The unapologetic stance of the makers of the series, set in the backdrop of Bhopal Gas tragedy, is clear as they insistently demand accountability, exposing the culpability of each character
In 1984, a lethal chemical compound named methyl isocyanate lay dormant at a pesticide plant operated by the Union Carbide Corporation in Bhopal. This reactive substance, boiling at a precarious low temperature, possessed the grim ability to release fatal cyanide upon contact with even the slightest droplet of water. On the fateful night of December 2, Union Carbide and its industrial stronghold bore witness to a catastrophic gas leak. Bhopal witnessed one of the world’s most devastating industrial disasters till date — the infamous Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
This anthropogenic calamity was a story of human failure on multiple fronts. From the collapse of moral fortitude to the fall of ethics in the face of capitalistic ambitions, or the remissness in the establishment of robust emergency response systems and responsible industrial safety regulations, it underscored a collective inadequacy. Shiv Rawail’s limited series, The Railway Men, chronicles the triumph of humanity in the face of widespread failure. In a scenario where everything else faltered, this series illuminates the resilience of the human spirit during a time marred by tragedy.
The ensemble that brings this story to life comprises a cast with unparalleled talent and calibre. First and foremost, we have Kay Kay Menon, who portrays the courageous and efficient Iftekaar Siddiqui, the stationmaster at Bhopal Junction. R. Madhavan plays Rati Pandey, the brave and astute General Manager of Central Railways. Juhi Chawla appears in a cameo role as Rajeshwari, Pandey’s estranged wife and a bureaucrat in the Ministry of Railways.
A dark chapter
Babil Khan plays Imad, a skilled loco pilot and former Union Carbide factory worker. Divyenndu as Baldev, the notorious Express Bandit, surprisingly emerges as an unexpected ally. Sunny Hinduja plays the role of Jagmohan Kumawat, a principled investigative journalist tirelessly working to expose the Union Carbide. Last but not the least, Dibyendu Bhattacharya plays Kamruddin, the factory manager who collaborates with Kumawat to unveil the truth due to pressing safety concerns. Collectively, this stellar ensemble imbues The Railway Men with a profound sense of emotion and authenticity, elevating the narrative to an unforgettable rendition of one of the nation’s darkest chapters that is lit by the courage of the railway men, who strove to extend aid, provide salvation, and confront insurmountable odds.
In this tightly woven narrative, the compact four-episode series, each with a duration of approximately an hour, propels the audience into its compelling storyline with an explosive commencement. Amid the anticipation of unravelling events, a palpable tension is established, and the inexorable passage of time becomes a central motif. The ticking clock, both a metaphorical and literal device, serves as a relentless reminder. The series adeptly illustrates that Bhopal stands on the brink of catastrophe, destined to be enveloped by a fatal gas within the precarious span of just a few hours.
Aayush Gupta’s adept writing and Rawail’s directorial prowess ensure that the storytelling is devoid of any verbal calisthenics to orchestrate scenes: it resonates deeply with the viewers. The makers’ unapologetic stance is clear as they insistently demand accountability, exposing the raw culpability of each character.
A grievous crime
This tragic incident, far from an unavoidable mishap, becomes a haunting mark on history. It is an accident that, in its entirety, was entirely preventable—a historical imprint where the consequences are measured in the birth of children with life-altering disabilities and losses so profound that negligence is more than a mere error, but a grievous crime.
A subplot is centred on Gorakhpur Express, which is unwittingly hurtling towards Bhopal. The series is most engaging when it remains firmly anchored in the central hub of Bhopal Junction. It is here that Menon and Divyenndu inject a rawness into the portrayal of heroism. The occasional unevenness in storytelling is due to the intricate task of intertwining events occurring simultaneously across diverse locations.
This limited series consciously avoids leaving the audience with feel-good vibes or romanticizing the acts of sacrifice by these ordinary men. Instead, it employs their sacrifices to underscore the consequences of human negligence and the absence of empathy. The bravery displayed by these individuals then becomes more than mere valiant choices; it becomes a compulsion rooted in basic humanity, the neglect of which would be utterly shameful. Towards the conclusion, a matter-of-fact dialogue succinctly encapsulates the heroism of The Railway Men in simple yet powerful words: “I was just doing my duty.”
Lest we forget, The Railway Men reminds us of many things, one of them being the fragility of human life, despite which it is worth fighting for, a thousand times over. Yash Raj Films’ first foray into streaming is surprisingly marked by its trademark production design and cinematography, but not by its inclination towards the lack of complexity. The Railway Men is unforgettable and unmissable, for the chapter in history it talks about and for the performances by the best of the best that it graces us with. Plus, as I always underline, Kay Kay Menon is absolute perfection. So, if not for anything else, watch the show for this seasoned actor, who is gift that keeps on giving.
