Actor Vikrant Massey has opened up about the emotional toll he faced after receiving intense online backlash for his 2024 film The Sabarmati Report.
According to Hindustan Times, The actor recalled being subjected to abuse and threats, while his personal details, including his WhatsApp number and car registration number, were leaked online.
Speaking on Shekhar Suman’s talk show, Massey said he remains proud of the film despite the criticism it attracted.
“I did a film called The Sabarmati Report, and I am extremely proud of that film. When I did that film, people called it propaganda,” he said.
The film, which revolves around the burning of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra in 2002, became a subject of political debate following its release.
Massey said the controversy resulted in severe online harassment.
“I had to listen to a lot of abuse. My WhatsApp number was leaked. My car number was leaked. People threatened me openly,” he recalled.
The actor said the backlash affected him particularly deeply because his son was only six months old at the time.
“My son had just been born then. He was just six months old. I was heavily impacted, and I openly said this in the media,” Massey said.
Over time, however, the actor said he learned to distance himself from the criticism and focus on the people closest to him.
“I realised that they are all cowards, and it doesn’t matter to me what people talk about me. What matters is that my own people are my responsibility. I am answerable to them,” he said.
Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, The Sabarmati Report stars Massey alongside Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra.
Released in November 2024, the political thriller is inspired by the 2002 Godhra train burning, in which 59 people died.
Massey plays journalist Samar Kumar, who travels to Godhra to report on the incident and later revisits the case with journalist Amrita Gill, played by Khanna.
Massey is currently receiving appreciation for his performance in Netflix’s Musafir Cafe.
The streaming platform has renewed the series for a second season, with Massey set to return as Chander alongside Vedika Pinto, Mahima Makwana and other members of the cast.
