An unflinching reflection on pain, politics, and humanity

Image captured by "Tahseen Ashrafi"

Film Review: “2020 Delhi”

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)

Director, Writer & Producer: Devendra Malviya

Cast: Brijendra Kala, Samar Jai Singh, Siddharth Bhardwaj, Akash Arora, Bhupesh Singh, Chetan Sharma

Making a film on a sensitive subject like the Delhi riots is no easy task. Director Devendra Malviya takes on this challenge in “2020 Delhi”, presenting the harsh realities of a time that remains a painful memory in India’s collective conscience.

Image captured by "Tahseen Ashrafi"

Storyline

Set on 24 February 2020, the film unfolds on a day when U.S. President Donald Trump was visiting Delhi, even as parts of the city burned in communal violence.
The story begins with the peaceful Shaheen Bagh protest and gradually dives deep into a web of violence, conspiracy, and politics, revealing the complexities of human emotions and societal fault lines.

Direction and Presentation

The film’s greatest strength lies in its honest perspective. Despite limited resources, Devendra Malviya successfully captures the gravity of a difficult and controversial subject.
The riot sequences — shot in single takes — reflect remarkable commitment and technical courage, lending authenticity to the narrative.

Theme and Message

“2020 Delhi” is not just about Delhi — it is about the shared pain of division and intolerance that transcends borders.
The film also sheds light on the persecution of Hindu minorities in neighboring countries, especially in Pakistan, addressing sensitive issues such as forced conversions and violence against women with integrity and restraint.

Image captured by "Tahseen Ashrafi"

Performances

Brijendra Kala delivers one of the most compelling performances of his career as a security guard caught in the chaos. His portrayal is subtle, emotional, and deeply human.
Supporting actors Samar Jai Singh, Siddharth Bhardwaj, Akash Arora, Bhupesh Singh, and Chetan Sharma lend solid support and sincerity to their roles, making the ensemble believable and grounded.

Technical Aspects

Shot mostly on outdoor locations, the film achieves an impressive level of realism. Though it could not be filmed in the actual riot-affected areas such as Seelampur or Jafrabad, the recreated atmosphere feels authentic.
Given its limited budget, the film’s visuals and production design deserve appreciation for effectively capturing the intensity of the events.

A Filmmaker’s Courage

For Devendra Malviya, “2020 Delhi” is more than just a movie — it is a statement of courage and conviction. Despite legal and social hurdles, he dared to bring a difficult truth to the screen, reflecting his passion for meaningful cinema.

Why You Should Watch It

If you appreciate films based on real events that provoke thought and question society, “2020 Delhi” deserves your attention. It is less of a conventional entertainer and more of a cinematic document, capturing one of the most painful chapters in Delhi’s recent history.