2020 Delhi is not an easy film to watch—and that is precisely its strength. Directed by Devendra Malviya and produced under the banner of Midas Touch Films, this Hindi-language feature film arrives as one of the boldest cinematic experiments in recent Indian cinema. Scheduled for theatrical release on 14 November 2025, the film distinguishes itself by being India’s first full-length commercial one-shot feature film, unfolding entirely in a single continuous take.
At Movie Ka Ticket, we often come across films that aim to entertain, some that provoke thought, and a rare few that completely immerse you into their world. 2020 Delhi firmly belongs to the third category.
A Real-Time Descent into Turmoil
Set against the backdrop of the Delhi riots of 2020, the film unfolds in real time during one of the most politically and communally charged periods in recent Indian history. Nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), the global spotlight of the Namaste Trump event, and simmering ideological divides all collide in a city that gradually slips into chaos.
What makes 2020 Delhi uniquely unsettling is its refusal to follow a conventional narrative structure. There is no singular protagonist, no heroic arc, and no comforting resolution. Instead, the camera becomes a silent witness—moving through streets, homes, and conflict zones—capturing how ordinary people are swallowed by extraordinary circumstances.
The one-shot format is not a gimmick here; it is the film’s soul. There are no cuts to provide relief, no edits to soften the impact. The audience experiences confusion, fear, anger, and helplessness exactly as the characters do.
Ensemble Performances That Feel Uncomfortably Real
The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, each actor contributing to the collective emotional weight of the narrative:
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Samar Jai Singh as Shabhu Tiwari
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Siddharth Bhardwaj as Sanjay Raaj
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Brijendra Kala as Radheshyam Nasa
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Devendra Maalviya as Sooraj Paal
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Bhupesh Singh as Ahmadullah Khan
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Vicky Yadav as Md. Samad
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Amit Jha as Mangalnath
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Chetan Sharma as Akshay
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Akashdeep Arora as Javed Mansoori
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Diksha Asthana as Rukhsana
Rather than delivering theatrical monologues, the actors rely on restrained, naturalistic performances. Conversations overlap, emotions erupt suddenly, and silence often speaks louder than dialogue. Brijendra Kala, known for his nuanced character roles, delivers yet another layered performance, while Siddharth Bhardwaj and Samar Jai Singh anchor the narrative with quiet intensity.
Direction & Cinematography: Controlled Chaos
Directing a one-shot film is a monumental challenge, and Devendra Malviya deserves credit for pulling it off with remarkable precision. Every movement of the camera feels purposeful, yet organic. The choreography between actors, camera operators, and background action must have required extraordinary rehearsal—and it shows.
The film was shot entirely in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, over two months, yet it convincingly recreates the claustrophobic tension of riot-hit Delhi. Narrow lanes, crowded interiors, and open streets all flow seamlessly into one another, reinforcing the sense that there is no escape from the unfolding violence.
Sound & Music: Minimal but Effective
Composer Saurabh Mehta opts for a restrained background score. There are no loud musical cues to manipulate emotions. Instead, ambient sounds—chants, sirens, distant shouts, and uneasy silences—form the film’s soundscape. This choice amplifies realism and keeps the audience firmly grounded in the moment.
A Film That Refuses to Take Sides
One of the most debated aspects of 2020 Delhi will be its neutral stance. The film does not assign easy blame or offer simplified explanations. It portrays how misinformation spreads, how fear overrides reason, and how identity becomes a weapon during times of unrest.
This refusal to spoon-feed conclusions may frustrate some viewers, but it is also the film’s greatest virtue. 2020 Delhi does not tell you what to think—it forces you to confront what you feel.
Final Verdict: Cinema as a Mirror
2020 Delhi is not mainstream entertainment, nor does it aim to be. It is immersive, unsettling, and deeply reflective. Watching it feels less like consuming a movie and more like surviving an experience.
For viewers who appreciate bold storytelling, experimental filmmaking, and socially relevant cinema, this film is essential viewing. It challenges the audience to question narratives, empathize beyond ideology, and remember the human cost of polarization.
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