‘The Sadist’: A chilling look at the dark side of prime-time news

The short film The Sadist, directed by Kundan Shashiraj and produced by Sudhanshu Kumar and Dashmani Media, has been selected for the prestigious Jagran Film Festival. The film takes a critical look at the increasing polarization in society and the role of news media in shaping public perception.

Scrutinizing journalism through cinema

From Peepli Live (2010) to The Broken News (2022), Indian cinema has frequently examined journalism. The Sadist builds on this tradition, offering a raw portrayal of news production and its effects on audiences.

The film follows Aman Dev Sinha (Danish Husain), a prime-time news anchor, whose professional drive collides with personal tragedy. Upon learning of his wife’s sudden death due to cardiac arrest, he continues to push for sensational news stories, highlighting the blurred lines between ethical reporting and media opportunism.

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Director Shashiraj explained his inspiration, stating, “I have witnessed a shift in societal attitudes, where polarization and hate have become prevalent. This film explores how media plays a role in fueling these divisions.”

A stark look at modern news culture

Starring Vipin Sharma, Shishir Sharma, and Vineet Kumar, the film exposes the pressures faced by reporters to deliver impactful stories, often at the expense of journalistic integrity.

One particularly powerful scene features three local journalists competing for the most dramatic closing line for their news segment. In the background, police barricades marked ‘Jamras’—a possible nod to real-life incidents like the Hathras case—reinforce the film’s real-world relevance. When Aman, as a national journalist, is granted special access to a restricted area, he exploits his status, aggressively questioning a victim and chastising his colleague for failing to ‘prepare’ her for the interview.

Producer and actor Danish Husain noted, “No recent film has dissected media practices as thoroughly as The Sadist. While Peepli Live satirized the industry’s absurdity, this film examines its more insidious transformations.”

An impactful film made on a modest budget

Unlike large-scale productions such as Rann (2010) or Page 3 (2005), The Sadist was created with minimal resources. The cast worked pro bono, and the entire film was shot in just three days, with post-production completed in under four months. Actor Vineet Kumar even brought his own food for a scene requiring him to eat on camera.

Vipin Sharma delivers a compelling performance, portraying a character who thrives on media-driven violence. His role underscores the uncomfortable truth of how audience demand influences news coverage.

Media representation in recent films

Recent media-focused productions, such as The Sabarmati Report and The Broken News, have sparked debate. The Sabarmati Report has drawn criticism for portraying English-language news channels as ‘anti-Hindu,’ while No One Killed Jessica (2011) faced backlash for its simplistic representation of journalists.

What distinguishes The Sadist is its introspective narrative. Rather than blaming an abstract system, it examines the individuals shaping public discourse. Aman’s character is particularly compelling—his composed demeanor and measured tone make him appear credible, even as he subtly manipulates the truth.

With its selection at the Jagran Film Festival, The Sadist is set to provoke important discussions on the evolving responsibilities of modern media and its impact on society.