Review
The Challenge of Dark Character Portrayal
Crafting a portrait of a psychopath is no easy feat, and Sector 36, a film inspired by the horrific Nithari killings of 2005-2006, attempts this task with middling results. Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and written by Bodhayan Roychaudhury, the film struggles to evoke the searing, unsettling atmosphere expected from such a gruesome narrative. Despite invoking Newton’s third law of motion to justify the actions of its lead character, Prem (played by Vikrant Massey), Sector 36 falters in delivering a truly chilling portrayal of inexplicable evil.
A Weak Foundation: The Characterization of Prem
Prem, a manservant who turns into a serial killer, is the film’s central antagonist. On the surface, the character is a competent narrative conceit—a man twisted by circumstances and poverty. However, as the film delves into the horrific killings committed in a New Delhi bungalow, it fails to give the character enough depth to leave a lasting impact. Prem’s motives, which are tied to his impoverished upbringing and desire for wealth, feel contrived rather than compelling, softening the horror of his crimes.
A Softened Blow: Humanizing the Monster
The film’s script attempts to provide a rationale for Prem’s killing spree, particularly his targeting of underprivileged children. By doing so, it inadvertently blunts the edge of the story. Rather than presenting Prem as a terrifying figure, the script humanizes him in ways that diminish his capacity to truly unsettle the audience. His portrayal as a man driven by poverty and resentment reduces the impact of the gruesome acts of violence and cannibalism that he commits.
The Discrepancy of Appearances
One of the most intriguing aspects of Prem is his duality. Despite his monstrous nature, he presents himself as a charming, smiling man who blends seamlessly into society. He has a wife and children back in his village, but he is anything but a family man. Prem’s outward persona contrasts starkly with his inner depravity, making him an even more dangerous figure—but the film never fully exploits this contrast to its full potential.
Inspector Ram Charan Pandey: A Reluctant Hero
The film’s other central figure, Inspector Ram Charan Pandey (played by Deepak Dobriyal), is a man who tries to avoid conflict, preferring to coast through his career without making waves. His defense mechanism of non-reaction is tested when Prem’s atrocities come to light. His character arc—from a detached, reluctant policeman to a man determined to stop the killer—is the core of the film. But while this transformation should have made for an engrossing thriller, the film fails to capitalize on its potential.
An Investigation That Falls Flat
The premise of a reformed policeman chasing down a serial killer has all the makings of a gripping thriller. However, Sector 36 never builds enough tension to keep the audience on edge. The story unfolds in a predictable manner, with little mystery or suspense. Prem’s crimes are clear from the beginning, and the investigative process lacks the necessary twists and turns to engage viewers.
A Deflated Climax
The film reaches its high point during a lengthy monologue by Prem, where he recounts his horrific crimes in vivid detail. Vikrant Massey seizes the moment, fully embracing the psychotic nature of his character. Deepak Dobriyal, too, delivers a strong performance, reacting with a mix of shock and horror. Yet, despite the strong performances, the scene lacks emotional weight, largely due to the script’s inability to give the characters the depth they need.
Misplaced Humor and Uneven Tone
One of the most perplexing choices in Sector 36 is its use of humor. Prem’s character is given a peculiar quirk—a croaky cackle whenever he thinks he’s being amusing. This attempt at dark humor falls flat, as it isn’t nearly unsettling enough to complement the character’s macabre nature. Similarly, Inspector Pandey’s humorous quips feel jarringly out of place in a film that tackles such dark subject matter. The film’s uneven tone detracts from its overall impact, preventing it from being the hard-hitting crime drama it aims to be.
A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, Sector 36 is a film that tries to explore the mind of a psychopath but gets lost along the way. The weak script, misplaced humor, and lack of suspense undermine the performances of its lead actors. While the film presents an intriguing premise, it fails to deliver the gut-punch that such a story demands. In attempting to humanize its villain, it dilutes the horror, leaving viewers with a narrative that is neither gripping nor memorable.
In a film where the evil is clear from the outset, Sector 36 needed a sharper, more focused approach to its characters and story. Instead, it meanders, leaving audiences to wonder what could have been if the film had embraced its darker, more terrifying potential.
