Actor Vikrant Massey has spoken candidly about the intense online backlash he faced following the release of The Sabarmati Report, revealing that he was subjected to abuse and threats and that personal details, including his WhatsApp number and car registration number, were circulated.

Massey discussed the experience while reflecting on the growing toxicity of social media and its impact on his emotional well-being. According to the actor, the backlash surrounding the film became particularly difficult because it occurred when his son was only six months old.

The actor said he remained proud of being part of the film despite the criticism it attracted. He recalled that sections of the public described the movie as propaganda because of its treatment of the 2002 Godhra train-burning incident and the events that followed in Gujarat.

Massey said the controversy went beyond criticism of his professional work. He alleged that his personal information was leaked and that he received direct threats, making the situation significantly more distressing.

Personal Details Were Leaked, Actor Says

Massey recalled that his WhatsApp number was leaked during the backlash, resulting in a barrage of abusive messages. He also said that his car number was circulated and that people openly threatened him.

The actor’s comments highlight how criticism surrounding films can sometimes move beyond reviews, political debate and public disagreement and enter the personal sphere of artists involved in controversial projects.

For Massey, the experience was especially difficult because he had recently become a father. He explained that the situation affected him deeply at a time when he was dealing with the responsibilities and concerns that come with having a young child.

The actor had previously spoken about receiving threats during the promotional phase of The Sabarmati Report. At the time, he maintained that artists tell stories and said he and the film’s team were collectively dealing with the situation. He had also expressed concern after his infant son’s name became part of the online backlash.

Controversy Surrounding The Sabarmati Report

Released in November 2024, The Sabarmati Report is a political thriller centred on the burning of a coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra in Gujarat on February 27, 2002. The incident, in which 59 people died, was followed by widespread communal violence in Gujarat.

The film features Massey as journalist Samar Kumar, who investigates the circumstances surrounding the train-burning incident. Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra also appear in important roles.

The subject matter made the film particularly sensitive even before its theatrical release. The Godhra incident and the subsequent Gujarat riots remain among the most politically and socially contentious episodes in contemporary Indian history. As a result, the film attracted strong reactions from different sections of the audience.

Massey had defended his decision to participate in the project, arguing that the film sought to examine an important historical event through the perspective of its characters and journalists. He had also urged audiences to watch the movie before forming an opinion about it.

Social Media Criticism and Its Personal Impact

Massey’s latest comments also underline the growing debate over the consequences of online harassment faced by public figures.

Social media has made it easier for audiences to directly communicate with actors and other celebrities. While such platforms allow people to express opinions and debate films, the direct access can also expose public figures to abusive messages, threats and the circulation of private information.

In Massey’s case, he said the experience had a significant emotional impact. The actor eventually came to view the people targeting him differently, saying that he no longer wanted to be defined by what strangers said about him online.

He emphasised that his primary responsibility was toward the people close to him rather than toward those criticising him on social media. His comments suggest a shift in perspective after experiencing the intensity of online hostility first-hand.

A Controversial Film and a Difficult Period

The controversy around The Sabarmati Report was not limited to the film itself. The subject matter, political interpretations and public debate surrounding the 2002 Godhra incident created an unusually charged environment around its release.

Massey’s portrayal of a journalist investigating the incident placed him at the centre of that discussion. While some viewers and public figures praised the film, others questioned its treatment of a deeply sensitive historical subject.

The actor’s recollection demonstrates how such controversies can affect performers personally, particularly when criticism develops into direct harassment.

His comments also provide a broader perspective on the challenges faced by actors who work on politically sensitive subjects. A film may be fictionalised or dramatized, but public reactions can often extend beyond the screen and affect the individuals associated with the project.

Massey Focuses on Family and Responsibility

Looking back at the episode, Massey said he eventually realised that the opinions of people attacking him online did not determine his priorities.

For the actor, his family became the central consideration. The fact that his son was only six months old when the threats and abuse intensified made the situation particularly distressing.

His account offers an insight into the less visible consequences of online controversy. While public figures are accustomed to criticism as part of their profession, threats and the exposure of private information can create an entirely different level of pressure.

Massey’s experience therefore goes beyond the controversy surrounding one film. It raises questions about the boundaries between legitimate public criticism and personal harassment, particularly in an era when personal information can be rapidly circulated online.

Vikrant Massey’s Career Continues

Despite the controversy surrounding the film, Massey has continued to remain active in the entertainment industry. His performance in 12th Fail had already established him as one of the prominent actors of his generation, while his subsequent projects have continued to attract attention.

He is also set to return for the second season of Musafir Cafe, following the response to its first season.

Massey’s latest comments suggest that the experience surrounding The Sabarmati Report has left a lasting impression on him. At the same time, his remarks indicate that he remains committed to his work and to telling stories, even when those stories provoke strong reactions.

The episode serves as a reminder that public debate around cinema can become intensely personal for the people involved. For actors like Massey, navigating that environment increasingly requires balancing professional expression with concerns about privacy, family and personal safety.