Review: ‘The Railway Men’ Revives Bhopal’s Tragedy

Yashraj Films’ web series ‘The Railway Men’ delves into one of history’s worst industrial disasters: the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. Starring Kay Kay Menon and Babil Khan, the series offers a heart-wrenching portrayal of events that shook the world.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of the gas leak at Union Carbide’s plant, the series brings to light the plight of those closest to the disaster. Official figures report 3,800 immediate deaths, but unofficial estimates are much higher.

The series, directed by Shiv Rawail and written by Aayush Gupta, focuses on Northern Railway officials and local residents. They were among the first to grasp the calamity’s severity, fighting against bureaucratic inertia to save lives.

Performances

Kay Kay Menon shines as the principled stationmaster at Bhopal Junction, while Babil Khan impresses as an ex-Carbide worker turned railway employee. R Madhavan and Divyenndu also deliver commendable performances in their respective roles.

‘The Railway Men’ spans four episodes, weaving multiple timelines. It juxtaposes personal stories against the larger tragedy, from a 1970s flashback warning of the gas’s dangers to a post-disaster 1996 meeting between survivors.

Despite occasional melodramatic moments and underwhelming portrayals of American characters, the series’ core performances remain strong. Kay Kay Menon, in particular, brings depth and integrity to his role.

The series is not just a recount of a tragedy but a reminder of an India where communal identities did not overshadow humanity. The indiscriminate nature of the disaster and the unifying efforts for rescue resonate deeply.

In conclusion, ‘The Railway Men’ is a significant effort to rekindle the memories of the Bhopal gas tragedy. It successfully balances drama with realism, driven by strong performances and a narrative that emphasizes the event’s continuing relevance. The show stands as a poignant reminder of a forgotten disaster and its lessons for today.