Sector 36, Netflix’s latest crime thriller, plunges viewers into the murky depths of a 2005 Delhi neighborhood, where the disappearance of underprivileged children leads to a disturbing investigation. Based on the notorious Nithari serial murders, this gripping film marks director Aditya Nimbalkar’s debut and brings a brutal narrative to life.
The plot follows Sub-Inspector Ram Charan Pandey (Deepak Dobriyal), a once-corrupt cop drawn into the case of missing children from Rajiv Camp. As he digs deeper, Pandey realizes that all signs point to Prem Singh (Vikrant Massey), a seemingly innocent house-help who works for a wealthy but often absent businessman. What Pandey uncovers is a chilling labyrinth of pedophilia, necrophilia, organ trafficking, and pervasive corruption, exposing the darkest corners of human nature.
Deepak Dobriyal delivers a compelling performance as the officer who, despite his own flaws, becomes fixated on the case, refusing to let the system’s corruption deter him. However, it’s Vikrant Massey who steals the show with his portrayal of the deeply disturbed Prem. Massey’s haunting performance, particularly in the 17-minute interrogation scene, showcases his impressive range, bringing an unnerving calmness to the character that lingers long after the credits roll.
Massey’s portrayal of evil is both terrifying and ordinary, making Prem Singh a character that will undoubtedly leave a mark on viewers. His subtle, unsettling demeanor, especially in scenes where he nonchalantly abducts and kills children, establishes him as a formidable antagonist in Indian cinema.
The film goes beyond its crime procedural core, offering a sharp commentary on India’s deep-seated class divide. Sector 36 is reminiscent of Delhi Crime, not just for its procedural style, but for its exploration of power dynamics, privilege, and systemic inequality.
A standout aspect of the film is its subversion of the name “Prem,” traditionally associated with virtuous and heroic figures in Indian storytelling. By naming a psychopathic serial killer “Prem,” the film cleverly challenges perceptions of good and evil, reminding audiences that appearances can be deceiving.
Saurabh Goswami’s bleak, atmospheric cinematography pairs seamlessly with Bodhayan Roychaudhury’s intense script, delivering a film that is visually unsettling from start to finish. The violence is graphic, and the horror is often implied, creating a sense of discomfort that lingers throughout.
Despite its many strengths, Sector 36 stumbles briefly towards the end with an out-of-place song that breaks the narrative flow. The editing falters, but the film quickly recovers, delivering a final punch that leaves a lasting impact.
In its 124-minute runtime, Sector 36 explores the corrupt underbelly of society, driven by class conflict and moral decay. Vikrant Massey’s performance alone makes the film worth watching, as he proves his versatility and depth as an actor. In this dark tale, the monsters are not easily recognizable, and Sector 36 reminds us that true horror often wears an innocent face.
Leave a Reply