PM Modi watches ‘Sabarmati Report’ with cast, crew in special screening at parliament; Shares experience

New Delhi: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a special screening of the film The Sabarmati Report at the Balyogi Auditorium within the Parliament library building. He was joined by several members of his Cabinet, including prominent figures like Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Jitan Ram Manjhi, a BJP ally, as well as Members of Parliament from the ruling alliance. The screening was a significant occasion, with Modi revealing that it was the first film he had watched since becoming the prime minister.

PM Modi's Personal Connection to the Film

The movie, The Sabarmati Report, aims to shed light on the controversial and tragic fire incident aboard the Sabarmati Express at Godhra on February 27, 2002, which resulted in the deaths of 59 people, mostly devotees returning from Ayodhya. The film claims to uncover the truth behind the fire, which was initially blamed on a Muslim mob by the Gujarat police, leading to widespread communal riots in the state. The Gujarat High Court later dismissed the findings of a railway inquiry commission that suggested the fire was an accident, calling the commission unconstitutional.

After watching the film, Modi shared his thoughts with the cast and crew, expressing his appreciation for their efforts. "This is the first movie I have seen since becoming prime minister," Modi told actor Jeetendra and actress Raashii Khanna, who plays a key role in the movie. Jeetendra, one of the leading figures in Hindi cinema, expressed his joy at the unique experience of watching a film with the Prime Minister, a first for him, especially since his daughter Ekta Kapoor is one of the movie's producers.

Vikrant Massey Reflects on the Moment

Actor Vikrant Massey, who plays the lead role in the film, described the experience of watching the film with Prime Minister Modi as a "different experience that cannot be expressed in words." He shared his excitement on social media, calling it "the highest point in his career" and urged people to watch the movie. Massey’s emotional reflections emphasize the importance of the film in revealing the truth behind a key event in India's history.

BJP’s Support for the Movie

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively supported The Sabarmati Report, with several state governments declaring the film tax-free. The movie's release has sparked renewed political debate surrounding the 2002 Godhra incident and the subsequent communal riots. Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time, has long been at the center of the controversy. The film's promotion has further fueled political discourse as it explores the events surrounding the fire and its aftermath.