The first time I encountered the name Bhopal was in Ramesh Sippy’s iconic film, Sholay. Soorma Bhopali, portrayed by the legendary Jagdeep, left a lasting impression, capturing the city's dialect, tone, and jovial mood. Later, during college, Bhopal's name resurfaced in my mind due to the tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984.

This incident revealed a bone-chilling story of corporate treachery at the Union Carbide plant near Bhopal junction, marking one of the most heinous occurrences in human history. The Railway Men, streaming on Netflix, delves into a condensed account of this vast and monstrous memory. The series highlights the magnitude of this crime against humanity, where children born after the tragedy faced a world they couldn't see or interact with as their elders did.

Spanning four episodes, the show unveils a parallel narrative of heroic human efforts for post-tragedy rescue operations, primarily focusing on the Railway staff. Yet, it skillfully traverses through the aftermath of corporate mischief, allowing a colossal conglomerate to escape with no accountability. The story touches on political connections, governance shortcomings, and diplomatic dwarfness that disadvantaged hundreds.

The power-packed ensemble cast, featuring Kay Kay, Maddy, Babil, and Divyendu, showcases the brilliance of seasoned actors and the promise of emerging talent. Directorial finesse and cinematographic marvels enhance the viewing experience.

I would have enjoyed it a bit more if the story contained details of the assessment and the investigation of the plant that was mentioned in the reports. But, a filmmaker sees the celluloid with their own lens and tells a story that does justice to the creative thoughts they had imagined. However, the director's unique perspective and creative storytelling still make The Railway Men a compelling watch.