Sector 36 Review: Vikrant Massey Fails To Bring Out Horror In Story Inspired By Nithari Killings

Sector 36 Movie Review: OTT has provided a haven for filmmakers to experiment with crime thrillers, a genre less explored on the big screens. Sector 36, starring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, is another attempt to bring to the audience the dark underbelly of society, where crime flourishes and justice is reserved for those with means. Inspired by the infamous Nithari killings of 2004-2006, debutante director Aditya Nimbalkar presents his version of the crime spree that shook the nation and authorities. Unfortunately, the result is middling at best as neither is the storyline fleshed out for the impact that the real-life incident carries nor do the performances evoke shock value, ingrained in the case.

Vikrant's performance is predictable

Vikrant essays the role of Prem, a serial killer and psychopath, who abducts and murders kids. The character is inspired by Surinder Koli, one of the accused in the Nithari killings. The actor has the potential to get into the skin of a character and 12th Fail is a testament to his commitment to roles and the result that comes with it when he strikes the right chord. In Sector 36, he seems detached from Prem for the most part.

It could very well be that a serial killer's psyche is difficult to grasp for Vikrant, let alone portray. However, Nawazudddin Siddiqui aced something similar in Raman Raghav 2.0. Vikrant's portrayal of Prem and how he is far removed from the pyschopath that he was meant to be is visible and is a distraction one can't get over from.

In the confrontational/confession scene, however, Vikrant does hold up, not letting the sequence down with his underwhelming act. He is passable in the movie, managing to not evoke any horror that Surinder Koli's gruesome acts did.

Deepak Dobriyal is understated, shines in restrained role

Those who associate Deepak with comedy are in for a surprise. His restrained role as Inspector Pandey is the highlight of Sector 36. He is the only character who has an arc in this otherwise bland movie. From someone who upholds justice just for the rich and looks down upon the poor, to taking up the fight against the system, Pandey redeems himself in the movie. He is also the subject of a poignant ending that scales the movie several notches down.

Direction doesn't hold up

The real story of the Nithari killings is a terrifying one, to say the least. The pile-up of body count of innocent kids, the dismemberment of their bodies and the chilling stories of cannibalism and necrophilia are sure to send a chill down your spine. However, Sector 36 fails to evoke any sort of horror or disgust. The director's fly-on-the-wall approach to the central character renders the movie devoid of any emotional depth.

The Nithari killings were much more horrific when read on paper. Even on TV news, an air of shock and awe prevailed. Sector 36 is a lost opportunity to unravel this twisted story and its eerie characters.

(Rating: 2/5 Stars)