Netflix’s Sector 36, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, delves into the dark underbelly of crime, drawing disturbing parallels with the infamous Nithari Killings of 2006. Though the film claims to be based on true events, many can’t help but notice its striking resemblance to a case that shook the nation when young children and women went missing from Noida’s Nithari area. Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal headline this harrowing tale, with Massey portraying a character that evokes the memory of Surinder Koli, the convicted killer at the heart of the real-life case.

The Haunting Legacy of the Nithari Killings

For those of us who remember the Nithari Killings, Sector 36 feels uncomfortably familiar. In 2006, the nation was horrified by the discovery of body parts in the drains of Noida, leading to the arrest of Moninder Singh Pandher, a wealthy businessman, and his servant, Surinder Koli. The case involved unspeakable horrors—abduction, murder, dismemberment, and even allegations of cannibalism. Koli confessed to the grisly details, shocking the entire country. The echoes of this case form the backbone of Sector 36’s terrifying narrative.

Prem Singh: The Screen’s Interpretation of a Real Monster

In Sector 36, Vikrant Massey brings to life Prem Singh, a character with an unnerving resemblance to Surinder Koli. Massey’s portrayal of this cold-blooded killer, who preys on children, is both chilling and captivating. The film wisely refrains from explicitly naming the events it’s based on, allowing viewers to make the connection on their own. Deepak Dobriyal, playing Inspector Ram Charan Pandey, adds depth to the narrative, giving voice to the desperation and frustration often felt in real-world investigations where justice seems elusive.

A Grisly Discovery in Noida’s Dark Drains

The story begins when locals in Noida stumble upon a decomposed hand in a drain, a discovery that leads to an unimaginable nightmare. At first, the police dismiss the findings as trivial, but the tenacity of local residents, spearheaded by SC Mishra, a former president of the Resident Welfare Association, eventually forces further investigation. The horror that unravels—bags of human remains buried behind Pandher’s bungalow—exposes a horrifying truth. Koli, the psychopathic servant, confesses to the crimes, painting a picture too grim to fathom.

The Shocking Confessions of a Psychopath

What sets this case apart, and what Sector 36 touches upon with unsettling accuracy, is the sheer brutality of Koli’s actions. His confessions went beyond mere murder. He detailed how he abducted, sexually assaulted, and dismembered his victims, most of whom were vulnerable children and young women. If that wasn’t enough, his admission of cannibalism was a revelation so horrifying, it seemed like fiction. Yet, tragically, this was the stark reality that the nation had to confront.