and release.

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The delays in the release schedule, coupled with the polarizing topic, garnered public attention. This controversy, combined with endorsements from political leaders, contributed to the initial buzz around the movie.

Star-Studded Cast and Production Team

The Sabarmati Report boasts a talented cast, including Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra, Barkha Singh, and Sundip Ved in pivotal roles. The film is a joint production under Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, Vikir Films Production, and Vipin Agnihotri Films.

While The Sabarmati Report has struggled to maintain a strong hold at the box office, its subject matter and the controversies surrounding it have sparked conversations. Whether it will manage to recover its production costs or fade into obscurity remains uncertain. For now, the film serves as a reminder of how art and politics often intertwine in India’s cinematic landscape.