Netflix’s latest thriller, Sector 36, presents itself as a harrowing crime drama, yet it stumbles into mediocrity due to an overreliance on gratuitous violence and a convoluted storyline. Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, the film tries to explore the sinister world of a psychopathic killer and the cop hunting him down. Unfortunately, the film’s inability to balance shocking content with meaningful storytelling leaves the audience confused and disconnected.
The plot centers on Prem (Vikrant Massey), a deranged serial killer who dismembers his victims in a suburban bungalow. His counterpart, Inspector Ram Charan Pandey (Deepak Dobriyal), is a hardened police officer with a pragmatic approach to his job, tasked with stopping Prem’s killing spree. Massey’s portrayal of Prem is unsettling, with his unsettling smile and eerie calmness. Massey skillfully navigates his character’s macabre world, but even his haunting performance can’t fix the film’s deeper issues. Similarly, Dobriyal brings his A-game, playing Pandey with a mix of charm and quiet determination, making his performance a much-needed emotional anchor.
Despite these performances, the film spirals out of control, especially with its excessive use of graphic violence. The constant display of butchered bodies and dismembered parts feels exploitative, strategically placed for shock rather than storytelling. Audiences are exposed to stomach-churning scenes meant to disturb rather than intrigue, and this detracts from the suspense the movie could have generated with a more restrained approach.
By the time the story reaches its climax, the twists feel uninspired. While the film does manage to avoid predictability at times, it fails to maintain tension, leaving viewers feeling more exasperated than engaged. The anti-climactic resolution further adds to the disappointment, as the film tries too hard to be clever but only succeeds in confusing its audience.
The screenplay’s failure to develop its characters and the half-baked attempt at a psychological exploration of Prem’s motives further weaken the film’s impact. The narrative lacks the emotional depth to carry the grim subject matter, and the attempts to link Prem’s violent tendencies to his past trauma come off as superficial.
Overall, Sector 36 is a tough watch, not because of its subject matter, but because it never quite manages to find its footing. With its disturbing imagery and chaotic storytelling, it falls short of delivering a gripping crime thriller. It’s only the commanding performances of Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal that make this film remotely watchable.
