‘2020 Delhi’ Review: A Bold, Single-Shot Look at the Tumult and Trauma of the Delhi Riots
‘2020 Delhi’ Delivers a Real-Time Cinematic Experience
The Hindi-language drama ‘2020 Delhi’, directed by Devendra Maalviya, offers a raw and unfiltered cinematic portrayal of the events surrounding the February 2020 Delhi riots. Notable for its ambitious technical feat—being marketed as India’s first full-length commercial feature film shot entirely in a single continuous take—the movie aims to plunge the audience directly into the chaos and human drama that unfolded amid the anti-CAA protests and the high-profile US Presidential visit.
While the film attempts to capture the complexity and trauma of the communal violence, its unique presentation and heavy thematic focus have sparked both praise for its ambition and criticism for its narrative balance.
The Single-Shot Spectacle and Core Narrative
Set primarily on the volatile day of February 24, 2020, the film chronicles how the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests escalated into devastating communal unrest. The narrative follows multiple intertwined threads, primarily focusing on two men, Akshay and Javed Mansoori, whose paths cross as they struggle to survive the violence gripping the city. Their initial suspicion, rooted in religious division, slowly gives way to an urgent trust as they uncover the manipulative hands of local political figures allegedly orchestrating the chaos.
The single-shot format is the movie’s most defining characteristic, demanding perfect synchronisation from the cast and crew. This technique creates a sense of immediate, unedited realism, immersing the viewer in the tense, moment-to-moment experience of those caught in the maelstrom. It is a bold move that recalls the technical achievements of films like 1917 and Birdman, seeking to eliminate cinematic distance and enhance the feeling of being present during the crisis.
Performances and Standout Moments
The ensemble cast, which includes veteran actor Brijendra Kala alongside Chetan Sharma (as Akshay), Akashdeep Arora (as Javed Mansoori), and Siddharth Bhardwaj, anchors the real-time drama.
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Brijendra Kala stands out, portraying a stranded Pakistani Hindu refugee named Radheshyam. His performance and dialogue, particularly a powerful speech on the suffering of ordinary people when politics drives national division, are widely cited as the emotional core of the film.
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Chetan Sharma and Akashdeep Arora deliver sincere performances, with their evolving dynamic forming the humanistic heart of the story. Their journey from antagonists to reluctant allies provides a much-needed warmth amid the relentless depiction of violence.
However, critics have pointed out that the intensity of the riot sequences dominates the first half, occasionally losing impact due to its prolonged nature. The narrative gains clearer direction in its second half as it shifts focus to the human connection and the political undercurrents.
Controversy and Critical Reception
‘2020 Delhi’ has been a subject of considerable debate since its announcement and trailer release. The film has faced allegations of presenting a ‘one-sided’ or ‘distorted’ narrative of the sensitive real-life events it depicts. The director, Devendra Maalviya, has strongly defended the film, asserting that it presents the facts of the events and seeks justice for the victims without targeting any specific community.
Critically, the film has received a mixed response. While its cinematic ambition and the technical brilliance of the one-shot execution have been universally acknowledged as a groundbreaking effort in Indian cinema, reviewers suggest the storytelling is often uneven. Many feel the film spends too much time on ideological debate, which, at times, turns the powerful message into a ‘lecture’ and diminishes the emotional subtlety required for such a delicate topic. The movie is praised for its strong intent and powerful imagery but ultimately struggles to maintain a consistent focus on the human cost of violence amidst its political commentary.