Starring: R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma, Babil Khan, Juhi Chawla, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Raghubir Yadav, Mandira Bedi, Sunny Hinduja, Philip Rosch
Director: Shiv Rawail
A series that is inspired by true events to tell the “untold story” of one of the world’s worst industrial gas leak disasters needs some mental prep to commit to watching. This Netflix limited series, marking a web debut for Yash Raj Films (YRF), dropped last week amid some audience trepidation.
Iftekaar Siddiqui (Menon) is a humble and dedicated Station Master at Bhopal Junction railway station, adored by his staff who refer to him as “Sir Sahib”. While a tough taskmaster, his approach towards the many orphans who only have the station platform to call home betrays his tough exterior.
A nearby railway station of Itarsi Junction has a very contrasting work ambience as the boss is preoccupied with an inspection visit of his superior, the mysterious General Manager (GM) Rati Pandey (Madhavan). Little does he know that the GM Special train he is desperately trying to trace is closer than he expected.
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Robinhood-style train robber Balwant Yadav (Sharma) lurking about completes this routine railway hustle and bustle against the backdrop of a disreputable American multinational fertiliser factory of Union Carbide in Bhopal, with workers and their families at terrible unease over the way highly toxic material is being handled by the powers that be. A former worker named Imad Riaz (Khan) has decided to turn whistle-blower after losing a close friend and he is being assisted by diligent journalist Jagmohan Kumawat (Hinduja) and dedicated factory manager Kamruddin (Bhattacharya).
However, disaster strikes before any of their well-meaning plans to expose the many safety failings at the woefully unequipped factory can take flight. Will the bravery of the railway men in the face of a lethal gas pervading the city help save some lives or will they be defeated by the circumstances stacked against them?
Any misgivings before starting off on this journey with ‘The Railway Men’ is soon forgotten as the very first episode grips you to the narrative being woven around the very relatable characters, who find themselves in an extraordinary setting. The biggest triumph of this series is the sheer powerhouse of acting talent, not just heavyweights like Madhavan and Kay Kay Menon but each and every one of the impressive casting.
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This coupled with some very sharp writing and direction turns a known story into an edge-of-the-seat thriller. There is a roller-coaster of emotions in store as the audience relives India’s worst industrial disaster, even as the deadly anti-Sikh riots play out in the background.
This series certainly falls in the must-watch category, but be prepared for a heart-rending ride.
