Based on the true events of the Asaram Bapu case of 2013, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai follows the story of an honest lawyer who will stop at nothing in bringing justice to his client who is scarred for life following a heinous crime by a ‘saint’. The story here is sensitive and extremely hard-hitting given its subject which was also showcased earlier in the Hindi webseries Aashram. But the difference between this film and Aashram is that this film does unfold from the side of the victim. And the writing here is consistently heavy and does not provide any respite to the viewers with its storytelling. The screenplay standing at about 130 odd minutes will make me uncomfortable and angry with the turn of events which in return make for such a compelling watch.

The drama here does open with the introduction of a young teenager who along with her parents are at a police station to report a crime. As the young begins to narrate the heinous crime, you as a viewer are made to feel uncomfortable and angry right from the start, that does set the ball rolling for things to follow. The fight which did seem improbable to begin with, considering the powerful nature of the culprit(who may well have had political connections) is almost like a David vs Goliath story. There are obstacles that are thrown in very early on, and with a turn of events you are introduced to the protagonist who does add respite to the family.

The proceedings are supremely gripping and almost evenly focused on the courtroom drama. The scenes are filled with tension which did keep me invested throughout despite me being aware of the verdict of the actual case that had transpired. The events are interesting given how witnesses are either manipulated, bought or bumped off, yet the protagonist continues to march on. Now even in terms of writing, there are sharp bits of social commentary that run through as an undercurrent. The loopholes in the system are deftly showcased while also allowing the viewers a glimpse into the personal life of the protagonist. There are minor flaws with the scene transitions given how quickly the witnesses are bumped off without a proper buildup. But you do tend to overlook them due to the gripping narrative and a monumental performance of the highest order(more on that later).

The events leading up to the final act are interesting and I did like how the tension levels rise with respect to the personal life and insecurity of the protagonist. We are briefly exposed to his psyche wherein he does fear his worst, only to get back on track with the case. The final act here is hard-hitting and I know that this film is premiering on Zee5, but had this been a theatrical release, there would have been a rousing applause particularly in that moving scene wherein the rousing speech of the protagonist is bound to give you goosebumps! The screenplay here(mostly brilliantly penned) may have had a few flaws but all that is forgotten by the end of it, in what was a stirring act!