Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan | 3-Min Read
Sector 36 delivers one of the most gripping and unsettling police interrogation scenes in recent Hindi cinema. While Kannada film Shakhahaari featured something similar, Sector 36 manages to manifest itself into something more powerful. The film rests squarely on the shoulders of its lead actors, particularly Vikrant Massey, whose portrayal of the villain is nothing short of transformative. Massey inhabits the despicable character, Prem, with chilling precision, delivering a gut-wrenching, blood-curdling performance that serves as an acting masterclass. It’s the kind of performance that industry heavyweights could learn from. The confrontation between the hero and villain in this scene is intense, raw, and unforgettable.
The film isn’t built on intricate plot twists, grand reveals, or mysteries. From the very start, the film sets the audience’s expectations—it’s not about the story, but about the characters. This is a purely character-driven narrative, and that’s where its real power lies. The writing makes it clear that the plot is secondary, guiding viewers to focus on the complexities of the individuals on screen. We’re drawn in not by what happens, but by who it happens to, and how these deeply flawed characters navigate a corrupt system and each other.
Sector 36 is not just an investigative thriller; it’s a deep dive into the mind of a psychopath and an indictment of the system that fosters such monstrosities. The film paints a picture of a corrupt, decaying society, one that becomes a breeding ground for these individuals to thrive. As Vikrant Massey explained in an interview with Baradwaj Rangan, Ramcharan Pandey (played by an excellent Deepak Dobriyal), the flawed hero of the story, mirrors society itself—he remains passive until the problem lands on his doorstep. This, Massey argues, reflects our collective psyche, where we remain indifferent until the crisis becomes personal.
The film also deftly tackles socio-economic disparity, highlighting how these inequalities fuel the crimes we see. The privileged are conditioned to believe that these problems belong to “others”—until they, too, are forced to confront the reality. This nuanced commentary is skillfully woven into the narrative, conveyed through the film’s rich, layered characters. Sector 36 is as much a character study as it is a societal critique, delivered through powerful performances that elevate the film’s underlying message.
Verdict:
IMDb – 7.5/10
My rating – 4/5
You can watch Sector 36 on Netflix.
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About the author –
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’. An enthusiastic blogger he shares his essays, travelogues, book and movie reviews on his blog (www.whatsonsidsmind.com).