The recently released Hindi film '2020 Delhi' attempts to tackle one of the most contentious periods in recent Indian history - the anti-CAA protests and subsequent riots that shook the capital city in February 2020. Directed by Devendra Malviya and released on November 14, 2025, this drama-thriller promises bold storytelling but ultimately struggles to deliver a compelling narrative.
Plot Overview and Setting
Set against the backdrop of the devastating Delhi riots that occurred during former US President Donald Trump's visit, '2020 Delhi' presents a raw portrayal of the fear and chaos that gripped the city. The film follows multiple characters caught in the violence, including Akshay (played by Chetan Sharma), who finds himself trapped during the riots and seeks refuge in a Muslim household.
The compassionate Rukhsana (Diksha Asthana) helps Akshay escape, while parallelly, Javed Mansoori (Akashdeep) fights for survival in the same violent landscape. The two men's paths converge in an abandoned factory, where their initial religious suspicions gradually transform into mutual trust and understanding.
Political Commentary and Narrative Flaws
Where the film attempts to make its strongest statement is in exposing the political manipulation behind the violence. The pivotal moment comes when Akshay and Javed witness local politician Sanjay Raaj (Siddharth Bhardwaj) delivering boxes of grenades, revealing the depth of conspiracy. Further revelations come through Raaj's driver Mangal (Amit Jha), who overhears shocking comments about both communities.
However, the film's messaging often becomes heavy-handed. The first half spends excessive time on riot sequences that eventually lose their impact through repetition. It's only in the second half that the story finds its footing, focusing on the human connection between the two main characters.
Performances and Standout Moments
The cast delivers sincere performances that elevate the material. Aakash Deep as Javed and Chetan Sharma as Akshay create a believable bond that provides the film's emotional core. Their evolving relationship offers genuine warmth amid the surrounding chaos.
Brijendra Kala makes a memorable appearance as Radheshyam, a stranded Pakistani Hindu. His speech about ordinary people suffering when politics divides nations stands out as one of the film's most powerful moments. Bhupesh Singh and Samar Jai Singh also lend authenticity to their roles as politician and police officer respectively.
Technical Execution and Direction
While the cinematography effectively captures the horror and confusion of the riots, the film suffers from uneven writing and an overbearing background score that tries too hard to inject drama. The editing could have been tighter, particularly in the first half where the narrative meanders.
Director Devendra Malviya clearly approaches the subject with strong intentions and a fixed perspective. The film follows in the footsteps of purpose-driven cinema like 'The Kerala Story' and 'The Taj Story,' but struggles with the same issue of uneven delivery.
Final Verdict
With a critic rating of 2.5 stars and matching user rating, '2020 Delhi' ultimately becomes more about noise than nuance. The film spends too much time debating faith and politics while failing to adequately explore the human cost of violence. The screenplay often feels self-righteous and one-sided, trying to justify too much rather than letting the story speak for itself.
Despite its promising premise and strong sense of intent, '2020 Delhi' represents a bold attempt that loses its way between message and movie-making. The final conversation between politician and police officer lays bare the hypocrisy of power, but by that point, the film's emotional impact has already dulled. For viewers seeking a nuanced exploration of the 2020 Delhi riots, this film offers moments of insight but ultimately falls short of its potential.
