Vikrant Massey Says He Received Threats After 'The Sabarmati Report' Release

Actor Vikrant Massey has spoken about the emotional impact of social media criticism and alleged threats he received following the release of his 2024 film The Sabarmati Report. Appearing on Shekhar Suman’s talk show, Massey recalled facing online abuse and said his personal information, including his WhatsApp number and car registration number, was leaked. He said the backlash significantly affected him at the time, particularly because his son was only six months old.

Massey said he remains proud of The Sabarmati Report, which centres on the burning of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra in Gujarat in 2002. The film faced criticism from some sections, with detractors describing it as propaganda. Recalling the period, Massey said he had to deal with extensive abuse and claimed that people openly threatened him after the film’s release. He said the experience had a serious effect on his emotional and mental well-being.

The actor said the situation was especially difficult because he had recently become a father. Massey explained that he had spoken publicly at the time about how the online backlash was affecting him. However, he said his perspective gradually changed and he stopped allowing criticism from strangers to determine how he felt about himself. He added that his primary responsibility was towards his family and the people close to him rather than those attacking him online.

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The Sabarmati Report, directed by Dheeraj Sarna, was released in theatres on November 15, 2024, and starred Massey alongside Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra. The political thriller was inspired by the February 27, 2002, burning of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra, in which 59 people died. Massey played journalist Samar Kumar, who investigates the events surrounding the tragedy and later revisits his earlier reporting.

Massey’s comments come amid continued discussion about online abuse and the impact of social media criticism on public figures. He said the experience taught him to place greater importance on his own responsibilities and relationships rather than the opinions of people attacking him online. The actor has previously spoken about the emotional strain caused by the controversy surrounding the film.

Massey is currently receiving attention for his work in Musafir Cafe, which has been renewed by Netflix for a second season. He is set to reprise his role as Chander alongside Vedika Pinto, Mahima Makwana, Siddhartha, Anubha Fatehpuria, Loveleen Mishra and Sadia Siddiqui. The second season is currently in production, following the first season’s emotional finale.

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