Manoj Bajpayee On Playing An Investigative Journalist: “The Risks Are Fuelled by Commitment to Justice”

India, 16th December 2024: Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in a democracy, digging deep to uncover the truth without boundaries or limitations. In a heartfelt discussion with some of the well-known crime journalists in the country, Manoj Bajpayee reflected on his experience of playing the profession, emphasizing how for investigative journalists, "the day never ends" as they often face high risks and emotional challenges in their pursuit of truth.

Manoj Bajpayee highlighted the psychological toll journalists endure, drawing from his friendships with several in the field. "I've often asked them if their work ever stops. For investigative journalists, it truly doesn't. The risks they take to uncover the truth are fuelled by both adrenaline and an unyielding commitment to justice." He also touched upon the ethical dilemmas and mental health issues faced by journalists, calling their journey both courageous and taxing.

Kanu Behl, the director of Despatch, explained "Investigative journalism mirrors the foggy, ambiguous world we live in. We wanted Despatch to explore the human side of journalists navigating this moral maze, driven by a passion for truth but challenged by personal vulnerabilities." He further discussed how the inspiration for the film stemmed from the rise of journalistic turmoil and tragic incidents like the assassination of Gauri Lankesh, and that he wanted to showcase the complex world of crime journalism, which is often clouded by uncertainties and blurred lines.

Gautam S. Mengle, a seasoned crime journalist with over 16 years of experience, shared his personal experience in the field, describing the intense pressure and emotional toll, especially when working on long-term cases. He said, "For investigative journalists, the clock is irrelevant. Crime doesn't wait, and neither do we. It's about pounding the pavement, accessing files, and piecing together the truth, often at great personal cost." He commended Despatch for portraying the unglamorous reality of this profession, far removed from popular tropes.

The discussion brought to light the ethical challenges faced by investigative journalists and the mental health issues often overlooked in the industry. The film, which examines the extensive world of investigative journalism, is streaming now, only on ZEE5.