Inspired by true events, Bastar: The Naxal Story is a political thriller that premiered in theaters on March 15, 2024. Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film marks the second collaboration between the director and actress Adah Sharma after the success of The Kerala Story. The cast includes Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Raima Sen, and others.
The film revolves around the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. The story begins with the area under the control of Maoists, led by Lanka Reddy, Vanya Roy, and Narayan Bagchi. On the other side, Neerja Madhavan, an I.P.S. officer, teams up with Salwa Judum leader Rajendra Karma, his colleague Srikar Rao, and Uday Singh to establish peace in the region. Neerja vows to dismantle the Maoist movement completely.
Meanwhile, Vanya Roy, Neelam Nagpal, and Yamuna Nagar work to create a false narrative that depicts the Maoists as victims while portraying Neerja and her team as oppressors. Vanya uses her high-level contacts to ensure that the Maoists receive funding, arms, and ammunition from various terrorist organizations.
The Maoist terror reaches its peak, making it impossible for anyone to hoist the Indian flag without facing deadly consequences. In a poignant scene, Ratna, her husband, and other villagers bravely hoist the Indian national flag. However, they are caught by the Maoists. Lanka Reddy, upon learning about this act of defiance, kills Ratna’s husband with an axe and dismembers her body to instill fear among the villagers. This brutal incident marks a turning point in Ratna’s life.
Why did Ratna join the Indian Police?
After Ratna’s husband was killed, Neerja advised Ratna to join the special police force to seek revenge on Lanka Reddy. Without hesitation, Ratna commenced her training. Meanwhile, her son Raman aligned himself with the Maoists, edging closer to becoming one of their terrorists. Concurrently, Neerja formulated a plan to apprehend Narayan Bagchi. Intercepting Bagchi as he attempted to rendezvous with another terrorist cell by train, Neerja swiftly apprehended him.
Simultaneously, Neelam vigorously pursued legal action to demand Neerja’s immediate suspension and prove her fault. Upon learning of Narayan Bagchi’s arrest, Lanka Reddy plotted vengeance. Rallying his allies, they set ablaze on one side of the forest to distract Neerja and her team. They launched a night assault on a camp, setting 76 CRPF jawans ablaze. This devastating loss shattered Neerja, fueling her determination to halt Lanka Reddy’s atrocities.
Bastar: The Naxal Story ending: Did Ratna take her revenge?
Despite being pregnant, Neeraja sets out to catch Lanka Reddy and his associates. Neerja, her teammates, and Ratna attempt to surround the entire village. Meanwhile, Neerja sees Ratna’s son among the Maoists and stops attacking. Suddenly, an arrow hits Neerja in the stomach, and she falls to the ground, covered in blood. Consequently, Ratna and others take Neerja to the hospital, where she learns that her child has died, which devastates Neerja and her husband.
Unfortunately, the court’s decision goes against Neerja, and the terror of the Maoists increases even more. Subsequently, Rajendra Karma tries to gather the villagers against the Maoists but is unexpectedly killed by them. During this time, Ratna meets her son, Raman, who aims a gun at her, but when Ratna manages Raman to escape with her. In the end, Ratna, along with some soldiers and villagers, captures Lanka Reddy, and she kills him with her own hands.
In conclusion, Bastar: The Naxal Story is not just a film but is inspired by some real-life events. The film is currently streaming on Zee5 for those interested in watching.
