The Trailer of ‘31st October’ Will Take Us Back To The Horror of 1984 Sikh Riots

While it may have been a decade too late for a story to come out on the dreadful 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots, it still comes as pleasant surprise that a film has finally been made on the subject. Starring Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan in pivotal roles, ‘31^st October’ is directed by Shivaji Lotal Patil and written by Harry Sachdeva.

While the backdrop of the story is principally based on the Sikh riots that triggered after the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was killed by her own Sikh bodyguard, the treatment and focus is more humanely and centered around a family. A family that is trapped in the trauma of riots and is fighting for survival! As we are introduced to the tension in the first scene itself where Vir Das is begging his friend to help them escape, the very next moment we see an outrageous knock on the door looking for ‘Sardars’.

The trailer of 31^st October also pitches an emotional chord where a sentimental undertone suggests that the price of a mistake committed by a few is being paid by the whole of Sikh community. The flashes of the riots and the chaotic tension that persists looks to be nicely captured, however the complete impact would only reflect itself out when the film gets released.

Playing Vir Das’ wife in the narration is Soha Ali Khan who looks promising enough to warrant a good performance. Invoking adequate fear on her face through expressions that look intense, we may just have a riveting performance coming our way.

The trailer also infuses some religious and political terrains that make overviewing commentary to rake up things even more. With first of a mainstream cinematic take on 1984 riots being offered, 31^st October may really be something to look forward to. However, if the focus of the narrative is to be taken into account, it largely hovers around the survival of a family! The film releases on 7th of October..

Watch The Trailer Here: