VSP Production’s Delhi Bus (A) is based on the horrifying Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi, which shook the nation in 2012.
Shruti (Divya Singh) and Avinash (Sanjay Singh) live in Delhi and are in a relationship. While Shruti is studying to become a doctor, Avinash has just landed a job. One day, they are travelling in a public transport bus after a late-night film show. Six people brutally rape Shruti in the bus after beating up Avinash, and mutilate her. Ultimately, Shruti dies, but the citizens of India create such a hue and cry that the rapists are given death sentence.
Amit Gupta and S.K. Das have written a story which is based on the real-life Nirbhaya case. As such, it offers no novelty as Indians are well-aware of the highly publicised case. The duo’s screenplay is impactful as far as it relates to the horrendous and brutal rape, but the portions before and after that lose in impact. The absence of a courtroom drama and even of the rapists being nabbed is a big minus point. Amit Gupta and S.K. Das’ dialogues are ordinary.
Divya Singh is okay as Shruti. Sanjay Singh is alright as Avinash. Vicky Ahuja does an average job as rapist driver Ustad. Sheesh Khan is ordinary as rapist driver Mukesh. Jawed Hyder is okay in the role of the rapist bus conductor. Sohail Khan delivers an average performance as rapist Chhotu. Kamal Khan hardly impresses as rapist Pawan. The actor playing the sixth rapist is so-so. Neelima Azeem lends routine support as Shruti’s mother. Anjan Shrivastava is adequate as the judge. S.K. Das fails to make a mark as the police inspector. Mushtaq Khan is okay in a very brief role as the autorickshaw driver.
Sharique Minhaj’s direction is not up to the mark. The narration does not have the desired impact on the viewers. Music (Babli Haque and Aarav) is poor. Lyrics (Jamil Ahmed and Salim Ashfi) are too ordinary to merit separate mention. Firoz Khan’s choreography is dull. Saurabh Sanger’s background music is weak. Jahangir Mulla’s cinematography is dull. Mehmood Bakshi’s action and stunt scenes are not too thrilling. Prashant Sharma’s art direction is okay. Sunil Yadav’s editing is loose.
On the whole, the box-office journey of Delhi Bus will be full of problems.
Released on 29-11-’24 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru J.B. Pictures. Publicity & opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.