New Delhi . There are many films available on OTT, whose stories are inspired by real events rather than imaginary worlds. Such films, along with entertainment, also introduce the audience to serious issues of the society, which are important to know and understand. One such film is 'Bhakshak', whose story is inspired by the Shelter Home Scandal of Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The film depicts the exploitation of minor girls, institutional corruption and the struggle of a female journalist. It received good response from audiences and critics.
The story of the film revolves around a journalist named Vaishali Singh. She does journalism in a small town and works in a local news channel. Camera man Bhaskar Sinha also lives with him. Both are looking for some big news. During this time, a case comes before Vaishali, which later proves to be very challenging for her.
Vaishali learns of the abuse and exploitation of minor girls living in a girls' shelter home in Munawwarpur. During the initial investigation, they come to know that the girls are physically tortured there and serious incidents like sexual abuse happen to them. This entire matter has been shown in a sensitive manner in the film. Its story is inspired by the real-life Muzaffarpur shelter home incident, which had raised serious questions about the safety and institutional surveillance of girls across the country including Bihar.
The shelter home is run by an influential person named Bansi Sandhu. Due to his political connections and strong hold in the area, it is not easy to raise voice against him. The film shows how money power, threats and corrupt systems are used to hide crimes. Because of this, efforts to uncover the truth of the matter become increasingly difficult.
On one hand, Vaishali wants to provide justice to the victimized girls, while on the other hand she also has to face problems in her personal life. Despite this, she continues to pursue investigation and news. Meanwhile, Sudha, a cook working in the shelter home, appears. She gives important information to Vaishali about the events happening there and the treatment the girls are being treated with.
Vaishali also gets the support of an honest police officer SS Jasmeet Gaur. With the information received from Sudha and the help of the police, the seriousness of the matter reaches the authorities. After this the shelter home is raided. The victimized girls present there are taken out safely and Bansi Sandhu and her associates are arrested. This part of the film shows how important persistent efforts can be to uncover the truth even in difficult circumstances.
In this film, Bhumi Pednekar has played the role of journalist Vaishali Singh. Other actors including Sanjay Mishra are also seen in important roles. The film is directed by Pulkit. Along with crime and investigation, the story also gives space to the responsibility of journalism, the voice of the victims and the flaws in the system.
'Bhakshak' is available on the OTT platform Netflix. The film has a rating of 7.2 on IMDb. The story inspired by real events and Bhumi Pednekar's acting make this film a great choice for audiences who love crime-thrillers.