Director Shashiraj, who has worked in journalism for over a decade, revealed the film’s inspiration: “I’ve seen firsthand how news influences public sentiment.
Mumbai: Bollywood has long delved into media ethics through films like Peepli Live (2010) and No One Killed Jessica (2011), but The Sadist takes this exploration a step further. Directed by Kundan Shashiraj and produced by Sudhanshu Kumar and Dashmani Media, this intense short film exposes the raw, unfiltered reality of modern journalism.
Starring Vipin Sharma, Danish Husain, Shishir Sharma, and Vineet Kumar, The Sadist doesn’t just critique media sensationalism—it dissects it, showing how headlines are manufactured, ethics are compromised, and TRP wars dictate the news we consume.
The Story: When the News Becomes the Story
The film introduces Aman Dev Sinha (Danish Husain), a prime-time news anchor whose heated debates fuel nationwide outrage. But when the cameras stop rolling, the newsroom transforms into a battleground of corporate agendas, power struggles, and moral dilemmas.
Aman’s own life takes a tragic turn when his wife suffers a massive cardiac arrest. Yet, even in his moment of grief, the show must go on—highlighting the relentless nature of the media industry, where emotions take a backseat to breaking news.
Director Shashiraj, who has worked in journalism for over a decade, revealed the film’s inspiration: “I’ve seen firsthand how news influences public sentiment. The more divisive and dramatic the content, the more engagement it gets. That’s what pushed me to tell this story.”
Inside the Machine: How Sensationalism Wins Over Substance
Unlike mainstream Bollywood films that take a broad view of media ethics, The Sadist zooms in on the cutthroat competition within newsrooms.
One particularly haunting scene sees three reporters trying to outdo each other with the most dramatic closing statement on live television—turning real-life tragedies into spectacle. Another moment highlights the glaring hierarchy in journalism, as Aman effortlessly gains access to a restricted crime scene while an on-ground reporter is pushed aside.
A Film Made with Passion, Not Profit
Despite being shot in just three days on a shoestring budget, The Sadist captures the essence of an industry driven by ratings rather than responsibility. The entire cast worked without pay, driven by a shared belief in the film’s message.
Danish Husain, who also co-produced the project, described it as “a mirror held up to society. Instead of blaming just the media, it forces us to reflect on why we consume news the way we do.”
As Bollywood continues to explore journalism’s role in shaping opinions—seen in The Sabarmati Report (2025) and earlier films like Page 3 (2005)—The Sadist stands out for its raw, unflinching honesty. Instead of depicting journalists as villains or saviors, it presents them as flawed individuals navigating a morally complex system.
For those seeking a film that challenges conventional narratives, The Sadist is a must-watch. It doesn’t just question the media—it questions the audience, too.