Expectations

In today's times out filmmakers are exploring many hard-hitting themes and unconventional issues, giving the viewers a high amount of variation. Our country has witnessed many communal riots and there are very few films which dared to show the reality behind these riots or genocides.

'31st October' claims to be one such daring film which tries to narrate the real incidents which occurred on the fateful night of 31st October 1984 leading to Hindi-Sikh riots. The movie is in the news due to its censor issues and bold theme thus there is a decent amount of expectations related to it.

Story

'31st October' is a story based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination, which occurred on 31st October 1984. The assassination led to the Hindi-Sikh riots in Delhi, where people from Sikh community were massacred because of political motivations. In such tough times Davinder Singh (Vir Das), his wife Tajinder Kaur (Soha Ali Khan) and their kids are stuck in the riot zone. Their friends Pal (Deepraj Rana), Tilak (Vineet Sharma) and Yogesh (Lakha Lakhwinder Singh) decides to rescue Davinder and his family.

The 'Glitz' Factor

The story is hard-hitting and has been blended well with the real life incidents. The second half focuses more on the rescue mission, which has some merits to cherish. The camera work is strictly average.

'Yaqeen' by Sonu Nigam is soul stirring. 'Umeed' goes well with the flow of the film.

Soha Ali Khan manages to do her right part. Lakha Lakhwinder Singh, Deepraj Rana, Vineet Sharma and Nagesh Bhonsle lend good support.

The 'Non-Glitz' Factor

The first half takes a long time to get on its right course due to several side tracks and unwanted incidents. The problem with the movie is that it's presented in totally melodramatic and unconvincing manner. The situations looked forced and the emotions in those scenes seemed fake. There are lots of continuity issues along with unwanted love track.

The religious, sentimental scenes looked bit preachy, but made an impact in some portions. Finale part is abrupt and shown in a hurried manner.Background music is jarring and ruins the movie watching experience.

Director Shivaji Lotan Patil come up with a hard-hitting subject, but fails to do proper justice to it. He presents the movie in a totally outdated manner and fails to connect with its audience. The whole setup and presentation was fake and unconvincing. He adds several unwanted repetitive scenes making the movie seem like a dragging experience. It's a huge opportunity, loss of this daring director who presents the movie in a totally tacky manner.

Vir Das reminds you of his character from one of his worst films, 'Santa Banta'. He fails to add the intensity required for his character. Daya Shankar Pandey is wasted.

Final 'Glitz'

'31st October' had all the potential to become a great film due to its hard-hitting theme but ends up being soulless truth.

Rating: 1/5