Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government has announced the Hindi film The Sabarmati Report as tax-free in the state, officials confirmed on Thursday. The movie, which depicts the tragic events surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, received high praise from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.  

Patel watched the film on Wednesday night at a multiplex in Ahmedabad, accompanied by producer Ekta Kapoor, veteran actor Jeetendra, actress Riddhi Dogra, and Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi. Following the screening, the chief minister decided to waive entertainment tax on the movie.  

"The chief minister has praised the movie and made it tax-free in Gujarat," read an official statement.  

The move makes Gujarat the fifth BJP-ruled state to grant tax-free status to the Vikrant Massey-starrer, joining Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The tax exemption is expected to make tickets more affordable, encouraging a wider audience to watch the film, which hit theatres last week.  

The Sabarmati Report revisits the events of February 27, 2002, when 59 people, mostly kar sevaks, were killed in a fire aboard the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station. The incident triggered widespread riots in Gujarat, leaving a lasting impact on the state's history.  

The movie has garnered appreciation from top political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for its portrayal of the events.  

About the movie Sabarmati Report  

The film, released on November 15, 2024, features an ensemble cast, including Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Riddhi Dogra. 'Sabarmati Report' delves into the Godhra incident and its broader implications, portraying the complex truths behind one of the most debated tragedies in recent history.