A Weak Portrayal of a Psychopath Inspired by the Nithari Killings
The Netflix film Sector 36, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and written by Bodhayan Roychaudhury, attempts to delve into the psyche of a brutal killer, Prem (played by Vikrant Massey), inspired by the infamous 2005-2006 Nithari killings. However, the film falls short of being a compelling or hard-hitting portrayal of true crime. Despite its premise of exploring a serial killer’s twisted mind, the narrative lacks depth and intensity, leaving the audience disconnected from the horrors it seeks to depict.
Prem’s Character: A Macabre but Unconvincing Villain
Prem, a manservant working for a shady businessman, uses his position to lure and murder underprivileged children from a nearby slum. While Massey’s portrayal of a psychopath occasionally hits high notes, the script dilutes his menace by providing an overly convenient backstory. The “equal and opposite reaction” theory—drawing on Newton’s third law—attempts to justify Prem’s actions, yet this rationale undermines the gravity of his crimes and strips the character of true fear-inducing potency.
Inspector Pandey: A Policeman Caught Between Duty and Apathy
Deepak Dobriyal plays Inspector Ram Charan Pandey, a disillusioned cop who initially turns a blind eye to the suffering of slum dwellers whose children go missing. As the story progresses, Pandey reluctantly takes on the case after pressure from his wife. His transformation from apathy to determination should be gripping, but the film’s inconsistent tone and misplaced humor make it hard for the audience to fully engage with his journey.
Lack of Tension and Missed Opportunities
The film suffers from a lack of tension, especially considering its dark subject matter. What could have been an edge-of-the-seat thriller fails to grip the audience. The narrative feels scattered, and the interaction between Massey and Dobriyal during key moments, particularly during Prem’s confession, does not land with the emotional weight or shock value expected in a crime thriller.
Humor Undermines the Gravity of Crime
One of the major pitfalls of Sector 36 is its misplaced use of humor. Both Massey’s and Dobriyal’s characters are given moments of levity that feel entirely out of place in a film dealing with gruesome child murders. Prem’s occasional chuckles and Inspector Pandey’s lighthearted quips during serious situations detract from the film’s potential to deliver a dark, gritty narrative.
Conclusion: Sector 36 Misses the Mark
Despite strong performances from Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, Sector 36 lacks the impact needed to become a memorable crime drama. The film’s inability to maintain a consistent tone, along with a weak script, makes it fall short of expectations. What could have been a searing exploration of a real-life crime instead turns into a scattered and underwhelming cinematic experience.