Critics Review:
Directed by Ambiecka Pandit in her feature directorial debut and written by Amita Vyas, Babita Singh Reporting stars Nimisha Sajayan as Assistant Sub-Inspector Babita Singh, alongside Anshumaan Pushkar, Barun Sobti, Sunita Rajwar, Rajesh Kumar, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Priyanka Setia, Priya Yadav and Rajat Dahiya. Produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Manuj Mittra and Tina Tharwani, with Paatal Lok and Kohrra creator Sudip Sharma as executive producer, the film comes with the promise of a crime story that goes beyond the crime itself.
And that is perhaps where Babita Singh Reporting is both interesting and slightly frustrating.
The film follows Babita, an ASI who returns to her hometown after taking a suspension from duty to fulfil a family obligation. Her reunion with childhood friend Bansi, played by Barun Sobti, soon takes a darker turn when he is found dead. What begins as a personal concern slowly turns into an investigation, forcing Babita to navigate a murder mystery while simultaneously confronting the realities of her marriage, family and the way she has always been expected to live.
The film, however, is less interested in creating a conventional supercop and more invested in showing a woman slowly discovering her own voice.
A Story Full of Metaphors
What makes Babita Singh Reporting stand apart is its use of everyday situations to underline much larger social problems. Almost every relationship and interaction carries a metaphor.
A couple married in their thirties is trying to conceive, yet the woman with thyroid issues is immediately subjected to comments and assumptions. The possibility that the man could have fertility issues barely enters the conversation. It is a small detail, but one that exposes how conveniently society places the burden of reproduction on women.
Similarly, Babita willingly accepts a suspension because that is the only way she can create enough space for her family responsibilities. A woman in uniform, entrusted with maintaining law and order, still has to accept a punishment simply to fulfil expectations at home.
The satire becomes sharper as the film progresses. It questions why working women are constantly expected to justify their choices, why wearing a uniform does not automatically command respect and why men struggling with emotional or personal issues are often expected to remain silent.
Patriarchy, Masculinity and a Broken System
The film is ultimately a commentary on patriarchy, toxic masculinity and the complicated ways in which people are conditioned to behave.
Babita’s struggles are not limited to the police station. Her real battles often begin when she returns home. The same woman who is expected to perform her professional duties is also expected to become the ideal daughter-in-law, wife and family member without complaint.
The film also takes a dig at the law enforcement system, where sincerity and commitment often seem like exceptions rather than the norm. Babita’s journey is therefore not simply about solving a murder. It is about understanding what it means to be taken seriously, both as an officer and as an individual.
The film does not turn these issues into loud speeches. Instead, several of them emerge through uncomfortable conversations, casual remarks and ordinary domestic situations. This restraint works in its favour.
A Name that Catches Attention
This is a subtle but beautifully thought-out detail in the film, a name that catches attention and slowly reveals its significance. Babita is called ‘Baby’ throughout the film, not just at home but even at her workplace. Despite being an ASI, she is rarely addressed by her full name, almost as if her professional identity is constantly overshadowed by the little girl the people around her still see. The name ‘Baby’ therefore becomes more than just a nickname; it reflects how she is perceived, spoken to and treated. As her character evolves and she begins to assert herself, the significance of that name becomes increasingly evident, making it an understated yet powerful part of her character arc.
A Slow Burn That Takes Its Time
The biggest issue with Babita Singh Reporting is its pace.
This is an extremely slow-burn investigative drama and it takes considerable time before the murder investigation gains momentum. While the deliberate pace helps establish Babita’s world and the people around her, it also makes certain portions feel stretched.
The crime itself sometimes feels secondary to the character study, which may not work for viewers expecting a tightly constructed thriller. The final stretch also pushes the grounded narrative towards more conventional thriller territory, creating a slight disconnect from the carefully established tone.
Yet, the slow pace also allows the film to observe life in a Tier-II/Tier-III city without excessive glamour or sensationalism. The homes, conversations, family politics and everyday prejudices feel familiar precisely because they are not exaggerated for effect.
A Film That Demands Patience
Babita Singh Reporting certainly has its own audience. It is a work of art that may not necessarily appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a fast-paced investigative drama with an explosive female protagonist. The deliberate pace and the understated manner in which Babita fights back may frustrate some viewers or even leave them disengaged. However, that restraint is also what makes the film different. The writer and director deserve applause for finding a delicate balance between respect and rebellion, allowing Babita to stand up for herself without turning her into a caricature of resistance. Her rebellion comes from understanding her own worth rather than simply fighting against everyone around her, and that makes her journey all the more meaningful.
Performances That Keep It Together
Nimisha Sajayan is undoubtedly the heart of the film. She plays Babita with remarkable sincerity, never turning her into the stereotypical invincible female cop. Her hesitation, insecurity, anger and gradual transformation make the character feel human.
Anshumaan Pushkar is equally effective as Sharad, particularly in scenes where the complexities of their marriage quietly surface. Barun Sobti, despite having limited screen time, leaves a strong impression as Bansi. Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Rajesh Kumar and Sunita Rajwar also manage to make their characters memorable even without being constantly present.
That, in many ways, is the strength of the ensemble, the performances never feel like performances.
Verdict
Babita Singh Reporting is not a conventional crime thriller, and perhaps expecting it to be one is where the disappointment may begin. It is more interested in examining a woman’s transformation, the invisible pressures of society and the complicated relationship between duty and personal identity.
The story is full of metaphors, observations and social commentary, but its slow pace and occasional uncertainty about whether it wants to be a murder mystery, social drama or character study keep it from becoming as impactful as it could have been. Still, Nimisha Sajayan and Anshumaan Pushkar bring an honesty to the film that keeps it afloat, while Ambiecka Pandit’s restrained direction ensures that the small-town setting feels lived-in rather than manufactured. The film may take its time, but it leaves behind enough questions to make you think about the people, systems and expectations that shape a woman’s life.
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
By: Anushka Singhal
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