India’s history is laden with heart-wrenching tragedies. And, several filmmakers have used the subject to conjure up films and web series on the same. The latest one to join the bandwagon is Netflix’s Trial By Fire, which is based on the fateful Uphaar Cinema fire accident in 1997. The incident cost the lives of 59 movie-goers, while 103 others sustained serious injuries during a screening of the film, Border. The traumatic episode occurred as a result of people being trapped inside, while the asphyxiation and stampede led to fatal consequences.

The trailer of the film was released today a few hours ago, and here’s what Twitter users have to say:

The film features Abhay Deol, Rajshri Despande, Shilpa Shukla, and Ratna Pathak Shah in key roles. The story revolves around Deol and Deshpande, a couple who loses their kids to the fire accident. Soon, the distraught parents start a movement to seek justice, only to find families of other victims join them.

The series has been adapted from the bestseller book, Trail by Fire: The Tragic Tale of the Uphaar Fire Tragedy. The book has been written by Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy.  

Talking about the show, director Prashant Nair said, “Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy are inspiring examples of the kind of resilience and fortitude it takes to move the needle even slightly in this country. What happened to them and the way they have been forced to fight for justice is truly horrific and, unfortunately, there are countless other people today in similar situations. We are grateful to Netflix for being such courageous partners in telling this story.” 

In an Instagram post, Deol revealed that this has been one of the hardest roles of his career so far. “It has to, they don’t have a choice. Netflix did it in Hollywood as well, they raised the bar and did House of Cards. After the digital platforms exploded, you saw a lot more people of color in Hollywood getting lead roles, you saw a lot more diversity and less stereotyping. Why did that happen? Why did good drama suddenly move to TV? Because there were digital platforms, and that’s the same thing that will happen here,” said Deol in an earlier interview with MW. 

Lead Image: Netflix