Chhattisgarh witnessed significant developments this week, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's Delhi visit, the tax-free status for the film 'The Sabarmati Report'.

‘The Sabarmati Report’ Declared Tax-Free in Chhattisgarh

The Hindi film ‘The Sabarmati Report’, based on the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, has been declared tax-free in Chhattisgarh. CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced the decision, making Chhattisgarh the second BJP-ruled state after Madhya Pradesh to exempt the film from entertainment tax.

Key Highlights:

• The film, starring Vikrant Massey as a journalist, depicts the tragic burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra station, which claimed 59 lives, mostly karsevaks.
• The movie, directed by Dheeraj Sarna, released on November 15, aims to bring out the "hidden truths" of the event and its aftermath.
• CM Sai stated that the movie sensitively portrays the incident and provides an effective counter-narrative to historical misrepresentations.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Gujarat’s Chief Minister during the tragedy, praised the film for exposing the truth.

Cultural Impact:

• The movie has been appreciated by political leaders, including Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath, but its box-office performance remains modest, earning ₹8.5 crore in its first five days.

The Sabarmati Report: A Cinematic Overview

Produced by Ekta Kapoor, the film features Ridhi Dogra and Rashi Khanna alongside Vikrant Massey. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film has gained traction for its bold storytelling. With a production budget of ₹50 crore, the film has drawn attention from both political and cinematic circles.

As Chhattisgarh continues to balance cultural developments, governance, and law enforcement, these events underline the dynamic socio-political landscape of the state.