The Railway Men (2023) User Reviews

Highly Recommended 👍🏼 by Hit Ya Flop - Movie World

[nitsvirusboyz · 8/10 · 18 November 2023]

The story of a few heroes who rise to save several lives, on the night of a massive disaster. The Railway Men is hard-hitting, powerful, and undoubtedly one of the best series of this year. It has some stellar performances, an engaging screenplay, and a perfect editing. The dialogues, cinematography, and production design are strengths of the series too.

Debutant director Shiv Rawail did a great job and delivered a gripping tale of the heroism of Indian Railway employees. The show picks up the pace right from the first episode. Although there were a few subplots and backstories that seemed unnecessary but it has no dull moments and stays focused on the topic till its last episode. The makers have used real-life footage fittingly to make the viewers feel the pain of that fateful night.

Kay Kay Menon has delivered an outstanding performance and honestly, he deserves an award for playing this role. Divyenndu and R. Madhavan have played their part flawlessly. After giving a decent performance in Qala and Friday Night Plan, Babil Khan got a well-written role and he has given an impressive performance. Juhi Chawla, Sunny Hinduja, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya make an impact with their limited screen time. Other supporting actors excel in their respective parts.

The Railway Men Miniseries Rating: Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Dialogues 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.

Interesting and horrifying

[Biswas_ · 9/10 · 19 November 2023]

We all have seen multiple documentaries and films based on Bhopal gas tragedy . These showed us only the main events of the tragedy and the aftermath. However, none covered the few acts of bravery on that tragic day that saved countless lives. The Railway Men captures one such totally unknown act of bravery at the Bhopal railway station that saved nearly 1000s of lives.

Many might assume the event shown in this series itself is a fiction but it's not. It's a true event based loosely on the act of bravery by stationmaster Ghulam Dastigar , but this true event has been presented in a more fictionalised way. His role is played by KK Menon, who is named as Iftiqaar Siddiqui. On the night of tragedy, he , assisted by few more people, made sure that the passengers at the railway station were safe and was also responsible for quickly flagging off the Gorakhpur express from Bhopal station, thus lessening the casualties (although there were many at the station).

The series is fast paced and doesn't dive into anything unnecessary (although there is something I will talk about later). It's engaging while also being pretty horrifying. The makers did a commendable job in recreating certain scenes as seen from old pictures like that of the UC plant, the dead bodies lying on the floor , the patients in the hospital etc. We get to witness acts of bravery from not one, but three people, Iftiqaar, Balwant and Imad who , despite being affected by the gas, give their heart and soul to save whoever could be at the station. Since it's a fictional representation, so i didn't bother to recheck facts because the base facts on which the series is built are , at the end of day, true.

The night of the tragedy is also captured well although I feel Bhopal: a prayer for rain did that even better in its 25 mins climax. Still, Railway Men is no far.

Performances are the key highlights of this series. KK Menon is the superstar of this series as he is the one who shoulders the responsibility to take care of the passengers while desperately calling for help from other stations and also making sure the incoming Gorakhpur express leaves asap to avoid passengers in it to get affected. Next is Babil Khan as Imad who does a terrific job as the selfless worker. His dialogues like "Kaam chor ke ayenge to ammi daantegi" really work well. Dibyendu Sharma as Express Bandit Balwant yadav does a good job but his character could have been written better. R. Madhavan doesn't have much to do tbh apart from arranging for relief supplies to reach Bhopal while breaking all orders given to him. His little speech to his colleagues before setting out was pretty good.

Sunny Hinduja has a key role to play as the reporter Kumnawat (maybe fictional Rajkumar keswani) and Dibyendu Bhattacharya is the hidden gem of this series, completely dominating the first episode.

There is just one song at the end and it's placed pretty well.

Negatives - the Hindu Sikh angle in the tale could have been avoided in my opinion. The express bandit angle too could have been avoided although it doesn't interfere much tbh. The Englishmen in the series needed better portrayal than the usual caricatures they are shown in every other film in Bollywood.

Overall, a series that deserves atleast a time watch opportunity. The efforts are genuinely visible in the series and we all need to know such acts of bravery by unsung heroes who were forgotten.

Railway Men: Heroes Amidst Bhopal Tragedy

[kyathamaryan · 8/10 · 18 November 2023]

Railway Men: A Riveting Chronicle of Heroism Amidst the Bhopal Tragedy and its Lingering Impact. The series stands out with stellar performances from KK Menon, Babil, Munna Bhaiya, and R Madhavan, who bring the narrative to life. The reality of 15-20k lives lost due to a gas leak leaves a profound impact, urging viewers to delve into the unfolding drama.

The storyline takes a poignant turn as it unravels the valiant efforts of railway men, preventing the ominous transformation of Bhopal station into a graveyard. The collaborative assistance from neighboring railway stations adds a layer of community resilience in the face of adversity.

However, the series doesn't shy away from exposing the callousness of Union Carbide. Their failure to offer timely help, coupled with attempts to conceal the extent of the disaster, paints a grim picture of corporate negligence. The unfathomable repercussions of their actions continue to haunt Bhopal, with children grappling with enduring health issues even today.

The narrative takes a somber turn as it explores the aftermath, shedding light on the fact that the CEO of Union Carbide remained unpunished until death. This stark reality serves as a chilling reminder of the systemic failures that allowed such tragedies to go unanswered.

Furthermore, the series peels back the layers of the chemical reaction that led to the disaster. The lethal combination of MIC (methyl isocyanate) and H2O is explored, illustrating how a seemingly simple chemical reaction can have catastrophic consequences, costing lives and leaving a lasting imprint on a community.

A must watch series recommended by the Victim himself !!

[Mohsin-ci · 10/10 · 25 November 2023]

I am from bhopal Kamla Park area, I was 9 months old victim of the gas tragedy. When the gas leaked, my parents took me on a bicycle to my uncle's house up at arera colony approximately 8kms from their house. I have seen the aftermath of the gas tragedy first hand, been in the que of court hearing for compensation. I have learnt number of things about the gas tragedy by multiple accounts but beleive me when I watched this series, I got goosebumps imagining the cincumstances...

The story, writing, acting, theatrics, dialect, costume even the 40 year bhopal was too real to be true...

I really appreciate everyone who participated in this series to voice the pain of thousands, there have been many others attempts at portraying the disastrous event of Union Carbide, but this one stands out by far.

Moreover, I didn't know the contribution of railwaymen in this tragedy, they have my heartfelt gratitude and condolences for their loss.

This is a must watch series and anyone who feels this series deserves anything less than a full 10/10, doesn't know what I have experienced.

Kudos to the whole team.!

The Railway Men Series Rocks...

Refresh Renewed and Railways

[kilorome · 8/10 · 20 November 2023]

Although I have watched several documentories and movies in the Bhopal tragedy. This is is too close to reality and can be related by current generation. The serial doesn't divelge from the Railway as the base theme and also send a clear understanding of main Tragedy. Salute to the Person searched the topic and event. So clear and crisp to Railways and Bhopal Tragedy.

The KK is No.1 always and he make things happen and Mahadevan put a spice on it with Juhi as Just a class teacher where students have own action. Sets are not big but effective, Music and sound is average. Actors are just perfect for the plot. Director is excellent to justify the theme. A must watcher for everyone, although I felt some points are directly influenced by the Hindi movie The Burning Train, but this has more punch and continuity. How a CM of state personally arranged a plane for No.1 criminal of state is also captured smartly with a Message A must watch with Family Kuddos.

Great for lovers of drama or disaster type series

[charlotte-02774 · 9/10 · 18 November 2023]

I am half way through this series, and am thoroughly enjoying it. The actors are all great and well cast, the story is compelling and it has been filmed well. Background music sets the right tone, and as you can imagine, the story builds in tension and is, deeply sad. I cannot imagine the horror of this type of experience. I really wnjoy series and films with well crafted characters, and with each unique character in this series you quickly get a sense of their temperament and personalities, which allows us to empathise fully with the characters, even if for some we would rather not. Netflix doesn't always get it right, but this is a series they invested in well, and it shows. A solid 9/10.

Real Heroes

[hitesh-14617 · 10/10 · 19 November 2023]

The Railway Man Review 🎭

where to start literally.. I didn't have much expectations from this show, but it shocked me literally. I just finished the show and I have goosebumps right now.

About the show.. uff From the very first frame, to the very last scene.. exceptional content! I really don't have words to express how brilliant this show is. The thrill kept me at the edge of my seat most of the time. First episode is completely about establishing the characters, build there arcs, yet had a sense of urgency.. like.. something's coming!

Recommendation MUST WATCH, if u miss u will miss the story of real courage.

Raw truth full of agony

[jnrai · 9/10 · 18 November 2023]

Before watching this series full of agony, about one of the worst industrial disasters ( The Bhopal Gas Tragedy) in the history of mankind you need to be very strong enough from the core of your heart because it will make you ask questions about the accused ones and the responsible one's and dark side of the failure of government and authorities as well as the people of this great country that are we doing justice for others. It has a very raw and gripping story portrayed just in a perfect manner about the tragedy. Cast and the crew did a justice to the story. Must watch this it's highly recommended.

Surviving the Unthinkable: The Railway Men Unravels the Tragic Bhopal Incident

[Reel_Enthusiast · 8/10 · 18 November 2023]

The Railway Men is a captivating series that takes viewers on a gripping journey through the tragic Bhopal gas leak incident of 1984 and its aftermath. The cinematography of the series is excellent, capturing the essence of the 80s era with its meticulous attention to detail. It effectively portrays the devastating impact of the gas leak on the community and the subsequent events that unfolded. The color grading adds to the authenticity, creating a visually immersive experience.

The acting performances in the series are excellent, with every actor delivering a great performance. Kay Kay Menon shines in his role as the stationmaster, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. R. Madhavan's portrayal of the GM railways is also commendable, showcasing a nuanced performance. Additionally, Babil Khan's portrayal of the new railway employee showcases raw talent and delivers a captivating performance, reminiscent of his late father Irrfan Khan's legendary acting prowess.

One of the strengths of The Railway Men is its focus on the relief operation and the workings of the government machinery. The series provides a balanced view, showcasing both the sacrifices and timely decisions that resulted in saving thousands of lives, as well as the consequences of corrupt practices. The inclusion of the background stories of each individual adds depth to the characters, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles.

While the series is compelling, I believe that including a fifth episode focusing on the aftermath of the incident would have provided a stronger climax. This would have allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of the consequences and the long-term impact on the characters and the community.

Overall, The Railway Men is a wonderful series that combines excellent cinematography, great acting performances, and a thought-provoking storyline. It sheds light on the complexities of government operations and the importance of timely decisions. I highly recommend this series to anyone seeking a gripping and impactful viewing experience.

"The Railway Men" - Decoding the Bitter Reality

[Hussain-AL-Naseer · 7/10 · 26 November 2023]

Based on true events, "The Railway Men" is a must-watch series that delves into the harsh realities of third-world countries and the exploitation they face from the first world. Drawing some parallels with the impactful Chernobyl, it's crucial not to compare the two, as each unfolds its unique dynamics.

The director has executed a phenomenal job, although the narrative experiences a slight dip in the middle, which is redeemed by the strong performances of the ensemble cast. Kay Kay Menon once again delivers an exceptional portrayal, living up to the high expectations associated with his name.

A notable mention goes to Babil Khan, who exudes the captivating vibes reminiscent of his late father, Irrfan Khan. It's evident that this talented young actor is set to carve his own path and carry forward his father's legacy.

"The Railway Men" manages to capture the essence of its subject matter, providing viewers with a thought-provoking experience. It's a commendable effort that not only sheds light on the exploitation faced by third-world countries but also showcases the resilience and strength of those enduring such challenges.

outstanding

[himkhanne · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

I haven't seen such an extraordinary powerful and heart touching series in my entire life. Netflix has set a bar to how a series should be made. Kay kay sir as usual phenomenonal and the backbone of the series. The star cast is extraordinary. And the technicality with the series has been,even the smallest of the things were kept in mind related to railways. Some scenes are just like that you cant resist crying after seeing them. You will be shaken just thinking about the ordeal with which that night people of Bhopal had to bear .I always thought if in India ,webseries like Chernobyl can be made. But this is even better than that.

A very good and gripping show.

[paulwalters-24 · 7/10 · 25 November 2023]

The railway men is a really good and gripping show. What I liked the most is the tense and suspenseful atmosphere that the show managed to create throughout its runtime. Even though we know how things unfolded, the director did a really good job of not loosening the stress for bathos. The characters are well developed, their motivations are clear, and we do see them grow as the episode progresses. The actors also do justice to their characters. The camerawork, sound design, set and lighting seems near perfect. This brings even more immersion into an already interesting storyline.

Even though I liked the overall show, there seems to be a lack of completion in the story, especially the aftermath of the tragedy. I think it would have been better for the show if it would have shown more grievances of the victims, and shed some more light on the culprits responsible for this tragedy. Instead, that was completely omitted out, showing only few scenes that the reporter witnessed. Hopefully, Netflix does a documentary style movie of the same.

Over melodramatic with half truth series.

[jhashyam · 3/10 · 25 November 2023]

This is a series where makers could have shown the reality of the event in less dramatics and more authentic way.

Warren andreson, Chairman of Union Carbide who was responsible for 16000 death and 6 lakh badly effected people due to gas leak.

Producers writers, director deliberately hid the truth how anderson was facilitated by Rajiv gandhi and Arjun singh government to escape the country. A special plane was arranged so that he can flee the country.

Coming to casting, apart from KK and Divyendu, all big names present there were not needed at all. Madhvan, juhi chawla, Madira bedi etc are underutilised. The were not needed for these small roles, but fat paycheck made them accept the role Best part is Babil, like father he too is exceptional actor. After 1 hr,KK looks very repetitive.

Overall high melodrama with cleverly hidden thruth.

The True Railway Men

[arpitrai-01080 · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

In this compelling plot, every character excels in doing justice, creating a must-watch experience. The adaptation into fiction is flawless, capturing the essence with precision. Each actor delivers an outstanding performance, pushing their abilities to the extreme. The synergy among the cast is palpable, resulting in a captivating narrative that unfolds seamlessly. A stellar production that resonates with excellence. Also the dialogues are at par with the Indian period of 1984. Furthermore, the narrative skillfully navigates the aftermath of the Bhopal gas tragedy, shedding light on the human impact and societal repercussions. The storytelling not only portrays the immediate consequences but delves into the long-lasting effects, providing a poignant exploration of resilience and collective strength in the face of tragedy.

The Railway Men

[sulemansaeeed · 9/10 · 23 November 2023]

"The Railwaymen"

This movie is based on a true incident of December 1984, in India's city Bhopal, when a gas named MIC (Methyl Isocyanate) leaked from a factory Union Carbide.

Safety is always compromised in these asian countries, no matter how important and crucial it is, no matter it is about human life. Safety is just always compromised. Anyway, talking about this movie, it's nice, it has Juhi Chawla, KK Menon and others . I don't know the name of that GM who came to Bhopal with a relief train, his acting was also good.

And still, there are many chemical factories and other such factories that pose a serious threat to human life in that area, but no one cares, just no one cares. The movie was great, you should really watch it.

Wow ...it's the best series of this year

[kainatrc · 9/10 · 22 November 2023]

This series is about the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984 and how the unsung heros ,the railway officials helped the people to overcome the situations..An YRF entertainment series with leas actors KK Menon,Divyendu,Babil khan and Madhavan. The actors have done tremendous job and crossed their own bench mark. Babil khan is someone who can make you feel the smell of MIC by the expression of his eyes. He was wearing a cloth mask and we could see only his eyes but he is so talented that he expressed everything through his eyes. I think this is one of the best series of 2023 and far better than any hit bollywood movie. Absolutely a superb and excellent series. A must watch series from Netflix.

Tremendously powerful.

[jonfmac · 8/10 · 23 November 2023]

This is a tremendously powerful fictional story about a group of railroad employees and their attempt to save lives during the Bhopol Union Carbide India gas leak disaster, resulting in the immediate deaths of over 15,000 and lifetime sickness and disabilities to an additional half a million people. What isn't so obvious from the fictionalization is the factual elements of the story that the writers built into it. Any casual search of Wikipedia and the like will demonstrate how accurate they stuck to the facts and what an absolute bunch of scumbags Union Carbide's management, the politicians of India and the USA, and their international lawyers were.

I have not been a fan of Indian productions in the past. That changed today. This production is absolutely world class and speaks to a story that never should have been buried so quickly by the world press. Every aspect of the acting, filming, writing, and production is top notch.

Did I like the story? Not even a little bit. It was wonderful to see the fictionalization of people helping other people. It was truly inspiring. It hurt deeply to see the world's reaction to the incident. This is an absolute 'must watch'. Just don't expect a comfortable ride. It isn't. This production illustrated one of the greatest horror stories of the last century.

Well done!!

[TreeFiddy53 · 8/10 · 26 November 2023]

Based on true events of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (one of the world's worst industrial disasters) of 1984 in India, comes another banger of a show from Netflix that you've got to watch if you enjoyed watching Chernobyl.

Having grown up reading about this in school, this show felt different. There are so many stories that go untold, despite how much you think you know about them; this show is one such that tells several tales around an incident that, by now, is considered 'common knowledge'.

Phenomenal acting by everybody. For majority of the show, the actors get to show what they can do using just their eyes. The big names in the show do what they were expected to do. TIL that the late Irfan Khan's son is in it (didn't know when I watched the show last week) and he was kickass.

The show has 4 eps. Glad they didn't drag it on. The show was very well shot (the cinematography makes you feel the dread) well written also. You won't go wrong with this one.

Brilliant series , Brilliant cast , Brilliant acting

[attitude_guitarist · 8/10 · 23 November 2023]

"The Railway Men" is an absolute gem in the realm of series. Right off the bat, the exceptional casting, featuring the remarkable Madhavan, piqued my interest. However, it was Kay Kay Menon's performance that stole the show-his acting was nothing short of extraordinary, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. The series, with echoes of the gripping intensity akin to "Chernobyl," surprised me with its meticulous execution and attention to detail. Each episode unraveled layers of emotions, keeping me thoroughly engaged. The ensemble cast, coupled with a compelling storyline, made it a riveting watch. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Railway Men" to anyone seeking an enthralling, well-crafted series that leaves a lasting impression.

Unscrupulous Acts and Utilitarian Kindness

[StudleyDave · 7/10 · 20 November 2023]

As these types of incidents and cover-ups have become more popular topics for documentaries, docu-dramas, dramas, and biopics, we are exposed even more than before to the dark side of humanity, and to the inherent evil of corruption fed by capitalism and greed. This is particularly true of societies and countries with deep-rooted corruption at the highest levels of government and authority, as we see here

As individuals many felt powerless, but as a united community they were strong, and pitted their strength against the immoral, unethical actions of the corporation, and political entities intent on ignoring, downplaying and scapegoating throughout the entire event

The valour and courage of the 'Railway Men' saved many lives. That so many had to die (15,000+) at all is tragic.

Tragically emotional but Inspiring

[nabeel-tirmazi · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

Award-winning direction, compelling and well-crafted story. Every actor delivers a superb performance, particularly, K K Menon and Babil were top-notch.

The well-crafted story captivates the audience to such an extent that binge-watching becomes almost inevitable.

A noteworthy aspect is the exceptional editing and production design, both of which play pivotal roles in creating an immersive experience. The meticulous attention to detail in production design enhances the authenticity of the setting.

The thematic exploration of a tragic event is handled with sensitivity and nuance, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with the characters and the unfolding drama.

Could have been Better bye avoiding too much of frictional stuff.

[mohit-devil432 · 7/10 · 22 November 2023]

The tv show has us gripping from the very beginning but too much of frictional stories inbetween make it a bit boring.

The factory setting/scenes could have been longer and told the viewers how does the plant work and what was actually wrong with it ( even though they tried but still it felt like something was missing) .

If the show had been made like Chernobyl it would have been better, like Chernobyl, they should have remained with the facts. The shows shows too much of frictional stuff which was really a turn off.

Although it's a decent enough tv show and is worth a watch, let's see how well the second season is made its better if they avoid putting too much of frictional stuff.

They did it for the billionth time

[RimMurad · 3/10 · 18 November 2023]

It is a tragedy that happened a relatively short time ago, recent history, but Netflix failed to convey that suffering. I almost swear that Netflix always deliberately and does its best to make all of its productions a failure and unacceptable. It should be painful, harsh, heavy, annoying and unbearable to the heart or mind. Instead, it was normal, without any tears or touching the hearts.

It's only 4 episodes, 4 hours, but half the time has passed without anything happening. It should be something that sticks in the mind, that we remember for a long time, feel sad, and learn from that mistake, but instead it was somewhat ordinary and boring.

I'm tired of Netflix's constant failure.

Speechless

[ayusht-05021 · 9/10 · 22 November 2023]

For the starters, one word 'Menon Saab, ek hi dil hai, kitni baar churaaoge'. No exaggeration but this is one of the most emotionally intriguing series made for Indian audiences ever. It's an reality revision for the youth who is been unaware and misinformed about the intensity of catastrophe happened on that night. No words are enough to praise the work done by the entire cast and crew of this show. Whether it be the performances, or the screenplay. It was so convincing and edge of the seat experience watching this series. I was thrilled as well as emotional at the same time seeing the site..

YRF's first web series is enthralling, engaging and shattering , buoyed by exceptional screenplay and performances

[ritesh657 · 8/10 · 22 November 2023]

YRF's first web series is enthralling, engaging and shattering , buoyed by exceptional screenplay and performances

My Rating : (86/100)

The Railway Men highlights the unwavering spirit and courage shown by the unsung heroes of the railways on the dreadful night of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The four episode mini series skillfully merges real pictures and snippets of the tragedy with dramatized visuals. The excellent production design exemplifies YRF was serious with the subject at hand and leaves no stone unturned. The inspiring cast is enough for you to just binge watch it at one go just like I did. The writing of this disaster drama is tight with ample moments of thrill, tension and emotions. The show isnt a masterpiece, but it certainly encapsulates tragic incident in a more mature way.

Kay Kay Menon is one fine actor and his versatility speaks louder with each of his performance. R Madhavan is outstanding and his presence itself gives positive vibes. With shades of Irffan Khan his son Babil deserves a special mention. Babil is fantastic considering he being a new comer. Divyendu Sharma is a fine actor and he does complete justice to his role. So refreshing to see the beautiful Juhi Chawla in an extended special appearance.

Overall, The Railway Men is definitely worth a watch simply due to its inspiring storyline, fantastic production, marvelous acting performances and gripping screenplay.

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