Netflix India has created a buzz in the entertainment world by debuting the trailer for “Section 36,” a gripping dark crime thriller featuring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal in pivotal roles. The film, set to stream on Netflix from September 13, is inspired by true events and follows the harrowing hunt for a serial killer responsible for the disappearance of multiple children from a slum in North India.
Directed by the newcomer Aditya Nimbalkar and penned by Bodhayan Roychaudhury, “Section 36” delves into a world that resonates disturbingly with real-life incidents. Although the filmmakers have not explicitly stated their inspiration, the plot bears a striking resemblance to the 2006 Noida serial murders, famously known as the Nithari killings.
In a tantalizing glimpse offered by the trailer, viewers are introduced to Ram Charan Pandey, played by Deepak Dobriyal, a dedicated police officer with a Newtonian approach to crime-solving. Pandey is on the relentless trail of Prem Singh, brought to life by Vikrant Massey, a serial killer who operates under the guise of an ordinary man. This duality of Massey’s character promises to deliver a spine-chilling performance that has audiences eagerly awaiting the release.
To provide some background for international viewers, the 2006 Nithari case was a shocking chapter in Indian criminal history. The village of Nithari, situated in Sector-31 of Noida, gained notoriety after numerous children and women went missing. This led authorities to a grim discovery: the skeletal remains of the missing individuals near a large house owned by a wealthier resident, Moninder Singh Pandher. Both Pandher and his domestic help, Surinder Koli, were arrested and charged with abduction, murder, and rape. The case, mired in court proceedings and controversy, captured global attention. Initially sentenced to death in 2017, both men were later acquitted in 2023 by the Allahabad High Court due to insufficient evidence, a decision that faced widespread scrutiny and outrage.
Speaking about his evocative role in “Section 36,” Vikrant Massey remarked on the challenges he faced in embodying such a complex character. “Stepping into the character of Prem for this film was unlike anything I’ve done before.
. To convincingly play a layered and terrifying killer who could pass off as any other person has been difficult. Aditya (Nimbalkar) has done a great job in creating this gritty world meticulously. This is an incredibly important film, and as storytellers, alongside Netflix and Maddock Films, we hope the audience will be able to see the need to tell stories like these.”
The anticipation for “Section 36” is palpable, given its promising ensemble cast and the gripping, real-world narrative it explores. With a debut director at the helm, bolstered by an experienced writer like Bodhayan Roychaudhury, the film aims to combine fresh perspectives with a haunting story, adding to the slew of critically acclaimed thrillers produced in the Indian film industry of late.
“Section 36” is produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios. The involvement of these esteemed production houses further elevates the film’s profile. Known for their dedication to delivering high-quality content, Maddock Films and Jio Studios have set a high bar for the thriller genre in Indian cinema. Their collaborative effort with Netflix aims to bring this chilling tale to a wider audience, maximizing its impact and reach.
The film’s journey from script to screen has been closely followed by industry insiders and fans alike. The decision to align the film’s realistic elements with fictionalized storytelling could potentially spark conversations about the portrayal of crime and justice in cinema. The parallels drawn with the Nithari case, whether intentional or not, might lead to renewed discussions on the judicial outcomes and societal impacts of real-life crime stories.
As the release date approaches, viewers are left to ponder the true horror beneath the veneer of normalcy that “Section 36” promises to unravel. With an actor of Vikrant Massey’s caliber tackling such a profoundly disturbing role, and Deepak Dobriyal adding his seasoned flair, the film is poised to offer a riveting experience, juxtaposing the bleakest facets of human nature against the backdrop of procedural police work.
“Section 36” will be available for streaming on Netflix starting from September 13, offering audiences a thrilling ride through a dark, twisted narrative inspired by the chilling real-life echoes of the past.
